5 Book and Adventure Pairings for Northwest Kids

Accounts of mysterious creatures exist worldwide, but in the mossy forests of the Pacific Northwest sightings abound of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch. Native Americans from Mount St. Helens to Lummi Island share similar legends of hairy giants and “wild men” that live deep in the forest. In In Search of Sasquatch, Kelly Milner Hall has assembled these legends, interviewed anthropologists and biologists and examined photos and records to put together a rich dossier of Sasquatch lore.

Outing: While just about any local forest will do for a “search for Sasquatch” outing, if you have time for a night or two out, head to the Olympic National Forest, where the dense trees, thick moss and abundant wildlife make a perfect hiding place for the gentle giants. For a day trip, head instead to North Cascade National Park; Trail of the Cedars at the town of Newhalem is easy and gorgeous. If you only have a couple of hours, check out the Arboretum near Lake Washington, which also offers fun family adventure packs ($7 for a two-hour rental of a backpack with magnifying glass and other goodies) and scavenger hunts (clue sheets free at the visitor center).

Additional reads: Looking for Bigfoot by Bonnie Worth (ages 7–9).