In October 2019 Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory welcomed its newest attraction, dedicated to its most elusive fan – Bigfoot. The North American Bigfoot Center, located in Boring, Oregon, is founded by leading Bigfoot researcher Cliff Barackman of Animal Planet’s “Finding Bigfoot” and his wife, Melissa. Cliff has been researching Bigfoot for more than 25 years and has become one of the go-to experts in the field. When it came to selecting a location for the Center they knew it needed to be in an area known for Bigfoot activity and Clackamas County has the most reported Bigfoot sightings of any county in Oregon.
Their goal has been to create an area where they can present the evidence so visitors can make their own conclusions about Bigfoot…and have fun! Exhibits include evidence that guests can touch and feel, including actual footprint and handprint casts, Native American artifacts and even a life-sized Bigfoot named Murphy. Murphy was crafted by an animatronics studio and captures all of the creature’s supposed physical characteristics. There’s also a gift shop with loads of Bigfoot merchandise.
After exploring the Center you will want to get out and sightsee the area yourself. In the nearby town of Estacada families, artists and adventure seekers all find a connection to this part of Mt. Hood.
Sprinkled around Estacada’s downtown area are a series of colorful murals located on the sides of buildings, which depict the history of the region. The “Artback” program was started by a group of local artists in 1992, many of whom paint for local McMenamins hotels and restaurants. There are now more than 20 murals, ranging from the logging heritage of the town to the Estacada Festival of the Fungus.
Estacada is also the perfect starting point for many outdoor adventures, including riding the Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway. This 71-mile state-designated route follows two rugged and beautiful rivers running through old growth forests. For a family friendly option, there is an easy 12-mile portion of the bikeway beginning near Estacada that mostly runs along a gated road that’s free of motor vehicles.
Located on the North Fork Reservoir of the Clackamas River, water enthusiasts and families head to Promontory Park and Marina to enjoy fishing, camping and boating. The park offers pontoon boat rentals, which provides an easy and affordable way to get on the water. Book a camping spot at Promontory Park Campground to continue the fun. This campground provides the perfect variety of options to spend the night, including tent and RV sites, as well as the ability to rent yomes (a cross between a yurt and dome with canvas walls) and cabins.
At Milo McIver State Park visitors enjoy hiking and equestrian trails, campsites, fishing, boating and a 27-hole disc golf course. Take the Bat Trail at dusk, which features five bat houses and six resident bat species.
And no visit to Estacada is complete without a trip to Stone Circle Cider, Mt. Hood Territory’s first on-farm cidery. Owner Dan Lawrence spent six months in England studying the cider making process; guests can feel confident they are tasting ciders in the traditional Southwest English style. Toast to your latest adventure on Mt. Hood and have a pint while planning your next.
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