The redwood forests of Humboldt County are home to small, old logging town and a big paranormal creature known as Bigfoot. It’s a quiet but quirky community known for it’s love of this mythological being, and a Northern California road trip through the area is incomplete without a stop here in Willow Creek.
Willow Creek is a tiny town with just 1,710 human residents. It’s home to a Northern California legend however, which it is much larger than that in the hearts of all Northern Californians.
Flickr/ Kurt Thomas Hunt
It’s referred to as the “Bigfoot Capital of the World” and is the home of the Willow Creek-China Flat Bigfoot Museum. Even if you weren’t ever a believer before you came to town, one stop here and you will be questioning whether or not this gentle giant creature is real.
Flickr/ JasonBechtel
There’s plenty of evidence that Bigfoot is real and it’s all right here in town. From plaster moldings of his footprints to photos of him running off into the trees, there is plenty of evidence that has been compiled by the Bigfoot enthusiasts in the area.
Flickr/ verifex
There’s also a ton of historical nick nacks in the museum that reflect this area’s history. Willow Creek’s first non-indigenous settlers were Chinese laborers from the mining and lumber camps, which earned the town the name China Flat. The China Flat post office opened in 1878, and changed its name to Willow Creek in 1915.
Flickr/ verifex
Today, however, the mythological creature is the heart and soul of this community. Don’t be surprised to see status of him all over town… and if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the real thing!
Flickr/ daveynin
There are also murals and a Bigfoot Cafe in town that celebrate the town’s mascot.
Flickr/ alice tiara
If the town and its name are starting to feel familiar, that’s because this quirky location was the set of a 2013 horror movie by the name of Willow Creek.
Flickr/ melgupta
While the movie might not have made it to a theater near you, it was praised for staying true to the unique character of the town.
Flickr/ melgupta
In it, a woman is taken by Bigfoot as his “forest bride” so that he may procreate… but by all accounts Bigfoot is a usually gentle and shy creature who is curious about humans but usually doesn’t want to get too close, much like this deer on the lawn of a Willow Creek residence.
Flickr/ Chris Lewis
Regardless of whether you are interested in Bigfoot or not, this is still a charming town that is a blast to visit.
Flickr/ melgupta
It is known for its amazing recreation opportunities. People come far and wide to raft or swim in the Trinity River.
Flickr/ Becky
It’s also a popular camping destination near the Redwood State and National Parks.
Flickr/ ilya_ktsn
The community itself is vibrant and charming like most small towns. Pictured here is the quaint Willow Creek LIbrary.
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
This iconic little community is full of personality and is well worth a visit for anyone thinking about a trip.
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
Do you have any fascinating stories about Bigfoot or living in his stomping grounds here in Northern California? Share your experiences with us on Facebook!
Flickr/ Kurt Thomas Hunt
Flickr/ JasonBechtel
Flickr/ verifex
Flickr/ daveynin
Flickr/ alice tiara
Flickr/ melgupta
Flickr/ Chris Lewis
Flickr/ Becky
Flickr/ ilya_ktsn
Flickr/ J. Stephen Conn
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