GARBERVILLE, Calif. — An elusive creature known as Bigfoot has been spotted roaming the redwood forests of Humboldt County for decades. Few have seen it but just around a hair pin corner on Highway 101, there is a very good chance you will see the creature at the Legend of Bigfoot store in Garberville.
“It’s just a roadside attraction that sneaks up on you on every corner,” said general manager Mike White.
At first glance, Legend of Bigfoot is pretty much what you think is. A store that sells Bigfoot stuff.
“On a weekend we can see 2,000 or 3,000 people stop in,” said White.
There’s no doubt you'll find Bigfoot here, but White says you will also find some of Bigfoot’s other friends like Shrek the Ogre, a giant dinosaur, and a big, fat, photogenic bear. All of them are sculptures made by chainsaw artists and they are hiding all over the property.
“It’s a picture opportunity; a lot of people take pictures up here,” said White.
TAKE A TRIP ON BARTELL'S BACKROADS:
► See an interactive map of everywhere John has visited on the backroads
► Watch all of the Backroads videos
► Follow John on Facebook
Legend of Bigfoot is a great place for kids to explore. There’s even a hollowed-out redwood that was converted into a tree playhouse.
“Bigfoot sleeps here when it rains,” said White with a wink.
Speaking of rain, it’s always raining at the redwood fountain. White says the old moss-covered stump was pulled out of the river 45 years ago and the only reason it has not rotted away is because it gets a literal shower of water in the fountain.
“Yes! The fountains in the pond are just some old shower heads,” laughed White.
The property is only few acres, but it’s truly a magnet for oddities and mythical creatures. On the hillside you will find an army of garden gnomes.
“The Gnome Hill, where they stay during the day and come out at night,” said White.
The redwood forest is a sea of green, so adding a little color and imagination to travelers' drives was a big part of the business plan for the Carlson family when they opened it back in 1978. The Carlsons still own the store but moved away a few years ago. They left White in charge of taking care of the customers and of course Bigfoot, if he ever shows up.
“No, I can’t say I have ever seen Bigfoot,” said White, “I would like to, though.”
On the bright side, White has heard his fair share of Bigfoot stories and he would love to hear yours. The Legend of Bigfoot is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It's located at 2500 US-101 in Garberville.
MORE BIGFOOT FROM THE BACKROADS: A California man shares his vast collection of Bigfoot research and memorabilia.
