To spot cryptids, the West Coast is one of the best places to visit. With incredible landscapes and natural beauty, some mysterious creatures lurk in the shadows.
If you’re planning an upcoming adventure out west, why not try to see some of these legendary critters? You never know; you may capture images or videos to prove their existence.
Today, we’re helping you fill your road trip itinerary with opportunities to spot cryptids. So, what cryptids can you expect to see on your trip?
Let’s look and see!
What Is a Cryptid?
Cryptids are legendary creatures whose existence remains unproven. In addition, mainstream science doesn’t support or back up any claims of their presence. They reside in folklore, mythology, and urban or local legends.
They can range in form from monstrous beasts to aquatic creatures. Cryptids often make up an array of mysterious and unexplainable objects. However, while their existence remains unproven, many have yet to be disproven. The allure of an elusive being living in the shadows appeals to many.
Typically, cryptids combine natural and supernatural elements. Some have been passed down for generations and can be regionally specific. Almost everywhere you travel, has some legendary cryptid that locals believe exists.
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If you’re studying cryptology, take a look at the Myth Behind Jackalopes for more info on creepy creatures!
West Coast Cryptid Travel Plans
If you’re embarking on a road trip to the West Coast, consider looking for these cryptids during your adventure. We’d love to hear about your experience tracking these elusive creatures!
Fresno Nightcrawlers
You may have heard them called the Fresno Aliens or the Fresno Stick Men, but Fresno Nightcrawlers is their most popular name. These beings have two long legs and a short, stubby trunk. Their abnormally long legs cause them to move awkwardly.
The first appearance of these cryptids occurred in Fresno, California, in 2007. An individual uploaded footage from their home security camera that captured a mysterious being walking across their lawn. Ever since, additional sightings and videos have begun to occur.
Outside of Fresno, there have been a couple of additional sightings. They’ve made an appearance in Yosemite National Park in northern California. A home security camera recently captured them in Montana for a few seconds.
While most of the sightings have occurred in and around Fresno, they could be anywhere. Yosemite is only 60 miles north, but Montana is over 600 miles as the crow flies. Keep an eye out, especially if you’ll be outside in the middle of the night.
Wallowa Lake Monster
Wallowa Lake is in northeastern Oregon. After several decades, the Wallowa Lake Monster has become deeply embedded in the local folklore. The fact that several locals report encounters and seeing it only adds to the legend.
Those who believe they’ve spotted the monster state it is a large, mysterious creature that surfaces and swims in the lake. Many eyewitnesses state it has a long, snake-like body. They suggest it could go back and forth between the water and land. However, others disagree and say it spends all its time in the water.
Whether it’s a land or water-based creature is irrelevant to us. Be on the lookout anytime you get close to Wallowa Lake.
Skinwalkers
Indigenous people have several cryptids that reside in their folklore. The Skinwalkers are a common piece of Navajo folklore. The reports are that they live throughout Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. These witches and sorcerers can transform into any number of animals at will. Doing so can allow them to go undetected and engage in seedy activities.
According to Navajo traditions, individuals become skinwalkers as a result of committing any number of forbidden behaviors. These include killing a close family member or another heinous act. While the individuals gain supernatural powers, they exchange their humanity for them.
Chupacabra
While the Chupacabra was once only found throughout Latin America, there are reports of it appearing in parts of Texas and New Mexico. However, you want to avoid messing with this devilish dog.
Its name is Spanish and translates to “goat-sucker.” This is primarily because it initially drained livestock of its blood. Farmers began reporting large numbers of mysterious animal deaths in the 1990s. The creature would leave the bodies behind after emptying them of blood. Even more strangely, they wouldn’t find a drop of blood at the scene of the attack.
Witnesses of the Chupacabra believe it to be the size of a small bear or a large dog. It has spines and quills that run the length of its back. Its most distinguishing features are its large, red, and glowing eyes.
Bigfoot
Bigfoot is by far the most popular cryptid in history. While also known as Sasquatch, it’s become a pop culture icon. This hairy, ape-like creature wanders throughout the wilderness in North America. Most sightings have been in Washington, Oregon, and California.
There were reports of giant footprints and sightings in the early 1960s. It wasn’t until 1967 that Bob Gimlin and Roger Patterson captured the iconic footage of Bigfoot walking along a sandbar. For many who see the footage, it either confirms the beast’s existence or muddles the waters.
Many claim this massive beast is between seven and 10 feet tall. He has dark, reddish-brown fur and walks on two legs like a human. They also state that the creature has an obnoxious and unpleasant odor.
Thunderbird
The Thunderbird is a legend in Native American culture that inhabits the Pacific Northwest. It’s a massive bird with a large wingspan that can create thunder and lightning. For the natives, it symbolizes power, protection, and a connection with the natural forces.
While it originated in Native American circles, it’s become a part of pop culture. You’ll frequently see its image in art, literature, and businesses. The automobile manufacturer Ford made a vehicle from 1955 to 1997 and again from 2002 to 2005.
Ball-Tailed Cat
Over the years, the Ball-Tailed Cat lived throughout North America. Modern reports of the creature pinpoint it to Harney County in Oregon. Those who have had the opportunity to spot the beast state it’s a large cat with a hard ball at the end of its tail. They claim it has shark claws that allow it to climb and attack its prey.
Reports are that the cat uses its claws to climb trees and drop in on its next meal. They attack and disarm their prey before they know what hit them. They’re more aggressive than a typical cat. As a result, if you see one in the wild, it’s best to keep your distance and back away slowly.
Batsquatch
What could be worse than a sasquatch? What about one that flies? That’s what you get when you encounter the batsquatch. It’s a mix between a bat and a sasquatch. It lives high up in the trees of the Pacific Northwest.
Sightings have been few and far between. Those who have met this creature have varying experiences. Some state it can instill fear into individuals, and others say it is more curious than anything else.
Many believe the Batsquatch first appeared on May 18, 1980, corresponding to Mount St. Helens‘s eruption. Shortly after the blast, a local teenager drove home one night and encountered the batsquatch on the highway. The Tacoma News Tribune even printed a detailed account of the incident on April 24, 1994.
Cactus Cat
The first sightings of the Cactus Cat began way back in the 1800s. It’s thought to inhabit the deserts of Arizona, California, and New Mexico. You’d better watch out if you plan to visit the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, or Mojave Deserts!
Those who have spotted it claim it is larger than a standard cat, almost like a panther. It’s got spikes, quills, and sharp bristles. These features make it easy to blend into the desert landscapes and hide amongst the cacti.
Travel in groups and make plenty of noise so you alert the cactus cat of your presence. Just like bears and other dangerous animals, the last thing you want to do is surprise this creature. If you do, it could be the last thing you do.
The West Coast is the Best Coast for Spotting Cryptids
There are many reasons why some consider the West Coast to be the best. However, with such incredible cryptids, it’s hard to argue against them when spotting these legendary creatures. So, enjoy your road trip and keep your eyes out in the distance for these iconic creatures. You may even want to get off the highway and take the scenic route to try and spot them.
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