Top 10 Bigfoot hotspots: Where are you most likely to encounter Sasquatch in North America?

On National Sasquatch Day (October 20th), we reveal the top states and provinces where you’re most likely to spot the elusive creature. From the misty evergreens of Washington to the myth-laden hollows of Appalachia, the odds may surprise you, so which place ranks #1 for Bigfoot encounters?

The complete list is at the bottom of the article, but first let’s take a look at the 10 states with the lowest (most likely) Bigfoot betting odds.

Top 10 Places in North America to Spot Bigfoot

Rank State/Province Implied (Im)probability American Odds

1 Washington 3.0% +3,233

2 West Virginia 2.9% +3,348

3 Oregon 2.7% +3,604

4 British Columbia 2.6% +3,746

5 Michigan 2.5% +3,933

6 Maine 2.4% +4,067

7 Pennsylvania 2.3% +4,248

8 Idaho 2.1% +4,662

9 Ohio 2.0% +4,900

10 Massachusetts 1.8% +5,456

Let’s zoom in on the states that stand out, from misty evergreens to the myth-laden Appalachians.

1. Washington

Sightings per 100,000 People: 9.06

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 730

Forestry Coverage: 52.74%

Average Temperature: 48.7°F

As the top state for Bigfoot sightings, Washington’s towering evergreens and foggy forests might be home to the infamous Bigfoot. Maybe Washington is even home to Big Feet. From the reported sightings alone, 1 in 11,038 Washingtonians will see the big-footed guy.

2. West Virginia

Sightings per 100,000 People: 5.99

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 106

Forestry Coverage: 79.01%

Average Temperature: 53.8°F

West Virginia is a smaller population state with proportionately large Bigfoot sightings. The state’s high forestry coverage and cool climate (right in Bigfoot's preferred range) create a perfect backdrop for cryptid legends, with events like the Mothman Festival adding to its mystical allure.

3. Oregon

Sightings per 100,000 People: 6.08

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 261

Forestry Coverage: 48.51%

Average Temperature: 49.2°F

Oregon’s diverse terrains and Pacific coastline are home to varied Bigfoot tales, solidified through events like Willow Creek’s annual festivals. Such gatherings keep the Bigfoot legend alive and intrigue both residents and visitors with the possibilities of encounters in the lush wilderness.

4. British Columbia

Sightings per 100,000 People: 2.37

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 135

Forestry Coverage: 60%

Average Temperature: 50.2°F

British Columbia has deep woods and heavy forest coverage, providing an unparalleled environment for Bigfoot to call home. British Columbia is the best place in Canada for Bigfoot spotting.

5. Michigan

Sightings per 100,000 People: 2.22

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 226

Forestry Coverage: 55.62%

Average Temperature: 46.7°F

In Michigan, especially the Upper Peninsula, Bigfoot sightings contribute to local folklore. Events like the Bigfoot Bash emphasize the state’s enthusiasm, creating a community that embraces both the science and mystery behind the mythological “Dewey Lake Monster.”

6. Maine

Sightings per 100,000 People: 1.70

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 24

Forestry Coverage: 89.46%

Average Temperature: 43.2°F

Maine has rugged and extensively forested landscapes, perfect for a mysterious creature to call home. In fact, a staggering 89.46% of the state is forest-covered. The Maine Cryptozoology Festival focuses on the “Durham Gorilla” and other mysterious creatures.

7. Pennsylvania

Sightings per 100,000 People: 0.99

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 130

Forestry Coverage: 58.60%

Average Temperature: 50.4°F

In Pennsylvania, the vast Allegheny National Forest is often cited in Bigfoot reports, with tales enriching local folklore. While Gritty is the beloved mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers, a sasquatch mascot wouldn’t have been remiss for their hockey team.

8. Idaho

Sightings per 100,000 People: 5.17

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 105

Forestry Coverage: 40.55%

Average Temperature: 45.4°F

Idaho’s wild landscapes, especially around Priest Lake, draw Bigfoot seekers. The “Idaho Bigfoot” was last seen in May 2025 by a backpacker in Upper Dry Creek.

9. Ohio

Sightings per 100,000 People: 2.77

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 331

Forestry Coverage: 30.92%

Average Temperature: 53°F

Ohio’s rolling hills and patches of forest are home to tales of the “Grassman.” An eager community thrives on Bigfoot lore, with the Ohio Bigfoot Conference drawing believers and skeptics alike to celebrate this regional cryptid. The most recent sighting in Ohio was in September 2025 in Carroll County.

10. Massachusetts

Sightings per 100,000 People: 0.53

Total Bigfoot Sightings: 38

Forestry Coverage: 60.57%

Average Temperature: 49.8°F

Despite its urban corridors, Massachusetts offers rich Bigfoot possibilities. The state’s level of forest coverage (60.57%) and weather align with Bigfoot climate theories. Where in the Bay State might the big guy reside? Consider the Berkshires, known for their deep forestry corridors and mysterious lore.

So whether you’re hiking the Pacific Northwest or wandering the woods of Western Appalachia, October 20th might be your lucky day.

Top Provinces in Canada to Spot Bigfoot

Rank Province Implied Probability Odds Sightings Forestry Avg.

Temp

1 British Columbia 2.6 +3,746 135 60% 50.2°F

2 Ontario 0.8 +12,400 68 66% 48.0°F

3 Yukon 0.5 +19,900 5 55% 33.6°F

4 Manitoba 0.2 +49,900 31 48% 39.2°F

5 Alberta 0.1 +99,900 43 58% 36.3°F

6 Quebec 0.1 +99,900 4 50% 45.5°F

Bigfoot in Canada – Key Highlights

British Columbia reigns supreme – with 135 sightings, the province is Canada’s undisputed Bigfoot hotspot, thanks to its vast forests (60%) and mild climate (~50°F).

Ontario follows with 68 sightings and the highest forest coverage (66%), making it a prime candidate for hidden wildlife and potential Sasquatch encounters.

The Yukon stands out despite only five sightings – there are far fewer Yukon residents to report Bigfoot. Its more frigid climate (outside of the mysterious guy’s comfort zone) keeps the Yukon from ranking higher.

Alberta logs 43 sightings, possibly forming a migration corridor from British Columbia through the Rockies.

Bigfoot odds are overwhelmingly long everywhere, but British Columbia’s +3,746 stands out compared to Ontario’s +12,400 and Yukon’s +19,900.

Happy Sasquatch Day!

So whether you’re hiking the Pacific Northwest or wandering the woods of the West, October 20th might be your lucky day.

There you have it, the places in North America with the highest odds of Hairy Harry. If you’re going on a Bigfoot hunting trek, Washington is the best place in the US to start. However, British Columbia is the Canadian hotspot.

Methodology

To find out the most likely spots to find Bigfoot in North America, we turned to the data.

First, using the Bigfoot Field Researchers’ Organization, we took into account the number of Bigfoot sightings per location based on population (using the most recent US Census for states and the Canadian Statistics for the territories).

Since Bigfoot is rumored to be migratory, the date of the most recent sighting from the organization was another factor.

From there, we nailed down the ideal weather from NOAA for the states and Statistics Canada for the territories.

The ideal Bigfoot temperature was 55 degrees Fahrenheit based on animals of similar body types, bears, and lowland gorillas. The closer the temperature of each area, the more ideal it is for Bigfoot.

Finally, for forestry, we used a range of sources. Information for the US came from the United States Forest Service (USFS) in 2016. We utilized a range of sources for data on Canadian province forestry, including the British Columbia Government, NAIT for Alberta, the Saskatchewan Environmental Society, Manitoba’s Forestry Branch, the Ontario Forest Industries Association, McGill University, the Riparian Habitat Restoration project for New Brunswick, and the Newfoundland Heritage Society—the more forestry, the more Bigfoot-friendly.

 

Where are you most likely to see Bigfoot in North America? Full List

Rank State/Province Implied Probability(%) Odds Bigfoot Sightings Forestry Avg Temp

1 Washington 3.0 +3233 730 52.74% 48.7°F

2 West Virginia 2.9 +3348 106 79.01% 53.8°F

3 Oregon 2.7 +3604 261 48.51% 49.2°F

4 British Columbia 2.6 +3746 135 60% 50.2°F

5 Michigan 2.5 +3933 226 55.62% 46.7°F

6 Maine 2.4 +4067 24 89.46% 43.2°F

7 Pennsylvania 2.3 +4248 130 58.60% 50.4°F

8 Idaho 2.1 +4662 105 40.55% 45.4°F

9 Ohio 2.0 +4900 331 30.92% 53.0°F

10 Massachusetts 1.8 +5456 38 60.57% 49.8°F

11 Connecticut 1.7 +5782 27 55.24% 51.0°F

12 Colorado 1.5 +6567 131 34.42% 47.4°F

13 New Hampshire 1.4 +7043 17 84.32% 45.2°F

14 New York 1.4 +7043 122 62.88% 47.2°F

15 Utah 1.3 +7592 74 34.48% 51.3°F

16 Vermont 1.3 +7592 11 77.81% 44.4°F

17 Arkansas 1.2 +8233 112 56.31% 62.7°F

18 Iowa 1.2 +8233 78 8.43% 50.1°F

19 Wisconsin 1.2 +8233 109 48.98% 45.5°F

20 Kentucky 1.1 +8991 116 49.35% 57.8°F

21 Missouri 1.1 +8991 168 35.16% 56.5°F

22 Montana 1.1 +8991 55 27.45% 44.0°F

23 Illinois 1.1 +8991 305 13.64% 54.1°F

24 South Dakota 1.0 +9900 20 3.93% 47.2°F

25 Alabama 1.0 +9900 102 70.57% 65.0°F

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26 Virginia 1.0 +9900 89 62.93% 57.2°F

27 Tennessee 0.9 +11011 111 52.83% 60.0°F

28 South Carolina 0.9 +11011 60 68.19% 64.3°F

29 Ontario 0.8 +12400 68 66% 48.0°F

30 North Carolina 0.8 +12400 109 59.73% 60.6°F

31 Georgia 0.7 +14186 145 67.28% 65.5°F

32 New Mexico 0.7 +14186 44 31.99% 55.8°F

33 Oklahoma 0.6 +16567 113 28.80% 61.5°F

34 Yukon 0.5 +19900 5 55% 33.6°F

35 Minnesota 0.5 +19900 81 34.08% 43.7°F

36 New Jersey 0.5 +19900 79 41.72% 54.4°F

37 Mississippi 0.4 +24900 27 65.07% 66.3°F

38 Rhode Island 0.4 +24900 5 54.38% 51.7°F

39 Nebraska 0.4 +24900 18 3.20% 51.0°F

40 Florida 0.3 +33233 346 50.68% 72.7°F

41 Kansas 0.3 +33233 50 4.78% 56.0°F

42 Wyoming 0.3 +33233 28 18.42% 43.9°F

43 Alaska 0.2 +49900 22 35.16% 29.0°F

44 California 0.2 +49900 466 32.71% 60.4°F

45 Indiana 0.2 +49900 82 21.06% 53.7°F

46 Manitoba 0.2 +49900 31 48% 39.2°F

47 Louisiana 0.1 +99900 45 53.20% 69.0°F

48 Alberta 0.1 +99900 43 58% 36.3°F

49 Arizona 0.1 +99900 86 25.64% 62.7°F

50 Maryland 0.1 +99900 35 39.36% 56.4°F

51 Quebec 0.1 +99900 4 50% 45.5°F

 

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By Lon Strickler / Author Fortean Researcher

Lon Strickler is a Fortean researcher, author, and publisher of the syndicated 'Phantoms and Monsters' blog. He began the blog in 2005, which has steadily grown in popularity and is read daily by tens of thousands of paranormal enthusiasts, investigators and those seeking the truth. His research and reports have been featured on hundreds of online media sources. Several of these published reports have been presented on various television segments, including The History Channel's 'Ancient Aliens,' Syfy's 'Paranormal Witness', 'Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files,' and Destination America's 'Monsters and Mysteries in America.'

He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio & online broadcasts, including multiple guest appearances on 'Coast to Coast AM.' He was also featured on Destination America's 'Monsters and Mysteries in America' television show for 'The Sykesville Monster' episode. Lon has written 9 books and is currently the host of Phantoms & Monsters Radio on YouTube.

If you would like to support the newsletter, blog and my work, you can use one of the donation buttons on the blog or newsletter, or go to Paypal.com and use my email [email protected] as the payee. Thanks again. Lon

(Source: phantomsandmonsters.com; October 18, 2025; https://tinyurl.com/2yeu9y8o)
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