Annual Big foot Days takes place on Sept.  (willowcreekchamber.com)

It goes by many names such as Sasquatch, Yeti and Bigfoot. Native Americans have over 60 names describing the hairy beast that lumbers like a giant, is covered with hair like an ape, and can create a piercing, high-pitched scream that's out of this world. You probably wouldn't want to run across one of these forest inhabitants that are reported to live among the deep thickets of the world's tallest Redwoods in Humboldt County. They've been spotted in forests and wilds of the West Coast and Canada and those who have experienced Bigfoot are dead serious when they describe the fear and terror they felt when encountering the creature taller than any man.

On one special weekend each year, you don't have to be afraid of Bigfoot. Throw caution to the wind as you wave and cheer on Bigfoot in the Willow Creek Bigfoot Days Parade on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2011. With an entire weekend dedicated to Sasquatch, there are games, food and fun in Willow Creek, home to one of the best Bigfoot museums and collections in the world. Anything goes, and you're welcome to share in the excitement in a weekend festival spanning two days of entertainment, activities and events. Read more...>

While theories abound as to whether the Bigfoot creature really exists, and if so, what exactly it is, you're not going to convince experiencers that they didn't hear the eerie sounds it makes, didn't smell the putrid odor of an unbathed creature, or see the piercing eyes and furry body standing well over 7 feet tall. Nope, you're not going to convince witnesses that they imagined it.

Keep an open mind and make the trek to Willow Creek to hear the stories people have to tell. Watch the zany parade, try some fantastic foods, participate in the games, listen to bands, and discover Humboldt County from a whole new perspective. Fall season is the perfect time to visit this neck of the woods on California's north coast, home to the world's tallest trees! For travel information, check out redwoods.info, the official tourism organization for Humboldt County, and ask about the Albino Tree.