Photo courtesy The Olympic Project
Marc Myrsell, a land surveyor from the Pacific Northwest as well as the owner/operator of the Westport Aquarium in Westport Washington , has dedicated a significant portion of his life to unraveling the mysteries surrounding the 1924 Ape Canyon incident—a pivotal event in Bigfoot folklore. His fascination began at the age of nine after watching a dramatization of the event, igniting a lifelong passion for the subject.
In 1924, a group of miners near Mount St. Helens reported being attacked by ape-like creatures that bombarded their cabin with rocks. This account captured widespread attention and became a cornerstone in Sasquatch lore. Determined to uncover the truth, Myrsell embarked on extensive research, delving into newspaper archives, mining documents, and historical records. His efforts led him to connect with descendants of the original miners, including Betty Mitchell, daughter of miner Leroy Smith, who was unaware of her father’s involvement until Myrsell’s inquiry.
By 2013, Myrsell’s meticulous investigations culminated in the discovery of the long-lost cabin site where the alleged attack occurred. This finding provided tangible context to the century-old narrative and offered new avenues for exploration.
Beyond Ape Canyon, Myrsell has explored other historical Sasquatch encounters, such as the Thompson Flat Monster and the Butchertown Murders, showcasing his commitment to understanding the broader context of these legends.
In 2022, Myrsell authored “Mountain Devil: The 1924 Ape Canyon Attack and Its Aftermath,” a zine that won the Washington State Library Zine contest. This publication offers an in-depth analysis of the incident, featuring historical photos, newspaper articles, and firsthand accounts.
Myrsell’s expertise has made him a sought-after speaker at conferences like the Sasquatch Summit Bigfoot Research Conference and Forks Sasquatch Days and the upcoming Mt. Hood Sasquatch Festival, where he shares his findings and insights with fellow enthusiasts and researchers. Purchase tickets to the Mt. Hood Sasquatch Festival
Through a blend of historical research and fieldwork, Marc Myrsell has significantly contributed to the study of Sasquatch legends, bridging the gap between myth and documented history, and ensuring that these stories continue to intrigue and inform future generations.
Here’s an interview with Marc that Shane and I did on Monster X. I actually had the honor of visiting the Ape Canyon cabin site with Marc.