If you’re looking to explore the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon, The Resort at Eagle Point makes an ideal home base. Adventure beyond the greens of the resort’s championship golf course with a day trip to the Red Buttes Wilderness. Known for its dramatic ridgelines, ancient forests, and remote alpine lakes, the Red Buttes area is perfect for hikers, backpackers, and nature lovers. But there’s more to this wilderness than just stunning scenery – whispers of Bigfoot sightings go back decades.
What is the Red Buttes Wilderness?
Straddling the Oregon-California border, the Red Buttes Wilderness is over 19,000 acres of protected land across the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest and the Klamath National Forest. Named for its striking red-hued peridotite rock formations, the area is home to dense old-growth forests, craggy peaks, and secluded meadows filled with wildflowers. The remote landscape is the perfect place to experience solitude, stunning views, and unspoiled wilderness.
Getting There from The Resort at Eagle Point
The Red Buttes Wilderness is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from The Resort at Eagle Point. Popular access points are near Applegate Lake, with the Seattle Bar, Cook and Green Pass, and Whiskey Peak trailheads providing excellent entry points. Because many roads leading into the wilderness are unpaved and rugged, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended.
Best Hikes in the Red Buttes Wilderness
If you’re looking for stunning scenery (and perhaps a Bigfoot sighting), try these top trails:
Whiskey Peak Trail
About five miles round trip, this moderate to strenuous hike offers panoramic views of the Klamath and Siskiyou mountain ranges. It’s also a great spot for wildlife watching – or spotting something mysterious.
Cook and Green Pass Trail
This moderate hike, about nine miles round trip, winds through the towering old-growth forests and ridgelines with stunning views of the Red Buttes and the Siskiyou Mountains. It’s also one of the region’s most famous Bigfoot sighting areas.
Rough & Ready Trail to Azalea Lake
For a more strenuous hike, this 12-mile round-trip backcountry trek leads to the pristine and isolated Azalea Lake. If you’re looking for an eerie, quiet setting deep in the wilderness, this alpine lake surrounded by rugged peaks and tranquil forests is it.
Bigfoot Sightings in the Red Buttes Wilderness
For decades, hikers and hunters have reported strange encounters in the Red Buttes Wilderness. Some of the most famous Bigfoot sightings include:
1976: The Whiskey Peak Incident
A group of hikers claimed to have seen a large, upright creature covered in dark hair near Whiskey Peak. They described it as at least 7 feet tall with glowing eyes reflecting their flashlights. The area had an unsettling silence, and they reported hearing low growls before the creature vanished into the trees.
1982: Cook and Green Pass Sighting
A hunter found massive footprints – each over 16 inches long – leading into the dense forest. He also reported a foul, musky odor in the area, a common detail in Bigfoot encounters.
2004: Nighttime Encounter near Azalea Lake
A backpacker claimed to have heard deep, guttural vocalizations followed by the sound of heavy footsteps circling their tent in the middle of the night. When they shined a flashlight outside, they saw a shadowy figure disappear into the trees.
While skeptics dismiss these accounts as bears, elk, or even figments of overactive imaginations, others believe the Red Buttes Wilderness may be home to something mysterious.
Wildlife & What to Watch For
Whether or not you believe in Bigfoot, the Red Buttes Wilderness is full of fascinating wildlife, including:
- Black-tailed deer grazing in the meadows
- Bald eagles and hawks soaring above the ridgelines
- Black bears are rare but possible, so make sure to securely store any food
- Western rattlesnakes can be found hiding on rocky trails
What to Bring for the Red Buttes Wilderness
Because the Red Buttes Wilderness is a remote and rugged area, you’ll want to be well-prepared. Make sure to pack:
- Plenty of water or a filtration system for streams
- Sturdy hiking boots for steep and rocky terrain
- A map or GPS as cell service is unreliable
- Layers of clothing since the weather can change quickly
- Bear spray for wildlife encounters – not just Bigfoot!
- A flashlight, especially if you’re hiking at dusk
After Your Adventure: Relax at The Resort at Eagle Point
After a full day of hiking and exploring the wilderness, return to The Resort at Eagle Point for some well-deserved relaxation. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Talon Grill, kick back on the patio with a local craft beer, or simply soak in the sunset from your luxurious accommodations at The Chateaus as you reflect on all that you saw during your time in the wilderness.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, nature lover, or just a fan of Bigfoot lore, a trip to the Red Buttes Wilderness during your golfing getaway at The Resort at Eagle Point is a thrilling experience you won’t forget. Our team is ready to help you plan an unforgettable getaway with an itinerary created just for you. Book your stay directly with us for special package pricing, preferential tee times, and other perks. Call 541-879-3700 to start planning your stay today.
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