When people set out to find the mythical Bigfoot in the misty forests of Washington, there aren’t many expeditions that start at Seattle’s waterfront (maybe that’s why no one’s been able to track ‘em down yet?)
Well, we have a reliable tip that the covert cryptid has been spotted at Pier 57, inside Miners Landing’s exciting new attraction — Sasquatch Mountain. In fact, we hear he’ll even pose for a selfie if you’re so inclined. Be warned: He can reach out and get ya.
Anticipation for the immersive experience has been building for close to a year, and it will finally start selling tickets in March. As with the actual legend of Sasquatch, much of the storytelling for the ride remains shrouded in mystery, but here’s what we do know. Brave explorers (that’s you) will traverse an earthen tunnel into a hangar staging area, where you’ll be briefed on your mission to go in search of Bigfoot.
There, you’ll don a PICO Virtual Reality headset before continuing on to the main theater room, which seats 24 people. Throughout, various visual and practical effects will bring the adventure to life: scents of the evergreen trees, wind rustling through your hair, motion in your chair. As Miners Landing owner Kyle Griffith says, “It’s kind of a new invention. We’re marrying things together that have never been done before.”
Griffith is also proud of what this team has been able to create in a relatively limited footprint. The space is a converted area in the back corner of the banquet hall (which will remain available for events). But just because it’s on a smaller scale doesn’t mean the quality is lacking. Designers working on Sasquatch Mountain bring experience from Disneyland, and that’s the standard you can expect.
Miners Landing has grown into a theme park on the docks, with fun for the whole family.
Of course, there’s plenty more to do and see at Miners Landing during your visit, including Wings Over Washington, the Seattle Great Wheel, the historic carousel, Klondike Arcade and Salish Sea Tours. It will soon be easier to enjoy them all, as the theme park plans to debut an all-access pass sometime this summer. When you work up an appetite, there are also four different dining options — The Fisherman’s Restaurant, The Crab Pot, The Salmon Cooker and Alaskan Sourdough Bakery.
Miners Landing at Pier 57 will be an anchor site for the upcoming Winter by the Water festival (Saturday, Feb. 21), where VIP passport holders can embark on a Salish Sea Tour of Elliott Bay (limited capacity) or relax inside The Fisherman’s Restaurant & Bar with a private wine tasting and a cozy place to warm up.