Ape Canyon - Bigfoot Monsters attack!!

Our Mystic Sciences podcast explores the true story of Ape Canyon, a chilling event near Mt. St. Helens in 1921. A group of gold miners, camped in a remote cabin, found themselves under siege by strange, towering creatures believed to be Bigfoot.

The miners claimed the creatures attacked in the dead of night, hurling rocks and trying to break in. Armed with rifles and courage, the men fought back, leaving behind one of the most legendary encounters in Bigfoot history. Our dramatization brings this story alive with intense music, sound effects and actors. You'll be shocked at this one!

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:01

There is a world beyond what we see.

SPEAKER_01 0:05

We've got to move now before the rest come back.

SPEAKER_00 0:15

A realm where the boundaries of fact and legend blur. This is the domain of mystic sciences. Each episode, we dive into the unknown. Unraveling the enigmas that deported humanity was from the depths of ancient civilizations to encounters with beings from beyond the stars we explore the parabola of the unexplained and the secrets hidden within the shadows of time. The deep gorge and winding river, complemented by the ever-changing colours of the seasons, create an enchanting and dynamic natural masterpiece. In 1891, two German immigrant farmers discovered precious metals while on a fishing and hunting trip, sparking a mining rush that established the Green River District, later renamed St. Helens, as mining claims surged. Then one summer's day, five miners ventured deep into the rugged wilderness seeking a fortune in gold. Fred Beck and his crew, Gabe Lefavre, John Peterson, Marion Smith, and a son named Roy. What they found instead became one of the most chilling tales of the unexplained. An incredible battle between guerrilla men or Bigfoot creatures and the miners. This is the story of Ape Canyon. It's late in June 1924. Beck and his men set up camp deep within the canyon. Surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests, they spent their days panning for gold and their nights sharing stories by the fire. The location was a remote and rugged spot on the southern slope of Mount St. Helens. Unexpectedly, Fred Beck, the leader of the prospectors, had a fateful first encounter with a strange, hairy creature. A moment that may have set the stage for the terrifying events to follow that evening. Fred and another man ventured to a spring about a hundred yards from their cabin to fetch water with rifles in hand.

SPEAKER_01 3:54

Alright, let's get this water quick. Something about this place just gives me the creep. Relax, Fred. The only thing out here is us, and maybe a thirsty deer. What about them screams the other night? That wasn't no deer.

SPEAKER_00 4:08

The prospectors had heard disturbing shrills in the night for about a week and were puzzled about what kind of animal could be making the sounds. As they approached the spring, an urgent shout shattered the peaceful setting. One of the men raised his rifle, and all eyes turned toward the far side of a narrow canyon. What the hell was that? Over there by that pine tree. Aim your rifle. There, about a hundred yards away, stood a large imposing figure. A massive creature covered in blackish-brown hair, its immense frame partially obscured by the width of a large pine tree. The creature moved with an unnatural swiftness, darting behind the tree before peering out cautiously from the side. There it is, up by the tree! What is that thing? Without hesitation, a shot was fired. For a moment the forest was eerily quiet, and the figure seemed to vanish. Then suddenly the creature reappeared about 200 yards down the canyon, running upright with incredible speed. Its powerful, agile movements were unmistakable, even at that distance.

SPEAKER_01 5:42

There it is, down the canyon. That is too big to be a gorilla, and that is no man. We need to get out of here.

SPEAKER_00 5:50

Beck fired three times, the gunshots echoing through the wilderness. But the ape man vanished into the shadows, leaving the men shaken and bracing for what the nightfall might bring.

SPEAKER_01 6:06

Marion, I think we've stirred up something we shouldn't have. We need to get back to camp immediately. Let's go.

SPEAKER_00 6:13

Beck informed the others what had happened and reluctantly decided it was best for all to leave the mountain the next morning in the safety of daylight. As darkness fell, an eerie stillness settled over Ape Canyon. Little did the men know the monstrous creature they saw was just the beginning, in what would come in an adventure that would haunt them for the rest of their lives. At about midnight that evening, the miners sleeping by the warmth of a crackling fire inside their cabin were jolted awake by the sounds of heavy footsteps and grunting growls. Earlier that day, they had spotted a single creature, an immense figure over seven feet tall, its flat-nosed face framed by a halo of black hair streaked with white. Its large, cupped and pointed ears gave it an unsettling devil-like appearance, unlike anything they had ever seen. Now more of these terrifying beings were just outside, and the men braced themselves for what was to come.

SPEAKER_01 7:39

I think something's outside. I heard it too. There wasn't no damn coyote. Look out there, Marion. That thing followed us. There's another one. And another.

SPEAKER_00 10:56

Its massive form stark against the mountainous backdrop. Right there, at the edge of the canyon. Reacting swiftly, Beck took aim and fired at the Bigfoot, which, according to accounts, tumbled down into the depths of the gorge below.

SPEAKER_01 11:14

Great shot. You hit it. It's gone into the gorge. We've got to move now before the rest come back.

SPEAKER_00 11:24

The shot echoed through the rocky landscape, and the other ape creatures, seemingly startled, fled into the shadows of the forest, putting an end to the reign of terror. After several grueling days, Beck and his men finally stumbled into the town of Kelsa, Washington, their faces pale and unshaven. They wasted no time in sharing their harrowing ordeal with local newspapers and law enforcement, recounting the chilling details of their night under siege.

SPEAKER_01 12:11

I know what I saw. Just go to that mountain. You'll find out for yourself.

SPEAKER_00 12:16

Determined to uncover the truth, Fred Beck later returned to the isolated canyon, accompanied by U.S. Forest Service Rangers. The site was unnervingly quiet, the forest shrouded in an oppressive stillness that seemed to swallow every sound. Even the usual chatter of birds and rustle of leaves were light, as if the wilderness itself held its breath. No remains were discovered, but the scene of the alleged attack offered strange and unsettling clues. Scattered stones lay in unnatural patterns. Massive footprints pressed deep into the earth told a story too extraordinary to ignore. And the bullet-ridden remnants of the miner's cabin with shattered planks and a partially caved-in wall bore silent testimony to the ferocity of the attack. Together, these signs wove a tale of something terrible had been there, and perhaps still lurked in the shadows. Although the miners' vivid accounts and the strange evidence painted a compelling picture, local law enforcement hesitated to accept what seemed beyond explanation. They suggested the stones might have been placed by human hands and questioned the authenticity of the massive prince. Yet for the Beck and his crew, the terror endured was undeniable, leaving a haunting mystery in the shadows of Ape Canyon. For many decades, Mount St. Helens, an immense volcano, stood dormant, its fiery past a distant memory. But tragically, on May 18, 1980, the volcano violently erupted, hurling lava and ash up to 15 miles into the air. The explosion claimed 57 lives, darkened the skies, and triggered massive mudslides. The mountain's partial collapse reshaped the landscape in an instant, leaving destruction and tragedy in its wake. Ape Canyon, the sight of the miners' chilling encounter, was affected by the overwhelming power of the eruption. The cabin, along with any lingering traces of the events that had unfolded there, vanished beneath the tons of ash and debris. The wilderness that once held its secrets was buried forever, sealed away in the depths of nature's wrath. Legacy of Mystery, the enduring appeal of Ape Canyon. Ape Canyon today draws outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, including cryptozoology buffs, all eager to tread the ground where history and mystery intertwine. Visitors often seek the elusive sight of the legendary cabin long vanished, hoping to feel the aura of the iconic 1924 incident. When the tale first emerged, it captivated the public and sparked lively discussion. Newspapers buzzed with the story, with theories ranging from a harrowing encounter with mysterious creatures to misinterpretations of natural events. Some posited wild bears or a miner's exaggeration of fear in the wilderness. Others speculated about a clever ploy to enhance mining prospects. Yet despite the speculation, the story endures. Haunting, unresolved, and as enigmatic as the canyon itself. Whether rooted in fact or merely legend, the Ape Canyon incident has become a cornerstone of Bigfoot lore. For over a century, the story has been retold in countless books, documentaries, and imaginations, cementing its place in the enduring fascination with the elusive Sasquatch. As the mysteries of the unknown continue to unfold, remember what we discover is only the beginning. Stay curious, stay vigilant, and join us next time as we journey deeper into the realms where science meets the unexplained. Until then, keep your mind open to the wonders that lie beyond the limit. This is Mystic Sciences with a past, present, and future.