Final Gathering was July 4–6, 2025, Camp Wilkerson, Oregon

What began in 2008 as an intimate, invitation-only experiment became one of the most iconic retreats in Bigfoot research history. Beachfoot, founded by Todd Neiss of the American Primate Conservancy, created a space for global investigators to collaborate far from the distractions of public events, vendors, or media glare.

This year, 2025, as the final Beachfoot had taken place under Oregon’s towering canopy, the legacy was cemented in friendships, field discoveries, and stories shared around campfires.

📜 How It Began

🟢 Beachfoot: How a Campfire Dream Became a Cryptid Legacy

In the summer of 2008, a bold idea sparked in the mind of Bigfoot researcher Todd Neiss—a man whose own encounter with three Sasquatch in 1993 had already reshaped his life. That idea would become Beachfoot, a private retreat for international Bigfoot researchers nestled in the Oregon Coast Range, far from the spotlight of public conferences and media noise.

🌲 The Vision Behind Beachfoot

Todd Neiss asked a simple but revolutionary question:

“What if the best and brightest minds in Bigfoot research could gather without distractions—just pure fellowship and discovery without all the outside Noise?”

Rather than another vendor-filled expo, Neiss envisioned a non-commercial, invitation-only retreat where researchers could share findings, debate theories, and build lasting friendships. The name “Beachfoot” was a playful nod to its coastal setting and cryptid focus.

🏕️ The First Gathering – Otis, Oregon (2008)

The inaugural Beachfoot took place July 25–27, 2008, in Otis, Oregon, with a modest group of researchers. It was informal, intimate, and electric with possibility. The success of that first event laid the foundation for what would become an 18-year tradition.

From spirited debates to silent reflection in shadowy woods, Beachfoot cultivated unfiltered access to discovery and each other.

🌎 International Reach

Researchers have gathered from all corners of the world:

• 🇬🇧 UK • 🇷🇺 Russia • 🇳🇿 New Zealand • 🇦🇺 Australia • 🇨🇦 Canada
• And across the 🇺🇸 United States

Prominent voices shared their insights:

• Bob Gimlin (Patterson–Gimlin film)
• Les Stroud (Survivorman)
• Ron Morehead (Sierra Sounds)
• Cliff Barackman (Finding Bigfoot)
• Loren Coleman (International Cryptozoology Museum)
• Cliff Barackman (Finding Bigfoot)
• And dozens more from the cryptid research community

No press. No pressure. Just legacy in the making.

🔥 Traditions That Defined Beachfoot

• 🪵 Fireside Chats — no recordings, pure connection
• 🥩 Potluck BBQs — cryptid cuisine meets camaraderie
• ☕ Morning Coffee Circles — theory, gossip, and guest sightings

Every tree and trail echoes with unforgettable conversations, bold hypotheses, and laughs too wild to fake.

🧭 The Final Chapter – 2025

Held July 4–6, 2025, at Camp Wilkerson, the final Beachfoot marked the end of an era. With over 100 researchers and enthusiasts in attendance, the event celebrated nearly two decades of fieldwork, friendship, and forest lore. The retreat closed with bonfires, guest lectures, and a potluck BBQ—just as it began.

🏞️ Legacy Beyond the Trees

Beachfoot wasn’t just a gathering—it was a movement. It proved that serious research could thrive in casual settings, that legends could be explored without spectacle, and that the cryptid community could build bridges across borders and disciplines.

Though the tents are packed and the fires have cooled, the spirit of Beachfoot lives on—in every trail walked, every story shared, and every mystery still waiting in the woods.

🧭 Beachfoot Through the Years

• Beachfoot 2008 – Bigfoot Researchers Conference (Jul 25-27, 2008) Otis, Oregon
• Beachfoot 2009 – Bigfoot Researchers Conference (Aug 21-23, 2009) Otis, Oregon
• Beachfoot 2010 – Bigfoot Researchers Conference (Aug 6-8, 2010) George Vogel Park, Oregon
• Beachfoot 2011 – Bigfoot Researchers Conference (Sep 9-11, 2011) Beverly Beach, Oregon
• Beachfoot 2012 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (Aug 2-5, 2012) Canal Creek Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2013 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (Aug 15-18, 2013) Canal Creek Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2014 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (July 24-27, 2014) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2015 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (July 23-26, 2015) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2016 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (July 21-24, 2016) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2017 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (July 13-16, 2017) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2018 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (July 13-16, 2018) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2019 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (June 27-30, 2019) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2020 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (June25-28, 2020) Cascadia State Park, OR
• Beachfoot 2021 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (June 24-27, 2021) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2022 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (June 23-26, 2022) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2023 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (June 22-25, 2023) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2024 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (June 27-30, 2024) River Edge Campground, OR
• Beachfoot 2025 – Bigfoot Researchers Conf. (July 4-6, 2025) Camp Wilkerson, OR