Posted in Washington
April 22, 2020
The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus Is One Of Washington’s Greatest Mysteries
You’ve probably heard that Washington is well-known for its Sasquatch sightings… there’s even a company that will help you hunt for Bigfoot. And if you’ve ever heard of the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus, the idea probably sounds ridiculous. But this “ridiculous” legend, widely thought to be a hoax, is still debated in certain circles. We’re not sure if it’s because the initial evidence was compelling or the fact that our state is full of mystery and wonder, but either way, it makes for a great story.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: onlyinyourstate.com/nominate

The octopus, or Octopus Paxarbolis as it was called, was allegedly found in the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula.

The tree octopus actually preferred the rainforest because of its temperate environment, apparently. Better (or worse) yet, it had vision as good as a human being's.

There was just one problem: it was all a hoax, a work of fiction created by Lyle Zapato.

In fact, the website is so well done that it has been used in internet literary tests, where students are asked to research the tree octopus and often report the site (https://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/) as very credible.

Of course, currently, we are all exposed to misinformation that ends up duping us now and then. Perhaps the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus should serve as a fake news mascot of sorts, a cautionary tale.
Would you find the idea of a tree octopus who crawled out of the sea and had vision as good as a human’s (in order to watch you explore the forest) interesting or creepy? Read all about the mysterious Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus here.