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January 2026 by Robby
I’ve been coming here since their first year and I will always recommend it, Joe and Diana are some of the most knowledgeable and helpful people I’ve ever met and make you feel like family. I’ve since befriended them and visit regularly. Every time I go (which I’ve been doing consistently for the better part of a year) I learn something new and exciting. They have items you’ll never see anywhere in the world. I HIGHLY recommend the trip!
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September 2025 by Rebecca Kane
We had a really enjoyable and educational visit here. Definitely worth a stop. Joe is well versed and passionate about Mount Saint Helens and the victims of its 1980 eruption. Worth the $5 to see the additional artifacts and listen to the history. Will stop again!
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September 2025 by Jolie Stohr
I accidentally stumbled upon North Fork Survivors and it turned out to be an absolute gem—I ended up staying for over an hour and already know I’ll be back. The owner is incredibly personable, passionate, and knowledgeable. I was blown away by the stories and insights shared. This family-owned place has such a unique and unforgettable atmosphere that words hardly do it justice. I can’t recommend it enough and truly look forward to returning!
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August 2025 by Carly E
More than Bigfoot here! Some fascinating history of the St. Helens eruption of 1980, told by the owner through haunting artifacts, detailed timelines, and personal histories of those lost. Don’t be afraid to talk to Joe! He’s a generous, walking encyclopedia of the event who has made it his mission to preserve the history of those who lost their lives. So glad I stopped.
Also took home a gem of a mug from the gift shop that says “World’s Biggest Ash-hole”. I mean…
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July 2025 by Sandy O'Connor
My husband and I came here with my mother-in-law. We had such a good time. Really neat seeing the bigfoot castings.
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July 2025 by Marek Szolgai
This is an incredible place with an extremely knowledgeable owner Joe who is very good to listen to and he gives you great insight.
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June 2025 by Carolina Hernandez
Such a great place to stop and look at interesting artifacts. The owners and their daughter were so friendly! We were able to grab some ice cream and enjoy it outside the front porch of the store. Definitely make a stop and check this place out!
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May 2025 by Natalie Mozer
I probably flipped the world’s fastest u-turn when I saw the Mt St Helen’s Bigfoot Interpretive Center sign. The staff is so exceptionally kind, attentive and knowledgeable. The passion put into their store and museum made it a great stop. We were on a tight schedule but it was worth it.
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May 2025 by Tom Myers
Amazing place! Joe and his wife are awesome people. Of all the places to stop along the way to the mountain this is the ultimate stop. The knowledge and history and historical pieces are far more educational and entertaining than the other stops. This is a must must go
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October 2024 by Jason Hoerler
North Fork Survivor Museum - A Mount St. Helen’s and Bigfoot Museum with an unforgettable human element.
The North Fork Survivors Museum is a great place to learn more about the 1980 St. Helen’s eruption and resulting aftermath. The owner (extremely knowledgeable and friendly) and his family have done a fantastic job in preserving history for future generations. The buried A-Frame house is just one of the many do not miss items at the museum. In addition, this museum is home to amazing Bigfoot relics and items. This museum and gift shop is not only a must see location for any Bigfoot enthusiast, but also a phenomenal location for information and insight into Bigfoot folklore! Seriously, this is one of the best I’ve been to in the Northwest.
I have been to all of the visitors centers in and around the Mount St. Helens area multiple times over the years. I take my family at least once a year to Helens, Ape Caves, and the surrounding area. And North Fork Survivors gift shop and museum is a must see every time. Definitely a family favorite.
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October 2024 by Dan Mings
Visited this lovely little scientific attraction/exhibit with my mom and wife on our way back from Mt St Helens the owner Joe had some fascinating stories pictures and artifacts related to the people of the 1980 MtSt Helens eruption and it's fallout as well as a very interesting collection of Bigfoot prints the fifty shop was very well put together and had some great little collectibles attire and nick-nacks and the other of the gift shop was very friendly I will be trying to make it out to this little shop and time I am back in the area
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September 2024 by Lauren Turcotte
We visited this week from Maine. Our mom lived in Vancouver during the eruption of Mt. St. Helens and we came to WA to see the mountain. We stopped here because we LOVE Bigfoot!! We were not expecting to learn SO MUCH about Bigfoot and get to see the amazing artifacts from the eruption. The entire family who owns this shop is so knowledgeable, passionate, and incredibly welcoming. I could not recommend this place more!! Their young daughter is so intelligent and will answer all of your questions with enthusiasm! If you’re ever in the area, definitely stop here!!
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September 2024 by Sabrina Wilz
North Fork Survivors and BigFoot Interpretive Center is an extraordinary and deeply moving tribute to the history and resilience of the people affected by the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. The owner, a knowledgeable local with a genuine passion for preserving this important chapter of history, has created a truly unique museum. The collection is nothing short of remarkable, with artifacts like Harry Truman memorabilia, personal stories from survivors, and recovered vehicles and items from the blast zone.
A special mention must be made of Clara Ottosen, whose dedication and tireless efforts played a crucial role in discovering and preserving much of the collection. Her memory lives on in every corner of this museum, and the owner’s affection for her is evident throughout. Visiting this center is not just an educational experience but an emotional journey that honors the victims and survivors of that tragic event. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to connect with the profound history of the area. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the legacy of Mt. St. Helens.
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August 2024 by Tiffany Beckman
Stopped by here on a whimsy with the kids. Seriously the coolest place, and the owners are two of the friendliest, most professional, and sweetest folks I've ever met. We learned so much about the victims of the eruption, it really adds a human element that you don't often find in books or documentaries. I will never forget visiting this place, and my son is literally begging to go back already ?
We couldn't ask for a better experience and it truly made our vacation magical!
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August 2024 by Robert Maes
My family and I took a trip of the Pacific Northwest that ended in Seattle. We stopped by North Fork Survivors Gift Shop (and museum) on July 4th, 2024. The owner, Joe Bongiovanni, is a GREAT guy and has extensive knowledge on the history of the 1980 Mt. Saint Helens’ eruption, and the people that did not make it out. His shop has several items of the victims of Mt. Saint Helens. The A-Frame house, owned by Blair Barner at the time, sits on the property as when it was covered in mud and ash. He also has several vehicles on display that were recovered after the eruption. This is a great museum and a MUST stop gift shop. The shop also has drinks and snacks available for purchase, and restrooms. He is also a Bigfoot Researcher and has several castings on display (my personal fave).
