Travel Thursdays: The Legend Of This Lake Monster In Idaho May Send Chills Down Your Spine
by Courtnie Erickson
Every state has its own list of stories, myths, and legends — some more frightening than others. In Idaho, Sharlie, the Payette Lake Monster is one legend that certainly scares many and delights others. The first documented sighting of this lake monster occurred in the early 1900s but even today, many residents who visit Payette Lake still claim to see this large monster.Payette Lake in McCall is one of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho. It is a 5,330-acre lake that was formed by glacier activity. Its deepest recorded depth is 392 feet.
This lake was discovered in the 1800s by Francois Payette, a French Canadian fur trapper. However, Native Americans who lived by the lake years before feared the waters and would often tell stories of an evil spirit who lived beneath its surface.
In 1920, the first sighting of something unusual beneath the water's surface was finally documented.
A group of railroad workers were cutting railroad ties near the lake. They thought they saw a large log floating in the water, but the log began to move, creating its own wake, and quickly left the area.Another sighting occurred in 1944. This time, a group of people saw a dinosaur-like creature in the water. More than 30 people claimed to have seen this creature in just a few short weeks.
The creature, which was nicknamed Slimy Slim, was described as being at least 35-feet long, had a dinosaur-type head, humps, shell-like skin, and a pronounced jaw. The photo above of Payette Lake was captured in 1935.Sightings of Slimy Slim continued and finally in 1954, it was decided that the Payette Lake Monster needed a better name. A national contest was held and the name Sharlie was the winner.
While many believe in Sharlie and others do not, this monster has become quite famous around McCall. You will find souvenirs, toys, and even statues that depict the lake monster, as well as street and business names.
Whether Sharlie is real or just a legend, the thought of this monster lurking beneath you in the water is quite frightening!
Do you believe the legend of this lake monster? Have you ever seen Sharlie surface? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
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