Visitors to the Lincoln City Outlet Mall are accustomed to finding a wide variety of items and foods at the many stores. From ice cream to fashion, from perfume to teriyaki chicken there seems to be endless opportunities for shopping. “But,” one may ask, “where can I go to get my picture taken with a life sized Bigfoot, drink a beer and throw an ax at a target on the wall?” Fair question. If a person were to try to indulge in those activities at any other store than Scout Northwest Trading Company (Scout), chances are the police would be called. 

Scout is an incredibly unique store situated at the west end of the shopping center (next to Coach). A short walk under a covered walkway will lead to Scout, a store that can best be described as something that has to be seen and experienced to believe. The name is short and doesn’t really prepare the uninitiated for what they are about to encounter upon entering the doors.

Walking in to Scout, one comes face to face with an (easily) 7 foot tall Bigfoot figure. According to Aaron Linfoot, Scout’s new owner, the furry brown Sasquatch is a huge (no pun intended) favorite of everyone that visits. “Nearly everyone stops to take their picture with him.” As of the writing of this article results of a “Name Bigfoot” contest was just finishing and the results were being tabulated. According to Linfoot “Steve” seems to be leading the way. And though he could not give an explanation of how that name surged ahead in voting he smiled and seemed resigned to accept whatever name won.

The Linfoot family became the new owners of Scout in May of 2025 and they bring an easy going attitude to every corner of the store.

According to Linfoot, “Scout Northwest Trading Company and Lincoln City Graphics are part of a family of businesses that are deeply rooted in our coastal community. Under new local ownership, we’re building on strong legacies while creating fresh opportunities that reflect the best of the Oregon Coast lifestyle. Scout is all about Northwest-sourced goods, quality apparel, and outdoor lifestyle products. We emphasize local makers, regional suppliers, and authentic craftsmanship.”

Those who fear change have nothing to worry about. The philosophy seems to be that “if it works and people like it, it will stay.” Long time patrons of Scout will feel right at home as many of the goods that made Scout unique in the retail world have remained through the transition.

The Northwest “vibe” is alive and well. Earth tones fill the shop.

From t-shirts and baseball caps to hoodies and candles there is a quintessential Oregon forest feel. Many shops in Lincoln City seek to capitalize on beach themes but Scout ventures to the woods for inspiration.

The products aren’t mass produced for discount sale in a Walmart bargain bin. Many of the items are made by local vendors and artists. There is a line of clothing bearing the signature artwork of northwest artist Duncan Berry. “We are hoping to have Duncan in store doing demonstrations of his craft sometime in December” said Linfoot. Candles are locally sourced, leather goods as well. 

A growing venture within the walls of Scout is Lincoln City Graphics, a graphic design department where anyone can come in with an idea and talk with design department head Denny. “He can take an idea from beginning to end right in this store.” said Linfoot. He adds, “We can help people design graphics and do all the application in house. We can also do window graphics, signs and more. If a retail operation needs graphics or signage we can help them.” Linfoot proudly pointed out that almost every sign or poster inside of Scout was created in store.

Perhaps the most unique part of Scout is their dedicated ax/knife throwing cages. For a fee shoppers can flex their frontier muscles and heave a variety of sharp edged metal instruments at a target on a wood wall.

Scout belongs to the World Ax Throwing League (WATL). With hopes of seeing a league blossom in the area, Linfoot and the staff of Scout invite everyone to stop by and give the throwing a try.

Scout Northwest Trading Company is located at 1500 SE East Devils Lake Rd #116, Lincoln City, OR 97367 and is open daily from 10am-7pm. They can be reached by phone at (541) 418-5305 or on their website https://www.scoutnorthwest.com.