Did you know that the Pacific Northwest has several giant wooden trolls hiding in forests and under bridges?
Yep, that’s right.
About The Trolls
These trolls are the work of Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who’s famous around the world for building huge, friendly giants out of recycled wood.
In 2023, he installed six of them across Washington and Oregon as part of his “Way of the Bird King” series, turning the Pacific Northwest into a real-life troll-hunting adventure.
Each troll has its own story, its own pose, and its own special hiding spot—and we’re about to take you to all of them.
So get ready to track down some seriously awesome giants!
1. Jakob Two Trees, Issaquah
Address: 301 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA 98027
Jakob Two Trees is a 14-foot-tall wooden troll made of recycled wood, you’ll find him at Issaquah, along the Rainier Trail behind the Issaquah Community Center.
To get there, pop the Issaquah Community Center into Google Maps, park nearby, and take a short stroll along the Rainier Trail.
Jakob’s big wooden face will pop out like he’s playing hide-and-seek with you.
He’s even got giant twig eyebrows and a cheeky grin that’ll make your photos absolutely awesome.
2. Frankie Feetsplinter, Seattle
Address: 2655 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107
Next up is Frankie Feetsplinter, a big-hearted giant who’s chilling in front of the National Nordic Museum in Ballard, Seattle.
He stands proudly out in the open by the museum’s main entrance, fully visible from the street.
There’s no forest trails or long hikes involved as he’s out in the open and hard to miss.
He’s built from old pallets and scrap wood, and his job is to remind us to take care of nature.
3. Pia The Peacekeeper, Bainbridge Island
Address: 1560 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Then there’s Pia the Peacekeeper, a calm and mighty troll standing tall on Bainbridge Island like she’s been guarding the trees for centuries.
She lives in Sakai Park which is open to the public and free of charge.
To see her, hop on a ferry from Seattle, then walk, bike or drive about 1.8 miles from the Bainbridge Island ferry terminal to reach Sakai Park.
Once you’re there, follow the posted signs through the forest and you’ll spot her peaceful wooden face watching over the woods.
4. Bruun Idun, Seattle
Address: 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA 98136
Now let’s talk about Bruun Idun, the wild child of the troll crew, who’s made her home near the shoreline just north of Colman Pool in Lincoln Park, West Seattle.
Just enter Lincoln Park, follow the trails through the natural forested area near the beach, and you’ll spot her peeking out from the trees.
She stands tall with wild hair made from branches and a pose that says she’s totally up to something.
The setting is dreamy, with scenic views of Puget Sound and boats cruising near the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
5. Oscar The Bird King, Vashon
Address: 3705 SW Point Robinson Rd, Vashon, WA 98070
Next, you’ll head to Vashon Island to meet the one and only Oscar the Bird King, a majestic troll hidden inside a forest, sitting on his throne with a crown of twigs.
He hangs out at Point Robinson Park on the eastern tip of Vashon Island, about 12 minutes from the Vashon Center for the Arts.
Just park in the lot, follow the short trail through the woods, and boom—there he is, looking like a forest king straight out of a dream.
To get to Vashon: catch a ferry from West Seattle or Tacoma, drive a few scenic miles, and enjoy the island’s charm before Oscar welcomes you.
6. Ole Bolle Troll, Portland
Address: 8800 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223
Last but definitely not least is Ole Bolle, the Portland troll, a 19-foot tall sculpture, who’s kneeling and peeking into a small red house on the grounds of Nordic Northwest.
Just head behind the Nordic cultural center, wander into the wooded trail, and you’ll find him on the ground.
It’s a short walk, maybe 0.2 miles tops, but spotting Ole hanging out is pretty epic and a great way to end your road trip.
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