A September Adventure: Chasing Trolls in the Pacific Northwest
There’s something about September in the Pacific Northwest that always feels like an invitation—soft light, crisp mornings, and just enough sunshine to spark a little wanderlust. This year, instead of planning long flights or complicated itineraries, my husband and I chose something simpler: day trips close to home.
What we didn’t expect was that our simple plan would turn into a magical scavenger hunt—a quest to find all six of the Thomas Dambo trolls scattered across the region.
These towering wooden giants are part of Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King, a public art project created by Danish artist and storyteller Thomas Dambo, who is known around the world for crafting whimsical trolls from recycled materials. Dambo’s mission is simple and beautiful: build public art that encourages people to reconnect with nature.
Lucky for us, the final leg of his U.S. troll-building journey brought him right into our backyard. Six trolls now call the Pacific Northwest home—one in Portland, Oregon, and five sprinkled across Washington in Issaquah, Ballard, West Seattle, Bainbridge Island, and Vashon Island.
Meeting Jakob Two Trees
Our first troll adventure began in Issaquah, just a short drive from home—perfect for us, especially because my husband has limited mobility and can’t walk long distances. Jakob Two Trees, tucked near the Issaquah Community Center along the Rainier Trail, offered easy access and plenty of nearby parking.
Jakob was our introduction to the world of Dambo trolls—and what an introduction it was.
Standing proudly among the trees, Jakob Two Trees feels alive with personality, even towering dignity. He was damaged during a 2024 storm, but in true Pacific Northwest fashion, the local community came together to restore him. That story alone made me love him, but seeing him in person sealed it. I was smitten.
My husband, on the other hand, was… politely amused. He enjoyed seeing me light up more than the sculpture itself. But that changed as we visited more trolls—somewhere between Ballard and Bainbridge Island, he became just as enchanted as I was.
The Secret? Get There Early.
The Pacific Northwest only gets so many perfect weather days, and when they arrive, everyone comes out to enjoy them. We quickly learned that the best troll-tracking strategy is this:
Arrive early. Really early.
Not only does it give you parking and quiet trails, but you also get to spend time with the trolls without crowds and photo-bombers. There’s something special about meeting one of these gentle wooden giants when the forest is still waking up around them. If you plan to visit Oscar the Bird King or Pia the Peacekeeper, plan to take a Washington State Ferry. The ferries add to the adventure of the trip. Be sure to visit the Point Robinson lighthouse when you visit Oscar the Bird King. It is located below the troll and well worth the visit. Mobility issues? You can drive down to the lighthouse.
Do We Have a Favorite?
Not yet.
Each troll has its own personality—its own quirks, backstory, pose, and presence. One feels mischievous, another thoughtful, another totally whimsical. Visiting each one feels like discovering a secret left behind in the forest.
As Thomas Dambo himself says, “It’s also a lot about that experience you get when you walk around in nature and in the forest.”
He’s right—meeting the trolls is only half the fun. The other half is the small adventures along the way: ferry rides, early-morning walks, coffee stops, and the joy of wandering without a rush.
By the time we finished all six, we realized we had unintentionally created our own little road-trip tradition—and we’re already ready for the next one.
Where to Find the Northwest Trolls
Washington
- Bruun Idun – Lincoln Park, West Seattle
- Frankie Feetsplinters – National Nordic Museum, Ballard
- Jakob Two Trees – Rainier Trail near Issaquah Community Center, Issaquah
- Pia the Peacekeeper – Sakai Park, Bainbridge Island
- Oscar the Bird King – Point Robinson, Vashon Island
Oregon
- Ole Bolle – Nordic Northwest, Portland
Road Trip, Here We Come!
What started as a relaxed September plan turned into one of our favorite adventures—one that brought us closer to nature, closer to home, and, in a small way, closer to each other. And now that we’ve met all six trolls? Well… we’re ready for more.
