#17 Hunting Trolls in Seattle
A family quest to encounter the PNW's enchanting recycled giants
As a homeschooling mom, I’m always on the lookout for unique learning opportunities that combine education, adventure, and a touch of whimsy. So, when I discovered there are currently five Thomas Dambo trolls scattered across the greater Seattle area, I knew we had to make this a family quest during our recent trip to Washington state. After all, what could be more exciting than hunting down giant trolls made entirely from recycled materials? These hidden gems promised not just days of fun, but also lessons in art, environmentalism, and the power of imagination.
Preparing for the Troll Hunt
Before setting off, I planned our voyage. My daughter and I were on a quick trip to Seattle for a wedding. This was our first return to the Pacific Northwest since moving to the friendly and sunny state of Texas in early 2022. Time was of essence. We anticipated visiting friends, seeing the trolls, and participating in a wedding, all in a week and all spread throughout the Puget Sound. I mapped out each day to navigate through the islands to enjoy ferry rides, panoramic views, and the fabulous weather of Seattle’s brief summer.
Equipped with a car brimming with all our travel needs, our curiosity piqued, and the digital Troll Map in hand, we headed out on our adventure. At the ferry dock in Tacoma, we started our day with a brief lesson on who Thomas Dambo is—a Danish artist renowned for his larger-than-life sculptures made from recycled wood. His trolls, which can be found around the world, are part of his mission to show how trash can be turned into treasure. In fact, earlier this year we encountered our first of these fascinating trolls, Malin, at her debut in Austin, Texas.
Oscar the Bird King Towers Over Us
Troll #1: Oscar the Bird King on Vashon Island
An ominous gray clouded chilly morning greeted us at the dock in Tacoma as we waited to cross the Puget Sound to Vashon on the Point Defiance ferry. Once on Vashon, the misty morning blanket cleared to reveal a beautiful summery day as we meandered the rolling country roads of Vashon. Upon arriving at Point Robinson Park, it was but a short walk from the parking lot to behold the glory of Oscar the Bird King.
Each Troll comes with it’s own landmark sign
A combination of cut wood and organic shaped natural branches yields a majestic troll, both refined yet raw. We were thrilled to launch our adventure with the Bird King and soon learned the bird theme and birdhouses ran throughout the Washington troll exhibits. Often easily spotted, the birdhouse poles are hints that a troll is nearby. In this case, it’s very close, but as we discovered that’s not always the case.
Each Troll Has a Sign and Birdhouse Posts
#2: Bruun Idun at Lincoln Park in West Seattle
Next, we headed back to Seattle, this time via the Vashon/Fauntleroy Ferry to visit Bruun Idun, conveniently located in West Seattle’s Lincoln Park directly next to the ferry dock. The park itself was a delight, with its tall trees and scenic waterfront. Upon locating the birdhouse post, finding Bruun Idun took a bit more effort. About a 10 minute walk from the parking lot, nestled in the tree shade at the tip of the park near the Coleman Pool, we found this peaceful wood flute playing troll.
Enjoying the Fresh Summer Breeze from the Ferry
The View From Lincoln Park toward Vashon Island and the Commuter Ferry Path
As You Can See Bruun Idun is Almost Hidden in the Trees
Such a Peaceful Beauty with Natural Wild Hair and Flute
Photography Tips
On a side note: Due to the enormity of these trolls, standing back quite a distance offers the opportunity to capture these giants completely. Fortunately, if you want to be in the picture, there are usually lots of people around to offer a friendly hand to capture your family with the troll, so a tripod or selfie stick is not usually needed.
However, I caution to double check the pictures and ask people to stand back enough to get the entire troll in the shot. If you notice, almost all of the pictures including me where taken by others and the trolls hair was cut off. As a hobby photographer, I notice these details, especially since I like to create canvas wraps of my shots. Since canvas wraps bend the image around the depth of the frame sides, extra background footage is needed. Regardless, getting the entire troll in the image provides a beautiful keepsake memory.
Troll #3: Pia the Peacekeeper on Bainbridge Island
On our second day in the PNW, we ventured by highway from Auburn to drive around the Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island to find Pia, the Peacekeeper at Sakai Park.
Conveniently located near downtown Bainbridge, this is a perfect day trip visit if you have the time to roam this beautiful artistic community teeming with boutique stores, galleries, cafes and restaurants, all in walking distance to the Seattle ferry.
Pia was nestled in a clearing of this small park, her serene expression and massive outstretched arms creating a sense of calm. We admired the craftsmanship and loved that we could place ourselves in the clutches of this crafted giant as if in its tender care.
In Pia’s grasp
Approaching Seattle via the Bainbridge Island ferry
Soaking up the sun and enjoying the breeze from the ferry
Troll #4: Frankie Feetsplinters at the Ballard Nordic Museum
A few days later, after wedding festivities subsided, our next stop fit in our schedule. In the midst of the urban hustle and bustle of Scandinavian influenced Ballard, we maneuvered through traffic and jostled for parking in effort to greet Frankie Feetsplinters, who stood majestically welcoming patrons at the Nordic Museum. Once again, if you have the time, the Ballard area and the Nordic Museum is worth the wander and exploration.
Another sign, another smile
Frankie looks like he’s ready for action
Ballard has much to offer visitors. Being that we were once PNW residents and I was also traveling with an energetic little human, I knew many of the great outdoors spots in the area. We headed off to stretch our legs in nature before embracing the ubiquitous Seattle traffic to our evening destination.
We headed down to Golden Gardens Park for some sun, sand, and a toe dip in the chilly Puget Sound water. Considering we currently bask in the Texas sun and revel in year round lake life water fun, mid-fifty degree water of the PNW is a chilly comparison, and not so conducive to swimming. While others were in swimsuits, we donned our sweaters and nonetheless, enjoyed a little beach time and fresh air.
Back in the car, we headed out of Ballard via an essential stop to one of the most delicious ice cream shops ever, Frankie & Jo’s. Whether you’re plant based or not, your mouth deserves to experience these incredibly unique plant based and gluten free flavors. Utilizing coconut or sprouted cashews, these ice creams tantalize the taste buds with curious ingredients like my favorite called California Cabin, including “a whimsical smoked vanilla & pine ice cream with bold, delicious black pepper cardamom shortbread cookie throughout.”
A delightful treat
Troll #5: Jakob Two Trees in Issaquah
The nest day, from our friend’s house in Bothell, we drove to Issaquah, where Jakob Two Trees awaited us along a woodsy walk beyond the tell tail birdhouse sign post. The path from the parking lot was a pleasant short walk through a canopy of trees and lots of locals to confirm we were headed the right way.
When we finally reached Jakob, the sight was nothing short of awe-inspiring. He was perched on a small hill clamping a tree in each hand. Like an eco-friendly puzzle of wooden pieces, Jacob towered over us with his birdhouse necklace. Our friends with whom we took on today’s adventure were thrilled to see their first troll and were blown away with the artwork. Now they know what creative gems lay tucked away in the Seattle area’s diverse culture.
Jakob Two Trees from a panoramic view
Jakob Two Trees and his booty
And then we all got in the pic
Reflections on Our Troll-Hunting Adventure
As we headed to the airport, tired but happy, I reflected on what a perfect adventure this trip had been. We had explored the Pacific Northwest beauty while visiting friends, partying it up at a wedding, and had also learned about recycled art and the power of imagination. Each Pacific Northwest troll offered something unique, not just in terms of visual appeal, but in the creativity they inspired.
For me, this adventure reinforced the idea that learning doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. It can happen in the woods, on a ferry, or even at the feet of a giant troll. And as a homeschooling mom, I’m grateful for the freedom to turn the world into our classroom, one troll at a time.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational outing, I highly recommend embarking on your own global troll hunt. Who knows what you’ll discover along the way?
With love, health, and knowledge, see you again in the next post,
Brit-Simone
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