Forget everything you thought you knew about a road trip through the Pacific Northwest. Scattered across Washington State and one sneaking just over the Oregon border, six enormous trolls are hiding in parks, forests, and island trails, waiting to be found.
These unique art sculptures were crafted by Danish artist Thomas Dambo entirely from recycled materials, and each one carries its own personality, story, and sense of wonder.
This guide walks you through every single troll, plus a little extra magic at the start and finish to make your adventure truly unforgettable.
Meet The Northwest Trolls Project
Imagine that you are standing in a forest, the trees are enormous, the air smells like pine, and then, suddenly, a troll the size of a small house is staring right back at you.
That is exactly the kind of surprise the Northwest Trolls project delivers. Created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo in collaboration with local communities across Washington State and Oregon, this trail of six massive sculptures is unlike any public art experience you have ever had.
Every troll is built entirely from recycled and reclaimed materials, which means each one carries a message about creativity, sustainability, and the power of community.
The project connects Coast Salish tribal traditions with Scandinavian folklore in a way that feels both meaningful and genuinely fun to explore. You can follow a companion map or download the app to track down each location.
Pack your hiking boots, charge your camera, and clear your weekend schedule. This adventure is calling your name, and it is going to be one for the books.
Frankie Feetsplinters At The National Nordic Museum
Right in the heart of Ballard, one of Seattle’s most culturally rich neighborhoods, a giant troll named Frankie Feetsplinters keeps watch near the National Nordic Museum.
The name alone is enough to make you grin, and the sculpture absolutely lives up to the personality it promises. Frankie is crafted from reclaimed wood and recycled materials, giving this towering figure a rough, textured look that somehow still manages to feel warm and welcoming.
Ballard has deep Scandinavian roots, which makes this particular troll placement feel especially fitting. The neighborhood was historically settled by Nordic fishermen and sailors, so a troll born from Danish creativity fits right into the local identity.
The National Nordic Museum itself is worth exploring before or after your troll encounter, with rotating exhibits that celebrate Nordic culture, art, and history. Frankie stands as a bridge between that heritage and the creative spirit of modern Seattle.
Snap your photo, wander the neighborhood, and grab a bite at one of Ballard’s many beloved local spots before heading to your next troll.
Bruun Idun At Lincoln Park
Among the towering trees of Lincoln Park in West Seattle, Bruun Idun is the kind of discovery that makes you feel like a kid again.
Lincoln Park is already one of the most beloved green spaces in the Seattle area, offering forested trails, saltwater shoreline, and sweeping views of Puget Sound. Adding a massive troll to that mix takes the experience from lovely to genuinely magical.
Bruun Idun blends into the woodland surroundings in a way that feels almost intentional, as if the forest grew up around this creature rather than the other way around. The recycled materials used in the construction give the sculpture an organic, earthy quality that suits the setting perfectly.
Trails in Lincoln Park wind through old-growth forest and along the water, so plan to spend a good chunk of your day here. The combination of natural beauty and unexpected art makes this stop one of the most rewarding on the entire troll trail.
West Seattle has plenty of great food and coffee spots nearby to refuel after your woodland adventure.
Jakob Two Trees In Issaquah
Some trolls fit their setting so well they look like they have always been there. Jakob Two Trees has that effect, rising out of Issaquah’s forested landscape like part sculpture, part local legend.
Issaquah sits at the foot of the Cascade foothills, surrounded by trails, rivers, and the kind of scenery that makes people move to Washington in the first place. Jakob Two Trees feels completely at home here, his massive recycled wood form rising naturally from the forest floor as if he has always been part of the landscape.
The name itself hints at a connection to the trees around him, and that theme of humans and nature existing together runs through Thomas Dambo’s entire creative vision. Spending time with this sculpture encourages you to slow down, look up, and really take in the forest surrounding you.
Issaquah is also a great base for exploring nearby state parks and hiking trails, so consider making a full day of it. The troll is a highlight, but the surrounding natural scenery gives this stop a depth that stays with you long after you leave.
Pia Peacekeeper On Bainbridge Island
Getting to Bainbridge Island is half the adventure, and the ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle is one of the most scenic short crossings you will find anywhere in the country.
Once you arrive, Pia Peacekeeper is waiting with a presence that feels both powerful and calming. The name suits the sculpture perfectly, as there is something about this troll that invites reflection rather than just awe.
Pia carries a sense of quiet strength, standing as a symbol of harmony between communities and the natural world around her.
Bainbridge Island itself is a wonderful place to wander, with charming local shops, art galleries, and forest trails all within easy reach of the ferry terminal. The island has a strong arts culture, and Pia fits right into that creative spirit.
The combination of island scenery, community warmth, and monumental art makes this one of the most complete stops on the entire troll trail. Plan to linger here longer than you think you need to, because Bainbridge Island has a way of holding onto its visitors.
Oscar The Bird King At Point Robinson Park
Royalty has arrived on Vashon Island, and his name is Oscar the Bird King.
Perched at Point Robinson Park, Oscar commands one of the most dramatic settings of any troll on the entire trail. The park sits along the eastern shore of Vashon Island, offering stunning views of Puget Sound and the distant mountains that frame the horizon on clear days.
Oscar himself is a regal figure, his massive recycled wood form towering over visitors who make the trip out to see him.
The Bird King title is not just for show. This sculpture pays tribute to the incredible birdlife that thrives throughout the Puget Sound region, and spending time at Point Robinson Park gives you a real sense of why that matters.
Herons, eagles, and shorebirds are regular visitors to this stretch of coastline.
Vashon Island is accessible by ferry and has a laid-back, artistic community vibe that makes the whole visit feel like a step away from everyday life. Oscar the Bird King rules this corner of Washington with quiet authority, and a visit here is genuinely unforgettable.
Ole Bolle, The Grand Finale Across The Border
Just when you think the adventure is winding down, the trail sends you south across the Columbia River into Portland, Oregon, for one last troll encounter that is truly worth the detour.
Ole Bolle is the only troll in the Northwest collection located outside of Washington, and that distinction makes him feel like a special bonus reward for travelers committed to completing the full journey. Portland has long been celebrated for its quirky, creative energy, and Ole Bolle fits right into that spirit with his playful presence and charming detail work.
One of the most talked-about features of this sculpture is the small red house near Ole, which adds a storybook quality to the whole scene and makes for incredibly fun photographs. The contrast between the massive troll and the tiny structure captures exactly the kind of humor and wonder that Thomas Dambo builds into every piece.
Portland offers plenty of reasons to extend your stay, from its famous food scene to its thriving arts culture and beautiful parks. Ole Bolle is the perfect final chapter to a Pacific Northwest troll adventure that you will be talking about for years.
Plan Your Troll Trail Adventure: Tips For The Full Journey
Now that you know where all six trolls are hiding, the real question is how to make the most of your journey through Washington and beyond.
The good news is that the Northwest Trolls project has a companion map and a dedicated app designed to guide you from one sculpture to the next without any guesswork. Using these tools makes the whole experience feel like a proper scavenger hunt, which honestly adds to the fun whether you are traveling solo, with a partner, or with a group of enthusiastic kids in tow.
Each troll location is paired with genuinely beautiful surroundings, so build extra time into your itinerary for hiking, ferry rides, and general exploration. Some stops, like Bainbridge Island and Vashon Island, require ferry crossings, so check schedules in advance to keep your day running smoothly.
Visiting during drier months gives you the best conditions for outdoor exploration, though the Pacific Northwest can surprise you with gorgeous clear days even outside of summer. Respect the natural spaces around each sculpture, follow posted trail guidelines, and leave every site exactly as you found it.
This trail is a celebration of art, community, and nature, and every troll you find is a reminder of just how creative and connected this corner of the world truly is.