Chase Giants and Go Troll Hunting on Your Next Seattle Trip

One of Seattle's most unique things to do is going troll hunting for its famous giants. Yes, Seattle is known for its coffee and its cozy, rainy atmosphere. However, it’s also home to a few elusive, hand-crafted giants. This iconic activity sends adventurers on a quest to find trolls hidden throughout the Seattle region.

We aren’t talking about tiny trolls, either. But massive, whimsical sculptures tucked into parks. You’ll also find them peeking from trees and towering over trails. These trolls take your breath away and leave you feeling enchanted. It’s as though you entered a fairytale book.

Five troll sculptures, made of wood and other recycled materials, are located in the Seattle area. But they aren’t just lined up in a park somewhere. They’re scattered around various locations. So, bring your adventurous spirit to track down their obscure locations.

Both returning and first-time guests looking for a unique experience will revel in this experience. One of the best parts about it? Other than travel expenses, this adventure is free. And this experience is fun for the whole family. We’re giving you a complete guide to tracking down Seattle’s biggest, sneakiest trolls.

Thanks to Danish artist Thomas Dambo, Seattle has five trolls crafted entirely from recycled materials. Each is part of Dambo’s series Northwest Trolls: Way of the Bird King. They’re not easy to spot, but that’s what gives them their charm.

Each of these five gentle giants has a distinctive story, name, posture, hiding spot, and irresistible charm.

Frankie Feetsplinter has one unique aspect that distinguishes him from the other trolls. You don’t have to don hiking boots and bug spray to find him. Frankie is the only troll to reside in an urban area. Walk, bike, or drive to him the short distance from Greenlake Guest House!

Bruun Idun stands on the shoreline of Lincoln Park holding her wooden flute to her lips. With flute in hand, this beautiful troll plays her melody, silently calling to the orcas. 

Jakob Two Trees stands stately above the passerby below on the trail. This sleepy troll rests peacefully, but as you gaze up at him, he’s sure to awaken a sense of wonder in you.

Pia the Peacekeeper may be sitting down, but she still stands 18 feet tall. This carefully crafted troll exudes peace and enchantment.

Oscar the Bird King is perhaps one of the most unique trolls. This bearded giant wears a crown of sustainability. Oscar is nestled on a throne of intricately twisted and stacked wood. This regal troll in Seattle is truly one to remember.

Next stop: adventure! Hidden in parks, forests, and beaches around the region, these magical wooden trolls await you.

Feeling ambitious? You can hunt them all in a single, epic day. Start your journey in Ballard with Frankie Feetsplinter, then catch the ferry to Bainbridge Island to meet Pia the Peacekeeper. Hop over to Vashon Island for Oscar the Bird King. Head back to West Seattle to find Bruun Idun playing her flute by the sea. Wrap up the day in Issaquah, where Jakob Two Trees stands tall among the trees.

If you prefer a slower pace, no worries, these trolls aren’t going anywhere. Take your time troll hunting and revel in each day's adventure. You can stretch the adventure across 2–3 days and soak in each troll location. Pack a picnic, explore the trails, and let the magic of each troll settle in!

Your troll adventure is worth remembering, so be sure to capture it. Each of these five trolls is located in a distinctly picturesque area. Photos are allowed and encouraged at each troll site. You’ll want to be sure to snap a photo at each one to document your journey.

Pose, snap a photo, and post it to share your unique adventure with your friends! You’ll have accomplished what few people can say they’ve done — successfully gone troll hunting.

Do not climb on the wooden structures; it’s not allowed. But you can still find creative ways to snap interactive photos with these trolls! Use each troll’s unique pose to inspire a creative photo or scene.

Ready to spot the hidden trolls? These wooden giants aren’t marked by big signs or flashy entrances. Your troll hunting will take you through forests, quiet beaches, and near winding trails.

Here are the exact Seattle troll locations to help you along your troll-hunting adventure.

Frankie Feetsplinter

• This urban troll is at the National Nordic Museum in Seattle’s Ballard Neighborhood.

• Address: 2655 NW Market Street. Seattle, WA.

Pia the Peacekeeper

• This harmonious troll is located on Bainbridge Island. Take the ferry to Sakai Park. Look for the Troll sign in Sakai Park, and Pia the Peacekeeper awaits you beyond.

• Address: Sakai Park, 1560 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA.

Oscar the Bird King

• This regal giant sits on his throne on Vashon Island. 

• Address: 3705 SW Point Robinson Road, Vashon, WA 

Bruun Idun 

• This musical troll is in Lincoln Park in West Seattle.

• Park in Lot #2 at Lincoln Park and head toward Colman Pool. Or, start from the main parking area and go to the beach.

• Address: 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, Seattle, WA.

Jakob Two Trees

• This sleepy troll stands tall in Issaquah. 

• Park at the Issaquah Community Center. To find him, walk south a quarter mile down the paved Rainier Trail past the Dog Park.

• Address: 301 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA.

Want troll-filled magic? Stay where the adventure begins — close to every towering wooden wonder. Greenlake Guest House is the perfect home base. Our warmth and charm pair perfectly with the playful spirit of the wooden trolls. Your room is minutes from the first troll stop, close to trails, and ferries. Essentially, everything you need to ensure successful troll hunting!

After a day of exploring, return to a cozy room and swap stories about your favorite troll sighting. Plan a one-day troll hunt or stretch it out — either way, we’ll guide your route. We’ll help you map the magic, whether you want speed or a weekend of wonder. Ready for an enchanting adventure?

Pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and book your stay today. Your unforgettable Seattle troll hunt starts here!

Photo Credit: © Nicholas J Klein, © JenDeVos from Getty Images, © Erik_Lyngsoe from pixabay