Meet the PNW Trolls in Washington & Oregon
The Pacific Northwest is home to something truly unique – giant wooden trolls crafted by artist Thomas Dambo.
These larger-than-life sculptures are hidden across parks, trails, and even urban spaces, waiting to be discovered. Built from recycled materials, each troll has its own personality and story, inspired by local culture and nature.
Whether you’re an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun adventure, these trolls are worth the trip.
Pia the Peace Keeper
Sakai Park, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Standing 18 feet tall in Sakai Park, Pia the Peace Keeper greets visitors with a serene presence, her hands forming a peace sign for symbolic interaction.
Crafted from recycled wood, Pia represents the unity and creativity of the Bainbridge Island community.
Her head was built in Dambo’s Copenhagen studio and shipped to the site, while her body was constructed on-site with help from local organizations like Scouts Troop 1496, Cub Scout Pack 4496, and volunteers over seven days.
“Pretty pretty please, let’s keep the peace beneath the trees
Hold you in my hand I will remind you with a squeeze
Quiet little people cause your criers make me tired
Pia likes to play with people, people they keep quiet”
About Sakai Park
Acquired in 2015, this 23-acre park offers a mix of upland and wetland environments. Adjacent to the Sound to Olympics Trail and Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center, it’s a hub for active and passive recreation.
Named after the Sakai family, former berry farmers interned during WWII, it’s a tribute to resilience and community history.
Frankie Feetsplinter
National Nordic Museum, Seattle, Washington
Frankie Feetsplinter, the youngest and angriest troll, stomps on a wooden bench at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard. His urban setting reflects his Nordic roots but amplifies his frustration, as expressed in his poem.
“Frankie don’t like slimy fish, cause fishes are all so dumb
And Frankie don’t like little humans, humans are so dumb
Frankie don’t even like trolls, cause trolls are also dumb
But Frankie’s mouth’s the only one that says the word of dumb”
Easily accessible near the museum’s entrance, Frankie bridges Nordic heritage with modern cultural exploration.
About the National Nordic Museum
Established in 1979, this Seattle museum showcases Nordic culture and history, celebrating sustainability, social justice, and the connection between nature and community. It also highlights the impacts of colonialism on Indigenous peoples, fostering meaningful partnerships.
Bruun Idun
Lincoln Park, Seattle, Washington
Located in Lincoln Park, Bruun Idun (pronounced “Eden”) plays a flute adorned with traditional Coast Salish materials like cedar and abalone shells. Her melody honors orcas, a significant symbol in Coast Salish culture.
Coyote’s contributions, including sharing Coast Salish history and designing the flute, make this troll a profound collaboration between art and tradition.
“In the night, there was a storm, there at the beach where she was born
And Idun felt a feeling wrong, and so she walked there in the dawn
And in a flute, the magic horn, a tune so passionate and strong
She played for them an orca song to ask them where they all had gone”
About Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park’s diverse trails, shoreline, and saltwater pool offer something for everyone. Its natural beauty, complemented by inclusive play areas, makes it a favorite destination for outdoor recreation.
Oscar the Bird King
Point Robinson Park, Vashon Island, Washington
Oscar the Bird King sits regally at Point Robinson Park, crowned with birdhouses made from salvaged materials.
Enhanced by contributions of driftwood, feathers, and stones from local residents, Oscar reflects a sense of community and creativity.
“He swam here from the island, where his momma once had birthed him
He walked across the mountains till his giant feet was hurting
He spoke a crow and little girl, the Orca he heard him sing
He used to be a little troll, now Oscar is The Bird King”
About Point Robinson Park
Vashon Island’s secluded charm is epitomized by this park, known for its lighthouse, stunning Mount Rainier views, and the unique experience of renting the Keeper’s Quarters.
Jakob Two Trees
Issaquah, Washington
Nestled along the Rainier Trail, Jakob Two Trees honors the land and waterways. His birdhouse necklace invites forest creatures, while his ponytail is adorned with a Snoqualmie Tribe-crafted band.
“A thousand circle suns, not old
Time will stretch and loop and fold
So stop, breathe out, breathe in, behold
The trees have sung a story told”
About Issaquah
Issaquah blends arts, culture, and outdoor adventure. From the Cougar Mountain Zoo to Lake Sammamish State Park, there’s something for every visitor.
Ole-Bolle
Nordic Northwest, Portland, Oregon
Ole-Bolle kneels on Nordic Northwest’s wooded grounds, peering into a red house, seemingly searching for a giant cookie jar.
Crafted from 99% reclaimed wood, Ole-Bolle was built with the help of 60 volunteers over 10 days.
“There’s something in the air that something makes my belly rumble
Something smells so strong it hits me almost makes me stumble
Could it be the little people cooking something smelly
In their cooking jar, so I can put them in my belly”
About Nordic Northwest
This nonprofit celebrates Nordic culture through events, exhibits, and a historic log home, Fogelbo. Its cultural hub offers a taste of Nordic heritage with a modern twist, hosting over 150 annual events.
Discover the PNW Dambo Trolls
The Dambo trolls bring something special to the PNW – art that inspires, educates, and entertains. Each troll offers a chance to explore the area’s natural beauty while learning about sustainability and local traditions.
Whether you’re visiting one or planning a full troll-hunting adventure, these incredible sculptures add a touch of magic to the region. Don’t miss your chance to meet them!
