One of the most exciting activities you can enjoy in Seattle is going troll hunting. This marks our final quest for trolls in Washington, as we've discovered all five! It was an incredibly fun experience with my kids. Our last troll is located in Issaquah, where we’ll meet Jakob Two Trees, and I can hardly contain my excitement! Let’s go!
Cherry Blossom in West Seattle
My husband and I both have the same little cut on our hands, and it's a sweet coincidence worth mentioning. It's not easy to find someone special in life, and I'm blessed to have him. Even Jakob thinks it's cute!
Dining: Japanese Food
If you love Japanese food, you should try Orenji Sushi & Noodles, it’s only 7 minutes away from the community center. We ordered their house tonkotsu ramen - portion was a bit small, Orenji Dragon Roll, and Big Island Poke- no rice but still satisfying, and they were all delicious! The staff was very attentive and seemed to enjoy their work. The overall experience was amazing. I wish they were closer because the food is definitely worth a return visit.
Hunting for trolls around Seattle has been a fun journey. Hopping on and off the ferry was exciting for the whole family, and my little ones loved the experience. It’s a unique activity to do in Seattle. We’ve finally seen all five trolls in Washington State, and now we’re heading to Mount Rainier National Park, known as one of the oldest parks in the world!
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Travel Tips
- For flights, Skyscanner is excellent for comparing the best airline deals.
- For accommodations, our family trusts Booking.com for reasonable prices.
- Organize your trips easily with a Travel Planner.
- For tried-and-true travel and hiking gear, check out our Amazon Storefront.
From the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to Issaquah Community Center
Jacob Two Trees was the last troll we visited and the farthest from us since we lived in Kitsap County. We began our trip from the Southworth Ferry to the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride took about 30 minutes and was relaxing and comfortable. We traveled at the end of March, marking the beginning of spring in Seattle, and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Fortunately, we found a great spot less than 10 minutes from the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
From the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal to the Issaquah Community Center, it takes about 30-40 minutes to drive. I didn’t enjoy the drive much because we were back in the big city with a five-lane freeway; it felt like being back in Los Angeles. Living in Kitsap County made me appreciate the simplicity of just having two lanes, fewer cars, and feeling safer. Anyway, drive carefully and stick to the speed limit.
- Address: 3700 SW Juneau St, Seattle, WA 98126
- 7 minutes away from Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal
- Where to Find Less Crowded Cherry Blossoms in Seattle
We went at the end of March, which means it's officially spring in Seattle, and the flowers are blooming, so we thought, why not stop and see them? We avoided the crowds, as there are lots of places in Seattle that are lined with cherry blossom trees. We found a great spot not too far from the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal.
They mentioned that the flowers reach peak bloom for about 10 days, depending on the weather. It's best to see them from the end of March to the first week of April. I picked some flowers from the ground and gave them to my little one, and his smile was ecstatic, like he had discovered a treasure. I love how children see the world with curiosity and wonder. My kids are teaching me to slow down and appreciate the little things around me. Slow travel has been very rewarding, making each trip feel richer, deeper, and more memorable.
After enjoying the cherry blossoms, we drove to Jacob Two Trees in Issaquah.
After enjoying the cherry blossoms, we drove to Jacob Two Trees in Issaquah.
Troll Hunting Etiquette
- Avoid climbing on the troll.
- Refrain from writing on or damaging the artwork.
- Please do not leave any litter behind.
- If following these rules is hard for you, it's better not to visit them!
Final Troll Quest: Meeting with Jakob Two Trees
How to Find Jakob Two Trees
- Issaquah Community Center
- Address: 301 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA 98027
- Located along the Rainier Trail
- Free parking
- Stroller-friendly
If you go on a Sunday, make sure to use the restroom on the ferry if you’re not stopping anywhere else, as the Community Center is closed. They are open on Saturdays, though.
From the Issaquah Community Center parking lot, take the Rainier Trail. Walk past the dog park, follow the stream, and after a few minutes, you'll see Jacob Two Trees on your right. The path is paved, so you can easily bring a stroller. We saw all five trolls, and Jacob was fun because he was standing up and holding two trees like he was playing hide and seek. He also wears a necklace with birdhouses, and his eyes seemed to be watching the road, keeping an eye on every hiker passing by, maybe even wishing them well. We didn't stay long because it started to rain harder, and we weren't prepared, so we had to skip other nearby trails too.
The creator of these beautiful sculptures is Thomas Dambo from Denmark. He uses scrap wood and pallets to create sculptures that stand 15 to 20 feet tall, or 4 to 6 meters high.
These "Guardians of Nature" or "Forest Protectors" are here to demonstrate the power of recycling—turning someone’s trash into treasure—and to encourage a greater appreciation for nature and the protection of our planet.
For more troll-hunting escapades, seek out Bruun Idun in Lincoln Park or Frankie Feetsplinters in Ballard. Hop on the ferry to Bainbridge Island to meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and be sure to visit Oscar the Bird King of Vashon Island. Additionally, Snoqualmie Falls is just a 20-minute drive from Issaquah, while Downtown Seattle, also 20 minutes away, offers attractions like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the Big Wheel. Plus, it's conveniently located only 30 minutes from the airport.
List of Thomas Dambo Trolls in Washington State
- Jakob Two Trees: Located along the Rainier Trail near the Issaquah Community Center.
What To Do Next...
Dessert at Boehm Candies
Check out Boehm Candies, 5 minutes away from the Issaquah Community Center; we tried their ice cream in Poulsbo, and it was delicious. They've been in business for eighty years, which says a lot about their quality.
Explore Front Street and Gilman Village
Visit Gilman Village at Northwest Gilman Boulevard. We went to Issaquah Coffee Company, but it was crowded, and the staff seemed overwhelmed. It took a while to get our order, so you might want to try other cafes nearby. Explore Front Street, just a 4-minute drive from here. You'll find a variety of cafés and restaurants to enjoy in the area.
Mudhouse Pottery Painting at Gilman Village offers a unique activity if you live nearby, since you need to leave your pottery artwork there, and it will be ready for pickup in two weeks.
Visit Gilman Village at Northwest Gilman Boulevard. We went to Issaquah Coffee Company, but it was crowded, and the staff seemed overwhelmed. It took a while to get our order, so you might want to try other cafes nearby. Explore Front Street, just a 4-minute drive from here. You'll find a variety of cafés and restaurants to enjoy in the area.
- Orenji Sushi & Noodles
- Address: 5625 221st Pl SE Unit #110-120, Issaquah, WA 98027
If you love Japanese food, you should try Orenji Sushi & Noodles, it’s only 7 minutes away from the community center. We ordered their house tonkotsu ramen - portion was a bit small, Orenji Dragon Roll, and Big Island Poke- no rice but still satisfying, and they were all delicious! The staff was very attentive and seemed to enjoy their work. The overall experience was amazing. I wish they were closer because the food is definitely worth a return visit.
Hunting for trolls around Seattle has been a fun journey. Hopping on and off the ferry was exciting for the whole family, and my little ones loved the experience. It’s a unique activity to do in Seattle. We’ve finally seen all five trolls in Washington State, and now we’re heading to Mount Rainier National Park, known as one of the oldest parks in the world!
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Explore Washington:
- Seattle: Discover the Vibrant Capital of Washington
- Leavenworth – The Bavarian Village That Brings a Touch of Europe Right Here in the U.S.
- Poulsbo - Discover Washington’s "Charming Tiny Slice of Norway"
- Explore Port Orchard's Charming Waterfront: A Perfect Weekend Getaway from Seattle
- Go Troll Hunting in Seattle, Washington. Let's catch them all before they disappear!
- Meet His Royal Majesty Oscar the Bird King Troll, on Vashon Island
- Explore Bainbridge Island: meet a troll and enjoy a brew from Washington's first coffee roaster!
Do you want more adventure?
Where am I going next?
- For my next adventure, we’ll be exploring the beauty of Vancouver, Canada: Snowshoeing in Grouse Mountain for my birthday and taking the kids to the famous Capilano Bridge.
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