A giant troll named Pia the Peacekeeper sits in the woods, built from recycled wood, and finding her costs nothing. She waits just a short stroll from a small parking lot.
Kids reach her in about two minutes flat.
Pia isn’t alone, either. She belongs to a family of giant trolls scattered around the Pacific Northwest.
A QR code near her lets you track every troll you find, like a real-life treasure map.
I love how this turns a quick walk into a quest. One sighting seems to spark a whole troll-hunting habit.
Families start with Pia and suddenly want to find them all.
This gentle giant lives on an island in Washington, a ferry ride from Seattle. So how big is she, really?
And what makes her hair and necklace so memorable?
A Giant Wooden Troll Is Waiting For You In The Woods
Friends of the Bainbridge Troll is the arts group behind Pia the Peacekeeper, a huge troll sculpture on Bainbridge Island. She sits in a wooded park in Washington, close to the entrance parking lot.
Pia is built from recycled wood, which makes her both artwork and a clever reuse project. Her creator gave her plenty of character, from her flowing hair to her detailed fingers and toenails.
The group carries the mission forward by caring for Pia and her spot in the forest. Their work keeps this giant ready for the next round of curious visitors.
Here’s the best part for budget-minded families. Visiting Pia is free, so the whole adventure costs nothing beyond getting there.
That makes her a rare find in a world of pricey outings. You get a towering sculpture, fresh forest air, and a story your kids will retell for weeks.
Pia also carries a lovely name that sets the mood. Peacekeeper sounds friendly, and many families treat her like a gentle forest guardian rather than a scary monster.
Fans online often call the experience magical and peaceful. With a 4.8-star rating across hundreds of Google reviews, this troll clearly wins people over.
Pia Belongs To A Whole Family Of Pacific Northwest Giants
Pia has siblings, and that changes everything for curious kids. She’s one of several giant trolls placed around the Seattle area and beyond.
These recycled-wood giants are the work of Danish artist Thomas Dambo. His trolls appear in spots like Issaquah, Vashon Island, and other corners of the region, with one even reaching Oregon.
Some families turn the whole set into a mission. One family saw the Issaquah giant first, then felt so much wonder they visited several more that same day.
That kind of momentum is easy to understand. Once kids meet one troll, the natural next question becomes, where’s the next one?
Pia fits neatly into that bigger hunt. Because she sits on an island, she often becomes a special stop that families plan for, rather than a quick detour.
Many first-timers say Pia was their very first troll sighting. Afterward, they wanted to track down the rest of the crew.
Honestly, it’s a smart way to explore Washington. Each troll leads you to a new town, a new trail, and a fresh slice of the Pacific Northwest you might have skipped otherwise.
Her Hair, Necklace, And Toenails Steal The Show
Look closely at Pia’s toenails. Yes, toenails, and they’re one of the details people remember most.
Her wooden hair and necklace also earn plenty of love. Fans single out those features along with her fingers, which show how much care went into every piece.
Pia is described as huge by many visitors. Still, one honest visitor found her smaller than expected, so it helps to keep expectations grounded.
Size aside, the craftsmanship clearly impresses. People often marvel at the amount of work poured into her, and they praise the artist behind her.
Recycled wood gives Pia a rustic, earthy texture. She blends into the forest while still standing out as something wonderfully strange.
Kids can play a fun game here. Ask them to spot the hair, the necklace, the fingers, and the toenails, then pick a favorite feature.
That small challenge keeps little eyes busy and curious. It also helps them notice how an artist turns old materials into something full of personality.
Bring a camera, because Pia makes a natural photo spot. Families love lining up beside her for a picture that shows just how tiny everyone looks.
Scan A QR Code And Start Your Troll Treasure Hunt
Treasure hunters, grab a phone. A QR code at the troll lets you make an account that tracks your progress finding all the trolls.
That simple feature turns a single stop into a long-running game. Kids can watch their troll count grow with each new find around the region.
Geocachers have extra reasons to smile here. One visitor completed their very first Adventure Lab at Pia, which is a guided location-based challenge.
The same visitor also found a bonus geocache hidden along the way. They suggested bringing small trinkets to trade, which is classic geocaching fun.
For families new to this hobby, Pia makes a friendly starting point. The walk is short, the troll is easy to spot, and the reward feels big.
Picking a goal can add even more excitement. Some families aim to visit every troll in the area across a season or summer.
Grandparents can join the hunt without much effort, too. The tracking part happens on a phone, while the walking stays easy.
It’s a clever mix of art, tech, and the outdoors. Few free outings in Washington offer that much replay value.
The Walk Is So Short Little Legs Won’t Complain
About two minutes. That’s roughly how long it takes to reach Pia from the parking area.
One visitor estimated the distance at about 50 meters, while another described an easy 10-minute stroll. Either way, it’s a gentle walk that suits toddlers and grandparents alike.
Short walk is one of the most common things people mention about this spot. Easy to find comes up often too, which helps when you’re wrangling kids.
Accessibility also gets positive notes. Pia sits close to the entrance parking lot, so you won’t need special gear or hiking skills.
No boots, no backpacks, and no trail maps required. Comfortable shoes and a little curiosity will cover it.
For families with small kids, that’s a huge relief. Nobody melts down halfway because there isn’t really a halfway.
The area around Pia also appears well maintained. That keeps the path tidy and pleasant for strollers and slower walkers.
You can easily stretch the visit if energy remains. Relaxing trails continue past the troll, so restless kids can explore a bit more before heading home.
Trails, A Ravine, And A Small Lake Sit Just Beyond Pia
Pia is only the opening act. From her spot, a trail leads down toward Winslow Ravine and a small lake.
That gives families a nice bonus without extra cost. You can visit the troll, then wander a little deeper into the woods.
Forest smells add to the charm. One geocacher described the air in the woods as crisp and fresh, which sounds like a perfect reset for screen-tired kids.
Peaceful experience and beautiful site both show up in what people share about the area. It’s a calm place to slow down for a bit.
Restrooms are reportedly available a little further down the trail from the parking lot. That small detail matters a lot when traveling with young children.
Not everyone finds plenty to do here, though. One visitor felt the immediate area offered little beyond the troll, calling it better for a quick stop than a full day.
Fair enough, and that’s useful to know. Treat Pia and the nearby trails as a sweet short outing, then pair it with other island plans.
A relaxed hour here can still feel like a real adventure in Washington’s woods.
Small Explorers And Patient Grandparents Both Fit Right In
Families with small kids top the list of happy visitors. Folks describe it as family friendly and a great pick for young children.
One parent called it the best thing they did all winter with their daughter. That says a lot about how memorable a simple troll visit can be.
Wonder seems to be the main ingredient. Kids get to meet a giant from a storybook, and adults get to watch that excitement unfold.
Grandparents will appreciate the easy logistics. A short walk, close parking, and a nearby trail make this outing gentle on the knees.
Visitors are also described as nice and kind. A friendly crowd makes a big difference when kids are running around with excitement.
Photo lovers will be busy, too. Pia makes a natural backdrop for family photos, especially when everyone stands at her feet for scale.
Art fans get something special as well. Pia counts as a real art installation, so the visit doubles as a mini outdoor museum trip.
Really, almost anyone can enjoy this stop. All it asks is a bit of time and an appetite for whimsy.
Parking, Ferries, And Timing Tips Before You Go
You’ll find Pia at 1500 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. She sits near the entrance parking lot, so she’s easy to locate once you arrive.
Parking is the main catch. Visitors repeatedly mention limited spots, with one counting only about six to eight spaces.
Timing can help a lot. One visitor arrived in the early evening and found no other cars there.
Busy moments do happen, though. Another person found the park quite crowded during their visit, so flexible plans work best.
Coming from Seattle means taking the ferry. One visitor estimated the vehicle round trip at roughly forty dollars, though fares can change, so check before you go.
Walk-on travelers have an option, too. Pia sits about a seven-minute drive from the Bainbridge ferry terminal, and she’s a short walk from the main street area.
Hungry or thirsty after the hunt? A Starbucks sits close by for a quick snack or warm drink.
Since entry is free, your main costs are travel and treats. That keeps this Washington outing friendly to tight family budgets.
Why This Gentle Giant Earns A Spot On Your Weekend List
Free art, fresh air, and a giant with toenails. That’s a pretty strong pitch for any family weekend.
Friends of the Bainbridge Troll helps keep Pia welcoming for every curious visitor. Their care lets families enjoy a world-class sculpture without paying admission.
Is it an all-day destination? Probably not, and one honest visitor suggested not rearranging an entire trip just for Pia.
Still, the payoff feels big for such a small effort. A short walk leads to a moment of awe that kids won’t forget quickly.
Pair her with the nearby trails, a snack stop, and a ferry ride. Suddenly, you’ve built a full and affordable island day.
The troll hunt keeps the fun going long after you leave. With a QR code tracking your finds, every future road trip around Washington could include another giant.
Plenty of visitors leave saying they want to see all the trolls now. That eager spark might be the best souvenir of all.
So pack the kids, check the ferry schedule, and go say hello. Pia the Peacekeeper is waiting patiently in the woods for her next treasure hunters.
