Despite what you may believe, not every troll lives under a bridge. Don’t believe us? You must visit Bainbridge Island, Washington, and experience it yourself.
Here, you’ll find Pia the Peacekeeper. This playful troll is one of the most breathtaking and unique sculptures you’ll ever see.
Today, we’re introducing you to Pia the Peacekeeper and how you can visit her in person.
Let’s get going!
What is Pia the Peacekeeper Troll?
Pia the Peacekeeper is an 18-foot-tall troll made entirely from recycled wood. She is the product of artist Thomas Dambo, one of the world’s leading artists in this particular art style. The sculpture is one of more than 100 sites across the globe created by Dambo, six of which are throughout West Seattle, Vashon Island, Issaquah, Ballard, and Portland.
Dambo described Pia when he said, “is like a playful troll, because she is playing with the humans, but she’s also a little bit scary, because she’s kind of strong, like a little girl can sometimes by accident break a leg or poke an eye out or light a fire to the hair of her doll.”
Despite her cute and calm appearance, Dambo warns, “Don’t upset Pia because you might lose a leg.” So, mind your manners if you’re brave enough to track down Pia the Peacekeeper. You certainly don’t want to upset her.
HOT TIP
Be sure to read How Twilight Put Forks, Washington, on the Map if you’re headed to the Evergreen State.
About Bainbridge Island
Bainbridge Island is a 17,778-acre island that sits across Elliot Bay from Seattle. It has a population of around 25,000, but the Suquamish people and their ancestors have inhabited the lands for thousands of years.
Sadly, the Suquamish tribe signed the Point Elliot Treaty in 1855, trading all their land to the United States government. In exchange, the Suquamish people received a reservation at Port Madison and the ability to fish freely in Puget Sound.
Today, this suburb of the bustling city of Seattle has become an affluent community. Many of its residents regularly take the 35-minute ferry ride across the bay into Seattle. On a clear day, you can enjoy a pretty epic view of Mount Rainier anywhere in the city.
An interesting fact about the city is that it’s the original home of pickleball. Joel Pritchard, a former congressman and lieutenant governor of Washington, had a summer home here. In 1965, his family and friends created the game out of boredom and a lack of a shuttlecock to play badminton.
How to See Pia the Peacekeeper Troll
If you’re visiting Seattle, the easiest way to see Pia the Peacekeeper Troll is by taking the ferry. From there, Pia sits approximately a mile from the ferry terminal inside Sakai Park. It’s a relatively easy walk, but can be challenging for some.
Head west toward Ferry Dock/Olympic Dr. Southeast when leaving the ferry terminal. Turn right once you reach WA-305 and continue for approximately 0.8 of a mile. You’ll then turn left to stay on WA-305 South. Next, turn left onto High School Road Northeast for the final 0.2 miles. The John Nelson Trail is a short, looping trail that makes it easy to spot Pia.
For those who want to take public transportation, you’ll want to get off at 305 and High School Road. It’s essential to know that public transit isn’t available on Sundays. In addition, if you plan to drive yourself, be aware that parking at Sakai Park is limited.
Things to Do Near Pia the Peacekeeper Troll
Visiting Pia the Peacekeeper Troll will typically take approximately an hour. As a result, you’ll need to find other things to do in the area. Luckily, there are several other fun activities for you to enjoy nearby.
Explore the Bloedel Reserve
The Bloedel Reserve is a 140-acre, lush and tranquil garden. Plan to spend an hour or two here to do it justice. The reserve has a quiet and peaceful looping trail that can be an incredible opportunity to take in all it offers.
The facility is open year-round, rain or shine. No matter what season or day you visit, it can be an entirely new experience. The trails are lined with bark and easy to navigate, even if you’re a family with a stroller. Despite this, some sections are steep and can be tricky.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to connect with nature and relax, Bloedel Reserve might be it. We caution you, though, reserve your timed entry ticket in advance, as they do not accept walk-ups. They offer a pay-what-you-wish community day on the first Wednesday of the month.
Bainbridge Island Museum of Art
On your way back to the ferry terminal, make sure you plan to stop at the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA). The museum features an extensive collection of work from artists from the Puget Sound region. It opened in 2013 and has since grown into a cultural hub for the community. There’s always something exciting and fun going on here.
Not only does the museum have some incredible works of art, but there’s no admission required. They do offer special events occasionally that, at times, require a ticket. Regardless, they’re open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and provide free parking.
You’ll want to plan for about an hour or two to experience the entire museum. Take your time to explore each exhibit and appreciate it. Curators take selecting pieces very seriously, and the decision-making process can take several months. It’s certainly not something they take lightly.
Hike the Grand Forest
Grand Forest is a great place to get your heart pumping or enjoy a leisurely walk in the woods. This 240-acre forest has approximately eight miles of trails that sit under the canopy of a second-growth forest. You’ll spot firs, cedars, maples, and a handful of giant conifers.
Over the years, it’s become a popular spot for trail users on the island. The trials are relatively flat and have a mixture of surfaces that include dirt, mulch, and gravel. As a result, it’s not wheelchair accessible.
The main trail is a 1.5-mile walk through West Grand Forest. You’ll cross a wooden bridge over Issei Creek and see a small pond. However, this trail connects with numerous other trails that allow you to extend your trip.
Unfortunately, there are only 10 parking spots here. Snagging a space can be challenging if you arrive on weekends or holidays. Plan to arrive early or visit during the week.
Relax at Fay Bainbridge Park
On the north side of the island is Fay Bainbridge Park. This is a 17-acre park that has 1,420 feet of saltwater shoreline. You’ll have incredible views of Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Puget Sound from the sandy shore.
If you want to extend your stay, Fay Bainbridge Park offers 45 campsites, 17 for tents, and the remainder for RVs. It’s a fantastic spot to enjoy the view and relax without feeling rushed. Staying here makes it easy to explore the entire island, whether on foot or by car.
Take A Ferry To Seattle
One of the best features of Bainbridge Island is the easy access to Seattle via the ferry. You can either take your vehicle or walk onto the ferry. The trip from Bainbridge Island to Seattle is free for pedestrians on foot. On the other hand, the return trip will cost either way. Prices range from $4.60 to $20.90, depending on your mode of transportation and vehicle size.
It’s only a 35-minute ride, and you’ll arrive at Pier 50. You’ll be steps away from the Seattle Aquarium, T-Mobile Park, and Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. You can enjoy the skyline view during the approach and access almost everything you need or want to explore in Seattle once you arrive.
Meet Pia the Peacekeeper Troll in Person
Bring your camera and take plenty of pictures if you meet Pia the Peacekeeper Troll in person. This incredible creation is a work of art and is easy to appreciate. The intricate details are evidence of the artist’s astonishing gift. If you’re planning a trip to the Seattle area, consider setting aside some time to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and visit Pia.
If You Want the Latest Travel News, Join Our Mailing List
Don’t rely on biased RV industry news sources to keep you informed. Stick with Nomadic News. We publish articles and breaking stories that matter to you every weekday.
