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Jakob Two Trees, Issaquah's Troll
Meet Jakob Two Trees
Fashioned entirely out of recycled materials, Jakob and the other trolls are large-scale public art installations that tell a tale of protecting nature and honoring the land and waterways.
Jakob stands around 14-ft. tall, looking down at passersby who walk near him on the trail.
He is the first troll to have a ponytail, with a band made by the Snoqualmie Tribe holding his hair in place. He wears a necklace of birdhouses over his fur, inviting forest creatures to come spend an afternoon with him.
Jakob Two Trees is one of six in the region, the other trolls are on Bainbridge Island; Ballard, Seattle; Portland, Vashon Island and West Seattle.
Thomas Dambo and NWTrolls: Way of the Bird King
The Nordic Trolls spring from the imagination of Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo. He channels his Nordic heritage and the mythical folklore of his youth, to create large-scale whimsical Trolls, with a modern twist.
The NW Troll project, themed “Way of the Bird King,” includes six sites in the Pacific Northwest where Danish environmental artist, Thomas Dambo, is installing large-scale whimsical trolls.
Each whimsical troll sculpture is part of an underlying environmental story. The project reinforces the shared values of environmental stewardship for watershed protection, restoration, and preservation of riparian habitats. It also celebrates the human experience of art by amplifying the connections of cultural heritage between Coast Salish tribal communities and Scandinavian traditions.
Visiting Jakob Two Trees
Jakob Two Trees hangs out approximately a quarter mile from the Issaquah Community Center, down the Rainier Trail.
If you start at the Issaquah Community Center (301 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA 98027) and walk south on the paved Rainier Trail past the Dog Park, you will find Jakob several minutes down the trail.
Bus
Nearby routes include the 554, and 208, 271.
By Bike or By Foot
Issaquah is a great place for a scenic bike ride. You can even ride your bike right up to the troll on the paved trail.
Car
Consider carpooling to reduce your environmental impact in visiting the Troll. The Issaquah Community Center has public EV chargers available for use for a small fee.
You will need to walk or bike for about a quarter mile down the trail to reach the Troll.
Nearby parking is limited. There is a small lot at the Issaquah Community Center (301 Rainier Blvd S, Issaquah, WA 98027) and parking available on nearby streets.
Please do! Give Jakob a high-five or a hug!
The intention is that visitors can interact and engage with the Trolls. Please refrain from climbing on Jakob to keep him healthy.
By virtue of the recycled materials, the Trolls are intended to be temporary installations for the public to enjoy for several years. Issaquah Parks will maintain Jakob, in consultation with Thomas Dambo and his team as needed.