Seattle Hidden Gems and Secret Spots


Hidden gems and secret spots can be found right in the middle of Seattle, just waiting to be discovered by explorers with an adventurous spirit and an eye for the unusual. Beyond the well-traveled paths and iconic landmarks, these mysterious areas of the city provide a window into a lesser-known world full of mystery, charm, and breathtaking natural beauty.

These are the hidden locations around Seattle that even the locals may not know about.

Ballard Troll
Hidden Gems

Ballard Troll

Add an overline text Ballard Troll Frankie has made himself at home in an urban environment at the National Nordic Museum in Ballard, Seattle, in contrast to the other trolls in the project, who live in forests and on beaches. Considering that Frankie was descended from a Nordic family, it makes perfect sense. This enormous…

West Seattle Troll
Hidden Gems

West Seattle Troll

West Seattle Giant Troll Named Bruun Idun, she is one of six trolls that Danish environmental artist Thomas Dambo is building in the Pacific Northwest out of wood scraps that were destined for landfills and fire piles. One trolls lives in Portland and One on Bainbridge Island as part of the “Northwest Trolls: Way of…

Seattle Waterfall Park
Hidden Gems

Waterfall Garden Park

Enter an exciting adventure that leaves the world of reality and travels into the land of enchantment. This amazing discovery is hidden deep within the Emerald City. Behold Seattle’s very own hidden jewel, a captivating sanctuary known as the Waterfall Garden Park, as it is revealed, unveiling an astounding secret that seems to have been…

Seattle Oxbow Park Georgetown
Hidden Gems

Oxbow Park

Welcome to Georgetown’s Oxbow Park, a unique setting that is home to one of Seattle’s oddest and cutest roadside attractions. A peculiar sight awaits, a huge cowboy hat and some colorful boots seem ready for a giant to step in. The history of these intriguing objects may be mysterious to those who are not familiar…

Valley of the Gnomes
Hidden Gems

Valley of the Gnomes

Tucked away in the charming Madrona area of Seattle, crossing a delightful pedestrian trestle bridge that meanders over a peaceful valley filled with trees will treat you to a lovely surprise. This unassuming bridge offers more than simply a route; upon it opens up a fantastical universe full of enchanted surprises that piques the interest….

Seattle Trolls and Gnomes
Hidden Gems

Freemont Troll

Freemont Troll The Iconic Figure Unveiling the Freemont Troll In the heart of Seattle’s vibrant Fremont neighborhood lies an iconic figure that stands not only as a testament to artistic ingenuity but also as a symbol of the area’s resilience in the face of challenges. The Fremont Troll, a colossal sculpture, came to life in…

Underground Seattle
Seattle Undergound

Embarking on a journey into the very soul of Seattle’s history, one must venture deep into the heart of Pioneer Square—a district that wears its past with pride. Here, beneath the lively streets and the modern hustle and bustle, an astonishing secret lies waiting to be unearthed—the Seattle Underground. This subterranean realm is a testament to the city’s transformative journey from its early days to the vibrant metropolis it is today.

The Underground is a network of passageways and storefronts that have remained frozen in time, preserving an era long past. The very streets where the pioneers once tread, where wagons and storefronts coexisted, have been captured in a poignant tableau, inviting you to step back in time and become part of the city’s living narrative. Each step through the Underground is a step through history—a journey into the heart of what Seattle once was.

Volunteer Park Conservatory

Not far away, tucked away in Volunteer Park’s leafy embrace, is the Volunteer Park Conservatory – a botanical paradise concealed right in front of your eyes. Home to exotic plants from all over the world that are kept in tightly regulated environments. As you stroll through this region, where the tropics and deserts combine in a symphony of hues and scents, time seems to stop still.

To those who dare venture past the obvious, Seattle’s secret locales and hidden jewels reveal themselves. They serve as a reminder that peaceful moments of discovery can be found and appreciated even in busy cities. Discovering the city’s secrets, riches, and poignant moments that make it a destination worth returning to is possible thanks to these undiscovered nooks and crannies.

Seattle Trolls and Gnomes
Freemont Troll

Seattle Mythical Creatures

Seattle’s cityscape is not just defined by its gleaming skyscrapers and iconic landmarks but also by the whispers of mythical creatures that linger in its misty air. From the legendary sea monster dwelling beneath the surface of Puget Sound to the elusive forest spirits said to roam the lush greenery of the city’s parks, Seattle is steeped in folklore. The Fremont Troll, guardian of the Aurora Bridge, embodies the city’s quirky spirit, while hidden gnomes scattered throughout neighborhoods add a touch of enchantment to urban life. These mythical beings, whether lurking in the depths of the sea or concealed in plain sight, contribute to the fantastical tapestry that weaves through the Emerald City, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the magic that lies just beyond the veil of everyday reality.

Seattle Walk Report

Secret Seattle

Susanna Ryan, cartoonist and author of Seattle Walk Report, strolls along with a whimsical new illustrated guidebook honoring Seattle’s natural marvels and historical gems. In Secret Seattle, Ryan delves into the peculiar and fascinating untold tales underlying several of the city’s most disregarded locations, structures, and amenities.