Fremont Troll Under the Bridge, Burke Trail

When trolls go urban, they trade caves for underpasses and goats for Volkswagens.

As I pedaled away from the serene lake and the tech-tinged tranquility of the Burke Trail, I found myself drawn to a different kind of urban legend. The Fremont Troll, a massive concrete sculpture lurking beneath the George Washington Memorial Bridge, was my next stop. This isn't your average troll under a bridge; it's a behemoth clutching a real Volkswagen Beetle, as if it had plucked it from the streets above in a fit of trollish mischief. The contrast between the troll's rough, textured surface and the smooth, industrial lines of the bridge above was striking. A brave soul had climbed up to perch on the troll's head, perhaps contemplating their next Instagram post or just enjoying the view from atop this urban giant. The stairs leading up to the bridge offered a perfect vantage point to take in the scene, a blend of art, urban infrastructure, and a dash of whimsy. Seattle never ceases to amaze with its ability to blend the unexpected into the everyday. Who knew that a troll could become a beloved neighborhood icon, a testament to the city's quirky, creative spirit? As I stood there, I couldn't help but think that even trolls need a place to call home, and in Seattle, they get to do it in style.