Following the success of Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail, which attracted tens of thousands of visitors and raised significant funds for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Portland will once again transform with a citywide public art experience designed to drive visitation and exploration.

Launching in early August 2026, Wildwood: Follow the Crows is a free, self‑guided public art trail presented in partnership with LAIKA, OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Wild in Art, the Portland Metro Chamber and Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. Timed to align with peak northern‑hemisphere travel season, the trail offers a distinctive cultural draw for Australian travellers planning a US West Coast itinerary.

Nearly six‑foot‑tall artist‑designed crow sculptures inspired by LAIKA’s upcoming stop‑motion fantasy film Wildwood will be installed throughout Downtown Portland. Created by local and regional artists, the sculptures encourage visitors to explore the city on foot, supported by digital maps, apps and programming.

“After seeing the joy and energy that Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail brought to Downtown Portland, we knew we wanted to build on that momentum with another bold, creative experience,” said Andrew Hoan, President & CEO of the Portland Metro Chamber. “Wildwood: Follow the Crows will once again invite people to explore Downtown in a playful, meaningful way while supporting a great cause.”

LAIKA, the award‑winning animation studio behind Coraline and Kubo and the Two Strings, is based in Portland, and the story of Wildwood draws strongly on the city and its surrounding landscapes.

“Wildwood is deeply rooted in the places and story of Portland, and this art trail gives us a beautiful way to celebrate the film’s themes of adventure, bravery, and community in our hometown,” said David Burke, Chief Marketing & Operations Officer of LAIKA.

The project is managed by OHSU Foundation and will conclude with an auction of the crow sculptures to raise funds for OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

“This trail creates moments of joy and connection for families while directly supporting the care we provide to children across the region,” said Dr. Dana Braner, Physician‑in‑Chief at OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

Wild in Art, the internationally recognised producer of large‑scale public art trails, is supporting the project.

“Our events enable thousands of people of all ages to experience art by making it part of everyday life, while offering new ways for people to explore their local area,” said Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co‑Founder of Wild in Art.

Directed by Travis Knight and based on the bestselling novel by Colin Meloy, Wildwood is scheduled for release in October 2026. In the lead‑up to the film’s release, LAIKA’s promotional activity highlights Portland destinations and landmarks, positioning the city as a compelling stop for Australian travellers seeking immersive, story‑driven experiences in the USA.

Check out the YouTube teaser for Wildwood here: Follow the crows… all will be revealed. #wildwood