In recent years, the city of Tacoma has become one of the most popular destinations in the state for young couples, new families and first-time home buyers. One of the reasons the Tacoma area is so popular is the city’s close proximity to some of the best outdoor greenspaces in the state. Perfect for dog owners, Tacoma is also home to a number of great off-leash dog parks. Whether you are looking to get out and meet other dog owners in the area or are simply in search of a convenient place to exercise with your pooch, Tacoma dog parks are some of the most welcoming and beautiful parks in the Pacific Northwest. From big to small and everything in between, there is a perfect park out there waiting for you and your pooch to explore.
1. Wapato Park
Source: doggoes.com
Leash-free fun is easy to enjoy for dogs of all sizes and breeds at this beautiful South Tacoma park. Wapato Park is a dog lovers dream with three fully-fenced areas for dogs to roam. You’ll love the miles of walking trails, convenient shelters for those rainy Pacific Northwest days and plenty of access to watering stations for your dogs. If you need a break from all the fun, Wapato Park also has a number of well-maintained benches and rest areas available for you to gather the strength to keep up with your pup. As an added bonus, one of the three main fenced areas is reserved specifically for shy or smaller breed dogs to make sure everyone gets a chance to enjoy this beautiful space.
2. McKinley Park
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If you’re in the mood for a bit of a trek with your dog, make your way out to the off-leash area at McKinley Park. Here, you and your furry friend can enjoy a sprawling seven acres of fully-fenced greenspace that is safe from the hustle and bustle of Interstate 5. Perfect for home owners who live near the busy downtown Tacoma area, McKinley Park is a great place for the whole family to spend an afternoon. Your dogs will love the many different trail options here as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and their owners.
The off-leash area of McKinley is located in the lower section of the park, but whenever you and your pooch are ready for a change of scenery simply put them back on their leash and explore the remaining 21 acres of this beautiful and popular Tacoma park.
3. Point Defiance Park
Source: wikimedia.org
Not only is Point Defiance Park one of the most popular greenspaces in the state for residents and visitors to enjoy, it is also home to one of the best dog parks in Tacoma. As the largest park in Pierce County, Point Defiance Park has a dedicated seven acres of off-leash fun to offer dog owners and their pups to enjoy year round. Perfect for a good hike with your dog, you’ll find two main parking areas that give you access to the off-leash area of the park. If you’re interested in getting the full Point Defiance experience, simply leash your dog when hitting one of the many trails in the on-leash areas like the popular Fort Nisqually Picnic Area.
4. Rogers Park
Source: wikipedia.org
As the first off-leash dog park in Tacoma, Rogers Park holds a special place in the hearts of residents here. Serving the east side of the city, Rogers Park offers dog owners and their pups just under two acres of open space to enjoy. This is an ideal space for getting in a quick game of fetch or taking a stroll with your pooch. With a fully-fenced play area, drinking fountains, benches, and a sheltered area that is perfect for rainy days, urban dog owners can’t get enough of this conveniently located park. Perfect for getting in your regular morning or evening walk, dog owners who venture out to this beloved neighborhood park can always count on great opportunities to meet other dog lovers, new dogs and other pet-loving members of the community here.
5. Fort Steilacoom Park
Source: thenewstribune.com
Located in the Tacoma suburb of Lakewood, Fort Steilacoom Park is made up of over 340 acres of beautiful greenspace. With a designated 22 acres of the park devoted to dogs and their owners, this is a great place to get out and enjoy an afternoon with the whole family. Here you will find large fenced-in areas that are designed for both large and small dogs, miles of well-kept walking trails, water stations, complimentary scoop bag stations and even on-site porta pottys for dog owners who may need them!
Due to the size and condition of the off-leash area here, visitors travel from all over Tacoma and the surrounding areas to get in a day of fun with their dogs. Great for those who are looking for a something fun to do with their dogs outside of the city, a trip to Fort Steilacoom Park can easily be completed with an hour or two. Make a day out of it by checking out the expansive trail system, sports fields, state-of-the-art playground and two picnic shelters before or after heading out to the popular off-leash dog area.
2 Point Highlight
One of the reasons the Tacoma area is so popular is the city’s close proximity to some of the best outdoor greenspaces in the state.
Whether you are looking to get out and meet other dog owners in the area or are simply in search of a convenient place to exercise with your pooch, Tacoma dog parks are some of the most welcoming and beautiful parks in the Pacific Northwest.
