Magnusson Dog Park

I had never taken my 8 month old Jack Russell Terrier to a dog park before. She isn't very socialized and i was a bit nervous. I went with my neighbor and her Golden Lab, which is my pup's best friend. I think it helped her to have her friend with us. She barked a bit at first and hid from some of the other dogs but she took to it in no time. We went on a sunny Tuesday morning when there were plenty of people and pups but not too many. Just enough for a first trip. It was great! Very successful for our first visit. All the dog owners are either friendly or keep to themselves. There were a few dog walkers there with their pack of dogs following them around. It's a sight to see. She didn't get in the water, not quite ready for that yet. But it was a great day! The park is kept up really well with fences and tree bark in certain spaces. There are plastic bags hung on the fences in case you get a little surprise and are without a baggy. There is water available for play breaks. Highly Recommended! more

Magnusson Park in the Sandpoint area used to be a navy base. It now has a playground for kids, buildings (that were hangars) now used for all sorts of events and a terrific trail and beach for dogs off-leash. Especially hopping on the weekends, you see every sort of breed and their assorted owners and everyone is enjoying themselves! There is a separate area for small dogs so they don't get too bullied by the Newfies. more

Although not particularly close to downtown Seattle, this massive fenced-in dog park east of UW has acres and acres of fenced area to let your dog run off leash. It is one of the few places that can exhaust my Siberian Husky pup. There is even a beach where dogs can go out swimming. A little surreal looking around and seeing dozens of dogs and no people swimming. It's free and there is ample parking. more