If you don’t have enough space to give your dog a run at home, off-leash dog parks are lifesavers, especially in urban areas like Lacey. These areas are surrounded by secure fences with double-gated entrances, so you can be certain that your dog will be safe while they play.
Since there’s only one off-leash dog park in Lacey itself, this list includes six more places to visit in Olympia and Tacoma. Those parks require a bit of a drive to get to, but they’re worth checking out.
The Off-Leash Dog Park in Lacey
1. Hawk’s Prairie Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516 |
| Open Times: | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- There is a small area for timid dogs and a big area for active or large breeds.
- Both areas are fully fenced, with double-gated entrances for security.
- Located behind the Thurston County Waste and Recovery Center.
- No tree coverage or shade except for in the small dog area, so don’t stay out too long in summer.
- Clear days offer a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier.
The 6 Off-Leash Dog Parks Around Lacey
2. Chambers Bay Dog Park
| ️ Address: | University Place, WA 98466 |
| Open Times: | Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- A 1-acre, off-leash area located in Chambers Creek Regional Park.
- Funded and maintained by SUNDogs, a Washington-based non-profit group dedicated to dogs.
- Dogs that love to swim will adore the off-leash access to the beach that’s a short walk from the park.
- Your dog might get dirty due to the sand, so bring a towel and water to clean them off.
- There is no shade available, so make sure you visit during cooler hours on hot days.
3. Dupont Powderworks Off-Leash Dog Park
| ️ Address: | DuPont, WA 98327 |
| Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Located on the east side of Dupont Powderworks Park, so remember to keep your dog leashed until you reach the fenced area.
- Two off-leash areas for all sorts of dogs.
- Public restrooms available at the park.
- Plenty of walking paths throughout the main park for leashed dog walks.
- No covered areas in the dog park to take shelter from the rain or sun.
4. Fort Steilacoom Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 8804 Dresden Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498 |
| Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- There are two large fields for big or small dogs, and both are fully fenced.
- Located a few miles outside of Lacey, but the massive off-leash area is worth the drive.
- The main park contains sports courts, a children’s playground, and walking trails; make sure your dog is leashed in these areas.
- Fresh water and dog waste bags are available in both off-leash areas.
- Popular with local dog owners and can get busy in the afternoons.
5. McLane Off-Leash Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 4421 Mud Bay Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502 |
| Open Times: | 24/7 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- A huge fenced area for dogs to explore, with a double-gated entrance.
- Right next to a nature trail for leashed walks.
- Limited seating for long visits.
- Remember to bring your own water, as there are no water stations.
- There is a fenced area for shy dogs and plenty of shade for hot days.
6. Olympia Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 2008 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98501 |
| Open Times: | 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- There is no running water, and while some owners do have water to share, bring your own just in case.
- A 5-acre off-leash area with separate spaces for shy and outgoing dogs.
- There is a dog waste station by the entrance but no bags, so remember to bring your own.
- The park can get busy and there is limited parking available.
- There are a few trees, but the shade available on sunny days is limited.
7. Wapato Park Off-Leash Dog Park
| ️ Address: | 6802 S Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408 |
| Open Times: | 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Three fenced areas for dogs of all personalities, with plenty of space to play.
- There is a long nature trail around the nearby lake, but you must keep your dog leashed.
- Water stations are located in the off-leash area, as well as dog waste bags and trash cans.
- The parking lot for the dog park is often full, but there is another parking area if you don’t mind a walk.
- Can get muddy, with many puddles for dogs to play in.
Conclusion
There might only be one official off-leash dog park in Lacey, but the city is nestled between Olympia and Tacoma, and both places have several dog parks too. It’s a bit of a drive to get to them, but they offer plenty of open space to explore and new dogs to play with. Remember that many of the off-leash areas are inside community parks, so you should only let your dog loose when you’re safely inside the fenced dog areas.
Featured Image Credit: Jesper Brouwers, Unsplash
