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5 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Lacey, WA (2024 Update): Places to Run Free

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Golden retriever dog walking outdoor

Lacey is one of the many urban areas in Washington with beautiful parks to walk your dog in. However, most of these areas require your dog to be leashed at all times. Due to this and to show respect to their fellow park visitors, many dog owners prefer to find designated off-leash areas to let their dogs stretch their legs.

Although many dog owners in Lacey want to introduce more off-leash dog areas, there is only one official dog park in the city at the moment. To help you find your favorite, this list has nearby off-leash areas too.

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The 1 Off-Leash Dog Park in Lacey, WA

1. Hawk’s Prairie Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey, WA 98516
🕐 Open Times: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in the double-gated off-leash area

  • Also known as Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Area.
  • On-site public restroom, dog water fountains, and a wheelchair-accessible parking lot.
  • 5-acre, double-gated off-leash area.
  • Dogs should be under voice control at all times and on a leash in the rest of the park.
  • Sand and gravel areas for digging and open grassy areas for playing fetch.

The 4 Off-Leash Dog Parks Near Lacey, WA

2. Fort Steilacoom Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍8804 Dresden Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the two off-leash areas

  • With 340 acres of space, it’s Lakewood’s largest park.
  • The off-leash area covers 22 acres of open space, with separate areas for big or small dogs.
  • Remember to keep your dog leashed elsewhere in the park.
  • Features include public restrooms, hiking trails, wheelchair-accessible parking lots, and baseball and soccer fields.
  • You can take part in the orienteering course and the yearly community events.

3. Wapato Off-Leash Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍6802 S Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408
🕐 Open Times: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the off-leash area

  • Separate off-leash areas for big and small dogs.
  • On-site water stations, trash cans, and poop bags.
  • Activities include walking and running trails, a kid’s playground, and fishing.
  • Remember to help keep the park clean by picking up after your dog!
  • Popular among dog owners but rarely gets crowded.

4. Rogers Park Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍3151 E L St, Tacoma, WA 98404
🕐 Open Times: 9:15 a.m. – 9:15 p.m., all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes

  • Onsite water stations, double gates, and picnic benches.
  • Fully fenced grassy area for running and playing fetch.
  • Located right next to a community garden and a kids’ playground.
  • Dog poop bags are provided for forgetful dog owners.
  • Quiet and offers great views on sunny days.

5. Swan Creek Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍2106 E 44th St, Tacoma, WA 98404
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset, all year
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the designated area

  • A 4-acre off-leash area located in Swan Creek Park.
  • Onsite facilities include paved hiking trails, public restrooms, wheelchair-accessible parking, water stations, poop bags, and sheltered picnic areas.
  • Remember to shut the gates securely behind you when you visit, as they don’t automatically close.
  • Two off-leash areas to separate big and small dogs or timid pooches.

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Conclusion

Despite having an abundance of pet-friendly parks, Lacey only has one official off-leash area for dogs to enjoy. Hawk’s Prairie Dog Park — or Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Area — provides 5 acres of sand, gravel, and grassy areas to run, play, and dig in. There’s also plenty of space for your dog to meet and play with other canines or keep to themselves.

Remember to pick up after your dog and maintain voice control at all times to keep them and other dog walkers safe. You should also have a leash handy to control your dog in leashed areas.


Featured Image Credit: Lunja, Shutterstock

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