Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park

For dog owners in Washington, particularly those in Lakewood and the wider South Sound region, Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park stands as an unparalleled destination for canine recreation. It’s more than just a dog park; it’s a vast, dynamic environment where dogs can truly express their joyful, unbridled energy in a safe and engaging setting. Consistently lauded as one of the best dog parks in Western Washington, this expansive facility offers an exceptional experience for both pets and their devoted human companions, making it a cornerstone of the local pet community.

Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park is an impressive 22-acre fenced, off-leash wonderland located within the much larger 340-acre Fort Steilacoom Park. This immense size immediately sets it apart, providing an incredible amount of space for dogs to run, sprint, and play. The park is thoughtfully designed with multiple separate fenced areas, catering to different needs and ensuring a comfortable experience for all dogs. This includes a dedicated smaller dog area, which is notably quite large itself, comparable to the size of many entire dog parks in the Puget Sound region. Beyond just open fields, the park is landscaped with bushes, trees, logs, and even some natural foliage and evergreen groves, creating a varied and stimulating environment for dogs to explore and sniff. The park opened in 2006 and has since garnered numerous accolades, including being named “Best Dog Park” in Western Washington by King 5's Evening Magazine in 2017 and "Best Dog Park in the South Sound" by South Sound Magazine. Despite occasional challenges with owner responsibility, the overall sentiment from visitors remains overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its excellent facilities and vast open spaces. Fort Steilacoom Dog Park is truly a regional draw, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park is conveniently located at Fort Steilacoom Park, specifically at 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA. Another common address used for the dog park entrance is 8804 Dresden Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498. It is situated near the park's historic barns and the scenic Waughop Lake Trail. The accessibility of this park is a major advantage, with plenty of free parking available, including a new parking lot unveiled in 2023 at the northeast entrance. The park boasts ADA access throughout the site, ensuring it is welcoming to all visitors. Operating hours are generally from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, allowing for flexible visits throughout the day. While dogs are welcome to roam off-leash within the fenced areas, it is crucial to remember that leashes are required outside the dog park boundaries, including on the paved trail around Waughop Lake and other sections of the expansive Fort Steilacoom Park. The park's central location in Lakewood makes it a popular and easy-to-reach destination for dog owners across Pierce County and beyond, drawing visitors from throughout the South Puget Sound.

Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park offers an impressive array of services and amenities designed for the comfort and convenience of both dogs and their owners:

• Expansive Fenced Off-Leash Areas: With 22 acres of fenced space, including multiple separate sections, dogs have abundant room to run and play safely.
• Dedicated Small Dog Area: A generously sized, separate fenced area specifically for smaller dogs ensures a comfortable and safe play environment for all.
• Water Stations: Water fountains are available in both the large and medium (if applicable, as reviews mention three areas) sections, along with a central gazebo in the large park equipped with bowls and water jugs (often filled by park-goers), ensuring dogs stay hydrated.
• Year-Round Restrooms: Conveniently located restrooms are available nearby, a significant amenity for visitors.
• Abundant Parking: Plenty of free parking is available, minimizing hassle upon arrival.
• Waste Bag Dispensers and Receptacles: Stations providing dog waste bags and trash cans are regularly available throughout the park, promoting cleanliness and responsible pet ownership.
• Benches and Seating: Numerous benches are scattered across the park, offering comfortable spots for owners to rest and supervise their dogs.
• Shade and Natural Features: The park is landscaped with trees, bushes, and logs, offering natural shade and stimulating elements for dogs to explore. There are also specific "Evergreen groves" for shade.
• Agility Equipment: Some reviews mention a small set of agility equipment, adding another element of fun and exercise.
• Community-Supported: Volunteers from "Protect Our Pets" help maintain and monitor the park, often encouraging donations to support their efforts.

Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park boasts several key features that solidify its reputation as a premier off-leash destination:

• Massive Size: At 22 acres, it's one of the largest fenced off-leash dog parks in Washington, providing unparalleled space for dogs to run at full speed.
• Multiple Separate Areas: The existence of three distinct fenced areas (large, medium, and small dog) ensures that dogs of different sizes and energy levels can play safely and comfortably. The small dog area itself is notably spacious.
• Varied Terrain: From expansive open fields to slightly wooded areas with natural brush and foliage, the park offers diverse environments for dogs to explore, simulating a more natural habitat.
• Excellent Amenities: The consistent availability of water stations, year-round restrooms, and ample parking significantly enhances the visitor experience.
• Community Engagement: The park's success is partly due to the dedication of volunteers and the emphasis on dog park etiquette, fostering a generally positive environment.
• Award-Winning Recognition: Its titles as "Best Dog Park" in Western Washington (King 5) and "Best Dog Park in the South Sound" (South Sound Magazine) speak volumes about its quality and popularity.
• Integration with Fort Steilacoom Park: While a dedicated dog park, its location within the larger Fort Steilacoom Park means visitors can combine their dog park outing with other activities like walking the paved Waughop Lake Trail (with dogs leashed) or enjoying other park amenities.

As a public amenity operated by the City of Lakewood Parks & Recreation, Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park does not offer commercial promotions or discounts. However, its value is in providing a free and expansive recreational space. The broader Fort Steilacoom Park is a hub for numerous community events throughout the year, many of which are dog-friendly. For example, the annual Lakewood SummerFEST is held at Fort Steilacoom Park (scheduled for Saturday, July 19, 2025), and often welcomes canine companions (though specific dog park rules may apply for entry to certain festival areas, and leashes are required outside the off-leash area). Other events, such as the Lakewood Farmers Market, the Fort Steilacoom Invite cross country meet, and Fiesta de la Familia, also take place in the park. The Humane Society often hosts its "Dog-A-Thon" at Fort Steilacoom Park, which includes a 5K run/1-mile walk around Waughop Lake to raise funds for pets in need. While dogs must be on-leash for these specific Humane Society events, they offer a great opportunity for community involvement. Locals are encouraged to regularly check the City of Lakewood's official website, particularly their Parks & Recreation section and events calendar, for the most up-to-date information on park-related events and any specific guidelines for dogs.

For more specific details, inquiries about park rules, or general information regarding Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park, you can contact the City of Lakewood Parks & Recreation Department:

• Address: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA (Dog park specific entrance: 8804 Dresden Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498).
• Phone: (253) 983-7887 (This is the main contact for Lakewood Parks & Recreation).
• Mobile Phone: +1 253-983-7887
• Email: parks@cityoflakewood.us
• For the most current information, it is highly recommended to visit the official City of Lakewood website, specifically the page dedicated to the Fort Steilacoom Off-Leash Dog Park, for operational hours, detailed rules, and any news regarding park improvements or events.

Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park is exceptionally suitable for locals in Washington, particularly those in the Lakewood and Tacoma areas, due to its unparalleled size, comprehensive amenities, and commitment to providing a top-tier canine recreational experience. Its sprawling 22 acres of fenced, off-leash space mean that dogs of all breeds and energy levels have ample room to run, play, and interact without feeling confined. This vastness is a significant draw, allowing for a freedom of movement rarely found in urban dog parks. The strategic division into multiple fenced areas, including a dedicated and surprisingly large section for smaller dogs, addresses a critical need for safety and comfort, ensuring that all pups, from tiny terriers to energetic retrievers, can enjoy their visit without unnecessary stress.

Beyond the sheer size, the park's thoughtful amenities—such as multiple water stations, accessible restrooms, abundant parking, and even natural elements like logs and wooded areas for exploration—demonstrate a dedication to visitor convenience and satisfaction. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, "Absolutely love going to this park. There is so much space for our Aussie to run around, and 3 separate areas for dogs to run around in. There are restrooms nearby and plenty of parking. There are also water stations..." While some visitors may encounter less responsible dog owners (a common challenge in any public dog park), the overall consensus remains that the sheer quality and scope of Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park make it an outstanding choice. Its consistent recognition as a "Best Dog Park" in Western Washington further solidifies its status as a vital community asset. For any local dog owner seeking a truly expansive, well-equipped, and engaging environment for their furry family member, Fort Steilacoom Large Dog Park offers an unparalleled experience that is hard to beat.