Tubby's Trail Dog Park

For dog owners in Gig Harbor, Washington, and the surrounding areas, discovering a dedicated and well-maintained space where their furry friends can run, play, and socialize freely is a top priority. Tubby's Trail Dog Park stands out as an excellent option, offering a secure and expansive environment that caters to the diverse needs of canine companions. This beloved local park provides a unique blend of open fields and natural trails, ensuring that every dog, from the energetic athlete to the casual explorer, finds something to love.

Tubby's Trail Dog Park is a significant recreational area, spanning approximately nine acres, and is a cherished part of the Gig Harbor community. What makes this park particularly appealing to dog owners is its crucial feature: it is fully fenced. This complete enclosure provides a vital layer of security, allowing owners to confidently let their dogs off-leash without concerns about them wandering too far or encountering unexpected hazards. Further enhancing its thoughtful design, the park offers separate, designated areas for both large and small dogs. This separation is highly valued by owners, especially those with smaller or more timid breeds, as it fosters a safer and more comfortable play environment for all. While some visitors note the ground can be either muddy or dusty depending on the weather, the park's ample size and varied terrain—from open fields perfect for throwing a ball to beautiful wooded trails with steep hills—provide a dynamic and engaging experience for dogs. Named in a tribute to a Cocker Spaniel lost in the 1940 Narrows Bridge collapse, Tubby's Trail Dog Park embodies a community spirit and dedication to canine well-being.

Tubby's Trail Dog Park is conveniently located at 1701 14th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, USA. Its proximity to Highway-16 makes it easily accessible for residents of Gig Harbor and surrounding communities in Pierce County. The park offers ample parking, which is a significant convenience for visitors, ensuring a smooth arrival and departure. The park typically operates with generous hours, generally open from 7 AM to dusk, allowing for early morning romps or evening strolls. It's important to note that while the interior of the dog park (the large and small dog areas) is fully fenced for off-leash play, some of the wooded hiking trails associated with the broader park area may not be fenced, and dogs should remain leashed in those areas as well as upon entering and exiting the main off-leash sections. PenMet Parks, which manages the park, has recently made upgrades to the park, including an ADA accessible trail in the outer area and a new fence and gates, further enhancing accessibility and safety. The park’s location ensures it's a readily available resource for daily visits or weekend adventures for Gig Harbor's dog-loving population.

Tubby's Trail Dog Park provides a range of essential services and amenities designed to create a comfortable and responsible experience for all users:

• Fully Fenced Off-Leash Area: The park's main areas for both large and small dogs are completely fenced, offering a secure environment for off-leash play.
• Separate Large and Small Dog Areas: Dedicated sections ensure that dogs of different sizes and play styles can interact safely and comfortably.
• Ample Parking: Plenty of free parking is available for visitors, reducing stress upon arrival.
• Complimentary Dog Waste Bags: High-quality poop bags are provided in several locations, encouraging responsible pet ownership and park cleanliness.
• Waste Receptacles: Trash cans are conveniently placed for easy disposal of dog waste.
• Seating Areas: A few trees offer natural shade, and seating options like benches are available for owners to rest and supervise their dogs. Some reviews mention shaded seating, which is a welcome amenity.
• Water Stations: While some older reviews suggest bringing your own water during dry seasons, newer information indicates on-site water stations. It's always a good idea to bring extra water, especially on warm days.
• Double-Gated Entrance: The entrance is double-gated for added security, preventing accidental escapes.
• Wooded Trails (within broad park boundaries): While the core off-leash area is primarily open field, the larger nine-acre recreation area includes wooded hiking trails, offering varied terrain for exploration (dogs should be leashed on these specific trails if they are outside the fenced off-leash area).

Tubby's Trail Dog Park boasts several key features that make it a prominent and valued resource for local dog owners:

• Comprehensive Fencing: The fully fenced nature of the main dog play areas is a significant highlight, offering peace of mind for owners and security for their off-leash pets.
• Size-Specific Play Zones: The clear separation into large and small dog areas is a crucial feature, promoting safer and more harmonious interactions among dogs of varying sizes and temperaments.
• Varied Terrain: The park offers a mix of open fields, ideal for running and fetching, and hilly wooded trails (within the larger park area), catering to different exercise needs and providing sensory enrichment.
• Strategic Location: Its convenient placement near Highway-16 makes it easily accessible for a wide range of residents in the Gig Harbor area.
• Quality Amenities: The provision of good quality poop bags, ample parking, and seating areas demonstrates a commitment to user comfort and park maintenance.
• Recent Upgrades: PenMet Parks has invested in upgrades, including improved grading, drainage, surfacing, and potentially new features like agility structures and additional covered areas, indicating ongoing commitment to the park's quality.
• Tribute to "Tubby": The park's name itself, commemorating a dog lost in a historical event, adds a unique and poignant layer to its identity, resonating with local pet lovers.

As a public park managed by PenMet Parks, Tubby's Trail Dog Park does not typically offer commercial promotions or special discounts. Its inherent value lies in providing a free and accessible off-leash recreation space for the community. However, PenMet Parks frequently organizes community events and programs, some of which may be held at or involve Tubby's Trail Dog Park. For instance, the park has been the subject of recent upgrades, with announcements about the reopening of certain sections, demonstrating ongoing investment and community focus. Local dog owners might find opportunities for volunteer work parties to help maintain the park, or participate in dog-friendly events organized by PenMet Parks or local animal welfare groups. To stay informed about any such events, special announcements, or temporary closures due to ongoing upgrades (such as the outer area reopening on June 20, 2025), locals are encouraged to regularly check the official PenMet Parks website or their social media channels.

For more specific details, inquiries about park rules, or updates on Tubby's Trail Dog Park, you can reach out to PenMet Parks, which manages the facility:

• Address: 1701 14th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335, USA.
• Phone: (253) 858-3400 (Main line for PenMet Parks).
• Mobile Phone: +1 253-858-3400
• Email: info@penmetparks.org
• For the most current information, it is highly recommended to visit the official PenMet Parks website, specifically the page dedicated to Tubby's Trail Dog Park, for operational hours, rules, and any news regarding park improvements or events.

Tubby's Trail Dog Park is exceptionally suitable for locals in Gig Harbor, Washington, and the broader Pierce County region, for a multitude of compelling reasons that cater directly to the needs of discerning dog owners. Its status as a fully fenced, nine-acre facility provides an expansive and secure environment, allowing dogs to run freely and safely without constant vigilance, which is a major comfort for owners. The thoughtful inclusion of separate areas for large and small dogs addresses a critical need, ensuring that all sizes and temperaments of dogs can enjoy their off-leash time without feeling overwhelmed or unsafe. This fosters a more harmonious and positive social experience for both canine and human visitors.

While reviews note the ground can be dusty or muddy depending on the weather, this is a common characteristic of many natural dog parks, and the vast open fields provide ample space for vigorous exercise. The availability of quality poop bags, ample parking, and shaded seating areas further enhances the convenience and comfort for visitors, demonstrating a commitment to a well-maintained public space. As one local enthusiastically stated, "Tubby's Trail is a fully fenced dog park conveniently located near Highway-16. It has a large dog area and a small dog area...The poopie bags provided are of good quality." Furthermore, the ongoing investments by PenMet Parks in upgrades, including improved drainage and surfacing, indicate a continuous effort to enhance the park's quality, solidifying its role as a premier dog park in the area. For any Washingtonian seeking a safe, spacious, and well-equipped environment for their beloved canine companion, Tubby's Trail Dog Park offers an ideal solution, making it an indispensable part of the local community.