Magnuson Dog Park - The Best Dog Park in Seattle

Magnuson Park is considered by many to be the best off-leash dog park in the city of Seattle, WA. Magnuson park is located in the northeast park of Seattle along the shores of Lake Washington. The park is the site of a former US naval air station that was surplused to the city in the 1970s.

Magnuson Park is named after US Senator Warren G. Magnuson, who represented the State of Washington in the US Senate for over 36 years and was much beloved by many Washington State residents. Probably none of the history of the site will matter to you or your dog when you visit this popular dog park. What will be important is that it is Seattle's largest off leash dog area with approximately 9 acres of room to run and the only off-leash dog park with access to swimming and splashing in Lake Washington. Come along with me and my dogs Tim and Hank as we go unleashed at Seattle's Magnuson Dog park!

All photos by the author, Vicki Green

This is the main large open play area that is by the main entrance gate. It is securely fenced with plenty of room to run and play!

Magnuson Park has this great covered area where humans can get out of the rain or find a shady place in the summer.

Magnuson Park features several sturdy bridges over wet areas and clean-up bags conveniently located in numerous places.

Although Magnuson Park has clean-up bags provided , I always like to carry a supply with me in case there is an "oops" moment before I get to where the bags are located. My bags are on a dispenser attached to my dog leash, so I never have to remember to grab some on my way out of the door.

I think one of the nicest features of Magnuson dog park is the way the park has several smaller areas set apart where shy, older or small dogs can feel more comfortable if there are a lot of dogs and things seem too chaotic. "The Mounds" is one of the smaller areas that has walkways and trails through some shrubs. It even includes a bench for the humans to rest for a moment.

Dog parks are great - just not for every dog, every time. Taking your dog to a dog park is a great way to exercise and socialize your canine companion. Dog parks offer fresh air, open space, and freedom - a chance for your dog to be a dog. But not all dogs enjoy the experience and not all dog parks are safe for all dogs. I found this book to be a valuable tool to help me learn practical skills like how to evaluate my dog's temperament to decide if he's dog park ready and to learn how to read canine body language to avoid problems. I can now recognize the signs that my dogs are getting stressed or over stimulated and need some down time. The book also contains some great dog park etiquette tips for both humans and dogs!

This is another of the smaller areas that can be enjoyed by small, shy or older dogs that feel intimidated by larger or more rambunctious canines.

Magnuson dog park features this long wide walkway that leads to the dog beach on Lake Washington. The park is very popular so the wide walkway was well-designed to give plenty of room for lots of dogs and people to stroll to and from the lake. The walkway features benches, trash cans and other amenities for the comfort of people and their dogs.

Since it is virtually impossible to securely fence the dog swim area in Lake Washington, the park has a securely double-gated fence to make sure no dogs accidentally gain access to the beach and lake.

It is great to have a place where dogs can play in the water and swim off-leash, but it can have a negative impact on the environment and native wildlife. Following a few simple rules helps to make sure that dogs and their people don't cause any harm.

It can be difficult to find a dog park that includes access to a place to swim and splash in the water. Magnuson Dog Park is one of very few dog parks in the Seattle area where a dog can legally enjoy playing in the water off-leash. Even on a cool, rainy morning, it is a popular spot.

There are several bridges that cross wet areas that are fenced to prevent muddy paws and keep any wildlife using the wetlands from being disturbed. Tim meets a new friend as we return to the main large play area.

Magnuson Dog Park is connected to the Seattle city water system with a convenient faucets near the entrance/exit available for thirsty dogs to drink or for rinsing off a muddy dog before you go home. Tim is all tired out from his romp at Magnuson and is looking for a drink before we go home.

Although there is a water faucet and bowls at the park for your dog to get a drink, the park is large so your canine pal may want a drink when you are not in the vicinity of the water spigot. It's always handy to bring along your own water container.

Martingale collars (also called non-slip collars) prevent a dog from slipping out of their collar. Martingale collars will prevent a dog from giving you "the slip". A good leash is always essential to have - I actually have several for my dogs. The dog park is a good place for advanced recall practice using a long lead leash since it is certainly a place that is full of distractions.