Marina Beach Dog Park Edmonds WA
A Visit to the Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Park in Edmonds, WA
One of my favorite off-leash dog areas in Snohomish County is the Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Park in Edmonds. Located about 20 miles north of Seattle, the Edmonds Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Area is a fun place for both people and their pets. It is one of the few off-leash dog areas that provides a place for dogs to swim and play in the water. Since my dogs always enjoy a splash and a swim, they enjoy this park and come home tired and relaxed.
It is also a great place for people to sit, relax and enjoy the ships go by a beautiful beach. If you feel more adventurous, look for crabs, starfish and other shore creatures. On clear days in addition to watching the Washington State Ferry travel back and forth between the dock in Edmonds and Kingston, you can also see the Olympic mountains. Watch the trains travel along the Burlington Northern tracks on the shoreline and you might even get lucky and catch a view of some marine life passing by, too!
Come along with me and my two border collies, Skye and Tim on a visit to the Edmonds Marina Beach off-leash dog area!
Edmonds Marina Beach Park Off-Leash Dog Area Rules and Regulations - A sign with the park hours and rules
After entering the gate, the park hours and rules are displayed on a sign. The rules are to make sure that everyone has a safe and fun time at the park.
Dog Parks Unleashed - By Deanna L. Taber
What do you think about dog parks? - Your chance to give your opinion!
Off-leash dog areas are somewhat controversial. There is no question that some dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs or people should not be taken to a dog park. Some people who don't understand dog behavior and body language should probably stay away, too.
Have you ever taken your dog to an off-leash dog park?
Where is Edmonds Marina Beach Off-leash Dog Area? - Map of the city of Edmonds
Edmonds is a historic community in Snohomish County, WA about 20 miles north of Seattle.
Marina Beach Dog Off-Leash Area Fence - Fence and graveled walkway next to the railroad tracks
The Off Leash Area Edmonds (OLAE) volunteers do a great job of maintaining the park. The whole community has pitched in to help including support from local Boy Scout troops including some Eagle Scout Projects. As a cautionary note, if your dog is afraid of loud noises, the park is next to train tracks used by Burlington Northern freight trains, Amtrak and Sound Transit Commuter Trains. The park has a fence, but you or your dog can get to the tracks from the beach south of the park boundary by scrambling up some rocks. Since one of my dogs is a skittish about loud noises, I prefer to visit at low tide and keep my dogs down on the beach as far from the tracks as possible.
Edmonds Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Area Amenities - Garbage cans, running water and clean-up bags!
The park is nicely equipped and maintained by OLAE with trash cans, a running water faucet and clean-up bag dispeners. There is also a nice sandy play area with benches and large driftwood logs for sitting and relaxing. There are even fire hydrants - a dog favorite! The water faucet is shut off during the winter months to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Dog Waste Clean-up Bags - Don't forget your doggie doo clean-up bags
Although the Edmonds Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Area is equipped with convenient free clean-up bag dispensers, it's always a good idea to bring your own in case you have one of those gotta go moments on the way from the parking lot to the park entrance.
Make Sure Your Dog Stays Hydrated - Handy Portable Water Containers
Dogs run and play hard at the dog park and the wind, sun and saltwater can cause dehydration. Although the park is equipped with running water, the water's edge at low tide is quite a distance away from the water faucet. Drinking the saltwater of Puget Sound can give dogs an upset stomach, so I find it helpful to bring water along in a handy container so my dogs can get a drink of fresh water anytime they need one. Another thing to keep in mind is that the water at the dog park is available during the summer months, but during the winter the water to the park is shut off to prevent the pipes from freezing.
Border Collies at Edmonds Beach at Low Tide - Tim and Skye enjoying the sand bar and shallow water at low tide
When there is a low tide, a stretch of sandy beach with shallow water and several sand bars is revealed. This is my favorite time to visit Edmonds Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Park. Tim and Skye seem to enjoy running across the soft sand and swimming or splashing across the shallow water to the sandbars. You can see from this photo that further up the beach is very rocky and this is the beach available when the tide is higher.
A Handy Tide Table - When will there be a low tide?
Since the Edmonds Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Area is on Puget Sound, there is more beach area available when the tide is out. I prefer going when there is a low tide which exposes a large area of sandy beach. Here is a handy link to a tide table to see when the tide will be low.
- Edmonds, Washington
Edmonds, Washington tide table for waterfront recreation and travel.
Splashing and Swimming at Edmonds Marina Beach Dog Park - Tim and Skye have fun playing in the water
Most dog parks don't have access to water where they can play so Tim and Skye enjoy the opportunity to splash and swim in the water at Edmonds Marina Beach.
Water toys for the beach - For dogs who love to swim and fetch!
Many dogs enjoy swimming out to retrieve balls and other objects. It is also a great way to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Bringing along one of these toys will guarantee that you will have something to throw that is bright and visible, will float and is a lot better than trying to find a stick or piece of wood that isn't waterlogged.
Benefits of Dog Parks
Exercise for people and their pets
Prevents or reduces obesity
Dogs can release excess energy
Socialization for people and dogs
Bonding between people and dogs
Reduces dog boredom
Can help reduce behavior problems
Elderly and disabled can exercise their dog
A Tired Dog is a Good Dog!
Visiting the Dog Park: Having fun, Staying Safe - By Cheryl S. Smith
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 your dog. I really enjoyed this book because it offers a lot of great information about dog parks and dog behavior to watch for.
Dog Park Etiquette - Have fun and be safe at the dog park!
This video has some great tips about taking your dog to a dog park.
Edmonds Marina Beach Dog Park at low tide - Fun at the Beach!
This video shows how popular this dog park is on a sunny day at low tide. You can see the sandy beach revealed at low tide and how much the dogs enjoy swimming out to fetch thrown objects or just running through the water splashing and chasing each other.
Off Leash Area Edmonds Organization
Information and Link to donate to OLAE - Off Leash Area Edmonds - A non-profit group of volunteers
In 2005 a small group of volunteers founded the non-profit organization called Off
Leash Area Edmonds (OLAE).
OLAE's primary missions are:
Becoming responsible users and stewards of the off leash area
Promoting off leash dog recreation and usage.
OLAE's secondary mission is fund raising efforts that will be directed to sustain daily
park maintenance and provide funds for future projects. Our main
goal is to gain volunteers to assist us in keeping this valuable asset
an enjoyable experience.
The dog park is maintained by volunteers and OLAE is exempt from Federal Income Tax under section 501(c)3 so all donations are tax deductible. Donations may be made through the link below.
.
- Off Leash Area Edmonds - OLAE!
OLAE, Off Leash Area Edmonds, Edmonds Dog Park, Edmonds WA, 98020
A Sea Lion at Marina Beach Park - You never know what you might see at the beach!
My camera and photographic skills aren't the best, but I did manage to get one photo that shows the head of a sea lion (with birds flying above) frolicking in the waters off the Edmonds Marina Dog Park.
More Surprise Visitors to the Edmonds Marina Beach Park - Gray Whales Visit Edmonds Marina Beach
This video was made in 2010 when some gray whales made a visit to Edmonds Marina Beach.
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