Whidbey Island's Patmore Pit Dog Park

If at all possible I like to take my dogs with me wherever I go and Whidbey Island is one of my favorite places. Whidbey Island is great destination for people who live in the Seattle area and are looking for either a day trip, a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. In addition to being beautiful and having a lot of things to see and do, Whidbey Island is special to me because of many fond childhood memories from vacations spent there with my parents.

Now when I go and take my dogs along, Patmore Pit Off-Leash Dog Park is always on the itinerary. It is a huge 40 acre off leash area with lots of room to run located approximately in the middle of the 50 mile long Whidbey Island. No matter whether it is rain or shine, Patmore Pit is one of our favorite Whidbey Island dog parks.

(Photo by VickiSims)

Parking for Patmore Pit Dog Park is along the sides of a dead end street which can end up with quite a few cars. But don't let the presence of 20 or more vehicles lead you to be concerned that the park will be too crowded. The view from the double-gated entrance shown in this photo provides only a glimpse of how huge this dog park really is. I have no idea why it was called Patmore "Pit" since the entire park is very flat. The volunteers who support the park provide a handy dispenser of clean-up bags at the entrance. There is also a porta-potty for humans.

Although Patmore 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.

(Photo by VickiSims)

After entering the Patmore Pit Dog Park gate you can either go right to trails through the forest or left to a wide open grassy meadow. I always make a big loop starting by going to the right through the forest. There are a few places to sit if don't feel like walking.

Patmore Pit Dog Park does not have any running water and although sometimes kind volunteers leave some bottled water, you can't count on water being available. I strongly recommend bringing along your own water and drinking container for your dog. This dog park is very large, so your dog will probably need a drink before you get back to your vehicle.

(Photo by VickiSims)

My dogs enjoy the forested trail area with lots of extra side trails that I'm sure must have lots of great smells.

(Photo by VickiSims)

Patmore Pit dog park also provides a great place for humans to enjoy a walk. The forested trail is lined with native trees and shrubs including this rhododendron which, although not blooming when this photo was taken, is the state flower of Washington.

(Photo by VickiSims)

I also saw several Indian Plum (Oemleria cerasiformis) in bloom along the trail. These are one of the earliest blooming native shrubs in the Pacific Northwest. It was February when I took this photo.

(Photo by VickiSims)

Emerging from the forest as we continue around the loop, next we enter the huge grassy meadow area at Patmore Pit Dog Park. This area is huge and gives dogs plenty of of room to run and play fetch or frisbie.

(Photo by VickiSims)

If you have a small dog that doesn't like to play with the big dogs or that you are concerned about losing in such a large park, there is a separate securely fenced area for small dogs.

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!

(Photo by VickiSims)

The bulletin board at Patmore Pits is a handy place to find information about the dog park and local dog news, leave comments and also serves as a lost and found repository where you can leave items you find or look for any items that may have fallen out of your pocket in the park.

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.

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