Fort Steilacoom Dog Park — Attraction in Lakewood

This place is HUGE! Even though it’s a bit out of the way for me, it’s totally worth the drive—especially from Tacoma. Like most dog parks, there’s a group of regulars, which is great for dogs who enjoy seeing familiar faces. It also makes for a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Parking: There’s always plenty of parking, which is a huge plus—no circling or waiting for a spot.

Fencing: The park has multiple securely fenced areas, including a smaller, enclosed section if you need to keep a closer eye on your pup. The fencing is solid; I’ve never seen a dog get out.

Water: There are several water stations throughout the park, equipped with bowls. In the larger section, there’s a shaded area with a cart full of refillable water jugs that get topped off regularly. I usually fill up a bottle just in case we’re far from a station, since the park is so expansive.

Grounds & Trails: The terrain is mostly dirt and dead grass, but there are plenty of well-worn trails that I recommend sticking to—you’re less likely to step in any surprises that way. There are benches scattered throughout and a couple of covered areas to sit. You’ll also find plenty of trees for shade, which is great on hot days.

Cleanup: The waste bag stations are rarely stocked. When they are, it’s thanks to generous community members who leave plastic bags for others. That said, there are multiple trash cans conveniently located around the park.

Final thoughts: What I love most about this park is its size and flexibility. On social days, we can join the other park-goers and pups. But if we’re feeling more low-key, there’s more than enough space to find a quiet spot to roam solo. It’s perfect for giving your dog (and yourself) some solid daily exercise. Definitely worth the 20+...

First and foremost, I love that there is so much room for my pooch to run and play. The expansive space is perfect for letting my dog burn off energy and socialize with other dogs. The thoughtful design of the park, with separate areas for small and larger dogs, ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for every pup. This is especially important for us, as it allows our dog to interact comfortably with others his size.

The amenities at Steilacoom Dog Park are fantastic. There are plenty of benches for pet parents to sit and relax while keeping an eye on their furry friends. I also appreciate the water stations provided for the dogs, which are essential on hot days. My dog absolutely loves the tunnels and various play structures—they add an extra layer of fun and adventure to our visits.

What truly sets this park apart is the additional playground for kids. It's wonderful to have a place where both my dog and my children can have fun simultaneously. The park’s location is excellent, and the easy parking makes it convenient for quick trips or longer stays.

In summary, Steilacoom Dog Park has everything we need for a perfect family outing. Whether it's the spacious areas for dogs, the thoughtful amenities, or the playground for kids, every aspect is designed with both pets and their owners in mind. I highly recommend this park to anyone looking for a safe, enjoyable, and well-maintained space for their furry friends and family. We always leave with happy, tired dogs and kids, and I couldn't...

Dog heaven. Pet owners are attentive and, for the most part, pretty sane. Rich mix of people of all kinds and very wide range of all types of dogs, big to small, lean to chubby, outgoing to shy, runners to play fighters, and puppies to cranky older curs. There are interconnected fields, all secured with double gates with donated poop bags in dispensers and plenty of garbage cans around the perimeters. One field is particularly for small dogs, but this is not a hard fast rule. If your dog is having a hard time or you're feeling crowded, one of the smaller fields is perfect as a little refuge. Last time I went, my brother brought his dog from out of town and it was very convenient to have a side field for our two dogs to meet each other. As for the main field, it's packed with very diverse terrain. There's an open field with space enough for plenty of simultaneous games of fetch, a central gazebo with volunteers supplying free water in bowls (an actual fountain is located near the main entrance). There's a wide forested area near the back entrance, a bushy interconnected path area, and even an agility course to try out. This is a country club for dogs. People are usually very good about cleaning up after their animals, but you will have to occasionally watch your step. Sometimes it gets a little busy on nice weekends, but there's plenty of space. I haven't seen an overly aggressive dog become a problem yet, and I have a feeling that such incidents are rather rare. Hope to...