Wapato Park — Attraction in Tacoma

Wonderful park with 3 separate, amazing (if not smelly) off-leash dog run areas.

I came for the dog park and stayed for the park itself. Parking at the dog park area (a few hundred feet north of the lake) is problematic if you're there at any popular part of the day or weekend. However, there's more parking by the lake. Bonus because it's a lovely short walk to the dog park area from the main park.

There are three separate areas to the dog park - a small dog area (less than 30 lbs, I believe), a large dog area and then a mixed area. The first two are just basic fenced open areas for dogs to run around in. The small dog area is about half the size of the large dog area. Just fields of grass, dirt, mud and, uh, dog waste. So be careful where you step since not everyone is good about picking up after their dogs. The mixed upper area is the largest and is a wooded area where you can just let your dog sniff around on trees, logs, plants and more. There are paths. And, if it rained in the past year, mud. Lots of gross muddy water than your dog will love to bathe in. The two other areas have a basic shaded picnic table for people. And dogs.

The park itself has a lake filled with geese. There's a wide concrete path around the lake for running or strolling or walking. Lots of duck poop so watch out there, too. Decent amount of park benches as well as a bathroom. Early in the morning seems to have several homeless people in residence.

There's a small kid playground on a wood chip area with a slide and tiny zipline. It's pretty basic but decent.

Aside from the lake and path, there are some fun areas to explore, including long foot bridges. The problem there is that the water is pretty gross with trash and stagnant water.

But, ignoring some of the minuses, it's really a...

My four Sons & I have been going here for almost 7 years. It is so much more kept up than it was in 2011. Having four boys, we have been to our share of parks. Wapato is a beautiful park with a lot to do compared to other places & I am blessed to live nearby. My boys have their Boy Scout meetings there & I frequently see weddings. We also do birthdays there almost every year & always see turtles or some kind of wildlife each time we go in the spring, summer & fall. It's a great place to geocache as well & there are lots of other little hidden games around the trails too. We are favoring this one called "Tacoma Rocks" at the moment. Just look online for the info. There are paved trails & "secret" trails with bridges. The school system hands out free subway sandwich lunches to kids during the summer during the hours of 11-12. There's also an organization that does role play on Sunday's. It's also right next to a police substation so I...

This park has made many improvements& several upgrades, such as two docks nicely designed with easy access for all to enjoy. The 9/10 mile. walking, rolling or strolling concrete surface allows for clean shoes rain or shine. There's an ample amount of benches and tables around the lake to take a brake or enjoy watching the squirrels play ducks swim.but please don't feed .On the east side of Wapato lake there's a play area for the kids near the covered picnic&barbecue areas reservations recommended.The dog park is large and is divided for large &small dogs for there own socialism.Please be responsible & pick-up after your pet.Although there is plenty of parking it will fill up quickly on nice days.The main entrance will soon be in bloom with beautiful flowers to compliment the hearty white pilers, where many couples have shared there vows.Thank you Tacoma . I've enjoyed Wapato park for...