5 Rainy-Day Dog Walks Around Tacoma and Seattle
Updated: 4 days ago
If we waited for a dry day, Tito would never leave the house. Around here the rain is just part of the walk, so we keep a short list of places that still work when it's coming down. Here are five, from Tacoma up to Redmond, with a few notes for short-legged, flat-faced dogs like ours.
1. Point Defiance Off-Leash Area, Tacoma
About 7 acres along Five Mile Drive, just south of Fort Nisqually. It's fenced along the road and the waterfront bluff, and there's a separate small-dog area of about an eighth of an acre, which is nice if your Frenchie gets overwhelmed by big, splashy dogs. There are a few parking spots by the gates, or park at the Fort Nisqually picnic area.
Good to know: dogs need to be leashed going in and out, and everywhere else in Point Defiance they have to stay on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Dogs aren't allowed in the zoo, even on a leash.
2. Grandview Park, SeaTac
A big 37-acre off-leash park with walking paths, open fields for fetch and an agility course. On the rare clear morning you get a view of Mount Rainier. It's an easy stop if you're coming from south King County.
3. Discovery Park Loop Trail, Seattle
A 2.8-mile loop with only about 140 feet of climbing, through forest and open meadows, with Puget Sound views along the way. Dogs are welcome on leash. There's one short, steep climb, so let your Frenchie take it at their own pace, and stay well back from the bluff edges, which can be unstable. The park is open 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.
4. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Area, Seattle
At 8.6 acres, this is Seattle's largest fully fenced off-leash area, and the only one in the city with Lake Washington shoreline. A mostly flat gravel trail winds through it, and there's a separate small and shy dog area near the entrance off NE 74th Street. Keep your dog leashed in the rest of Magnuson Park.
5. Marymoor Park Off-Leash Area, Redmond
A 40-acre off-leash area with wooded trails, open fields and several spots to reach the river. It gets muddy fast in the rain, so pack a towel for the car.
A quick Frenchie note about water
Magnuson and Marymoor both have water access, and French bulldogs are not strong swimmers. Their heavy front end and short snout make deep water risky. Let them splash in the shallows, keep them close, or use a dog life jacket.
What we pack for a wet walk
A leash for each dog, even at off-leash parks
Poop bags, plus a spare
An old towel for paws and face folds before they get back in the car
A raincoat, so their low belly and chest stay drier and you're not drying a soaked dog at home
Tito wears the Puget Sound Rain Slicker on all of these. Not sure of your dog's size? Our measuring guide takes about two minutes. And if your Frenchie won't leave the porch at all, start with our 7 rainy-day walk tips.
Park rules and hours can change, so check each park's website before you head out.
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