Dog-friendly trails and walking routes in Seattle
Seattle's best dog walks range from busy paved loops to longer park paths and neighborhood greenways. These routes are for leashed dogs unless a clearly marked section says otherwise. Check access alerts and share multi-use paths with cyclists and other walkers.
Green Lake Park inner loop
7201 E Green Lake Dr N · 2.8-mile paved loop around one of Seattle's busiest urban lakes. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than five feet. Expect crowds, runners, bikes and skaters, especially on weekends; keep your dog close and move slowly through busy sections.
Magnuson Park walking paths
7400 Sand Point Way NE · More than four miles of walking paths across shoreline, wetlands and open parkland. Dogs must be leashed outside the marked off-leash area; if off-leash play and designated swim access are the goal, use the Magnuson dog-park guide.
Discovery Park trails
3801 Discovery Park Blvd · A large natural area with forest, meadows and bluff-top routes. Choose a route from the official trail map and keep your dog on leash. Dogs are not allowed on the park's beaches, so plan a trail-only outing and respect wildlife and posted restoration areas.
Burke-Gilman Trail
A long, popular multi-use route through northeast Seattle and beyond. Best for a steady neighborhood walk rather than off-leash play: keep your dog leashed, stay predictable near bikes and check current detours before choosing a segment.
Alki Trail and waterfront walk
West Seattle · A scenic paved route with views across Elliott Bay. The trail and promenade are different from the beach itself; dogs should remain leashed and out of prohibited beach areas.
Westcrest Park paths and off-leash area
9000 8th Ave SW · The wider park has a short walking path and the designated off-leash area has open space and internal paths. Keep your dog leashed outside the signed dog area and use the Westcrest guide for the parking approach, small-and-shy-dog section and current park work.
Genesee Park connection and off-leash area
4316 S Genesee St · The park is part of a green-space connection from Columbia City toward Lake Washington, while its fenced dog area offers a gravel run and a separate Small and Shy Dog Area. Leash up outside the dog-park boundary and use the Genesee guide for current hours, access and rules.
Blue Dog Pond off-leash play stop
1520 26th Ave S · Use this fully fenced rectangular field for off-leash play, then leash up before leaving its posted boundary. The Blue Dog Pond guide covers the official address, rainy-season mud warning, running water and current Seattle rules.
Chief Sealth and Duwamish River routes
South Seattle · Options for exploring the city's southern neighborhoods and river corridor. Check the city's multi-use trail map for the segment that fits your outing, watch for road crossings and keep dogs leashed near other path users.
Trail etiquette and shoreline rules
- Leash dogs in Seattle parks and on shared-use trails unless you are inside a designated off-leash area.
- Green Lake's inner loop has a five-foot maximum leash length and separate pedestrian and wheeled-user lanes.
- Seattle park beaches are prohibited to dogs, even on leash, except for designated dog areas such as the Magnuson off-leash swim beach.
- Carry water and waste bags, watch for mud and slick roots after rain, and check official notices for maintenance or closures.
Seattle Parks hiking and trails directory ↗ · Green Lake rules and loop details ↗ · Seattle dog rules ↗
Seattle dog parks → · Seattle city guide →
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