Magnuson Park Off-Leash Area
Seattle Parks describes Magnuson's 8.6-acre Dog Off-Leash Area as the city's largest and only designated off-leash area with freshwater shoreline access. The play area, trail and dog swim beach are inside one specific boundary; the rest of Magnuson Park is leash-required.
What makes Magnuson different
The official site lists a large, generally flat play area and a winding compact-gravel trail with several open spaces. Most of the trail is wheelchair accessible. A separate small-and-shy-dog section sits just south of the main entrance kiosk and is accessible from NE 74th Street.
Use only the designated dog shoreline
Magnuson's off-leash area includes Lake Washington water access for dogs. Seattle otherwise prohibits dogs on ordinary park beaches, so stay inside the signed dog-beach boundary rather than assuming every shoreline section is open to pets. Leash up before returning to the wider park.
Know the Seattle off-leash rules
Carry one leash for each dog and keep your dog under control. Seattle requires dogs to be licensed and vaccinated, waste to be picked up, and scoop equipment to be visibly carried. Puppies younger than four months and female dogs in heat are not allowed in off-leash areas; pinch and choke collars must be removed inside.
Address and access
Use 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115 for the official park address. The off-leash area's small-and-shy-dog entrance is accessed from NE 74th Street. Keep dogs leashed between the parking area and the posted off-leash boundary, and follow on-site signs if access conditions change.
Get directions ↗ · Official Magnuson Park page ↗ · Official park map ↗
Plan for a wet, active outing
- Bring a leash, visible scoop equipment, waste bags, fresh drinking water and a towel.
- Use the separate small-and-shy-dog space if the main play area is not a good fit.
- Watch your dog closely near the water and leave if waves, weather, crowding or posted conditions are unsafe.
- Allow time to walk from parking while keeping your dog leashed outside the designated area.
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