Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Gig Harbor, WA You Can Visit Today

Share

white dog running on the park off leash

As one of the many cities located around Puget Sound, Gig Harbor benefits from forested shorelines, wildlife, and bustling city life. It’s surrounded by wooded walking trails, lakes, and open parks, where you can enjoy a weekend picnic or a morning stroll with your dog.

While there aren’t many off-leash areas for you and your dog in Gig Harbor, you can visit several dog-friendly parks in adjacent cities. Along with the three off-leash parks in Gig Harbor, you can examine seven nearby parks below.

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Top 3 Dog Parks in Gig Harbor

1. McCormick Forest Off-Leash Dog Park

️ Address: 10222 Bujacich Rd, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Open Times: Dawn to dusk, year-round
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, in the designated area
  • Natural wooded areas, open grassland, and a creek to explore
  • Plenty of space to socialize or keep to yourself, with beautiful scenery
  • Can get muddy after rain
  • Off-leash area is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot and offers plenty of space for your dog to run around
  • Amenities include water, public restrooms, and doggy waste bags

2. Tubby’s Trail Dog Park

️ Address: 1701 14th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Open Times: 7 AM– 8 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Separate, fenced-in areas for big or small and quieter dogs
  • Named after a Cocker Spaniel called Tubby, who died when the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapsed in 1940
  • Wooded hiking trails aren’t fenced, and you should keep your dog leashed while walking along them.
  • Can get muddy after the rain and dusty in summer
  • On-site water station and sheltered seating areas, and dog waste bags are provided

3. Rotary Bark Park

️ Address: 10100 Bujacich Rd, Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Open Times: 6 AM– 9 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the fenced, off-leash area
  • Fenced-in, off-leash walking trails and an open area
  • Huge park with plenty of space to prevent overcrowding
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash throughout the rest of the park
  • Amenities include waste disposal and on-site water stations
  • Remember to take water during the winter months
  • Can get muddy when it rains

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Top 7 Dog Parks Near Gig Harbor

4. Bandix Dog Park

️ Address: 13390 Bandix Rd SE, Olalla, WA 98359
Open Times: 8 AM–8 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • 30 acres of open areas and wooded walking trails
  • Separate areas for big and small dogs; the small dog area is fenced in
  • On-site waste bags, trash receptacles, and water bowls, but there’s no drinking water
  • Plenty of shaded walking trails

5. Point Defiance Dog Park

️ Address: Five mile Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407
Open Times: 7 AM– 9 PM (6:30 AM–8:30 PM on Fridays), all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the designated area of the main park
  • Outside the off-leash area, dogs need to be kept on a leash
  • Separate areas for big and small dogs
  • The large dog area isn’t fenced in
  • Plenty of shaded seating areas
  • Dog water station is filled with rainwater, but in dry seasons, you might need to bring your own water

6. Chambers Bay Dog Park

️ Address: 6320 Grandview Dr. W, University Place, WA 98467
Open Times: 6 AM–8:30 PM all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the designated off-leash area inside the main park
  • Fenced-in, 1-acre, off-leash area
  • No shady areas to take shelter
  • You must keep your dog leashed on the walking trails and beach in the rest of the park
  • Offers a great view of the ocean
  • There is a separate area for small, quiet, or senior dogs

7. Wapato Off-Leash Dog Park

️ Address: 6802 S Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408
Open Times: 7 AM–9 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the designated off-leash area inside the main park
  • Three separate, fenced-in areas for dogs
  • Main park has more hiking trails and lake access, but your dog must be leashed
  • On-site water stations and trash cans
  • Maintained by the dog owners who visit, so remember to pick up after your dog
  • Plenty of space to keep to yourself or socialize with other dogs

8. Rogers Dog Park

️ Address: 3151 E L St, Tacoma, WA 98404
Open Times: 9:15 AM–9:15 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the designated off-leash area inside the main park
  • On-site water supply for dogs
  • Wide-open grassy area for playing fetch
  • Close to a playground for children and a community garden
  • Plenty of available parking, and it’s wheelchair accessible

9. French Lake Off-Leash Dog Park

️ Address: 31531 1st Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98003
Open Times: 7 AM–7 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • 10-acre off-leash park with grassy areas, a pond, wheelchair-accessible parking, and a picnic area
  • Dog waste bags, trash cans, and water stations are provided throughout the park
  • Plenty of shaded seating areas
  • Separate area for small or shy dogs
  • As an old golf course, it has hills, grassy areas, and sand pits

10. McKinley Park

️ Address: 907 Upper Park St, Tacoma, WA 98404
Open Times: 7 AM–7 PM, all year
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, but only in the fenced off-leash area within the main park
  • Off-leash area is a 7-acre space within the main park
  • Dogs must be leashed outside the designated areas
  • Main park has over 26 acres of grassy hills, playgrounds, hiking and running trails, and beautiful scenery.
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Popular but rarely crowded

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

Gig Harbor is surrounded by hiking trails, lakes, and parks for you and your dog to explore. While you’ll need to keep your dog leashed in most of the parks in the area, there are many places in and around Gig Harbor where you can let your dog run free as long as they’re under voice control.

Although there are only three off-leash dog parks in Gig Harbor, its proximity to other cities allows easy access to more dog-friendly parks. Always remember to respect your fellow dog park guests by keeping your dog under voice control and picking up after them before you leave.

Related Reads:


Featured Image Credit: Jumpstory

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: My Best Trick (April 16, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

From Grief to Gratitude: How One “Potato” and a Road Trip Changed Everything

The “COVID Puppy” phenomenon is a well-known chapter of the pandemic, but for Alexis Walling, the arrival of a tiny, wrinkled English Bulldog...

Why Dogs Play Too Rough — And the Simple Fixes That Prevent It From Becoming a Problem

A dog that plays too rough with others is a problem that builds fast. One minute, the dogs are running and chasing, the...

Ricky Gervais Says: It’s Time to Release The Dogs

As activists prepare to carry out the biggest Open Rescue in the history of animal welfare, Ricky Gervais says, “it’s time to release...

More related

How Stressful Is Flying for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safety Tips

There are certain situations where flying with your dog is a must, such as moving home or for a long trip away. Still,...

How Much Exercise Does a Pit Bull Need? Average Requirements & Energy Levels Explained

Pit Bulls are a controversial and divisive breed that some claim are lazy, and others consider energetic. The name “Pit Bull” is given...

L-Carnitine for Dogs: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects (Vet-Reviewed)

There are a ton of supplements available for dogs nowadays, and as we naturally all want the best for our pets and want...

Havapoo Lifespan: Average Years & Vet-Reviewed Tips

A mix of the Havanese and Miniature Poodle, the Havapoo is an adorable, friendly, and often allergy-friendly crossbreed that’s growing in popularity. These...

Keep reading

11 Best Large Breed Dog Foods in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Large breed dogs need different nutrition than other breeds out there. They require more joint-supporting supplements, for instance, because their joints carry much more weight. Most large-breed dog foods are designed specifically to counteract these issues. However, this isn’t always...

labrador eating outside

9 Best Dog Foods for Blue Heelers in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you own a Blue Heeler, you know these dogs are intelligent, playful, and energetic. Because of their energy level, you want to ensure your Blue Heeler gets the best quality dog food available. These active canines need protein, vitamins,...

blue heeler dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

Sweet potatoes can be an excellent treat to give your dog occasionally. They’re soft when cooked, tasty, and nutritious. Dogs are omnivores and so can derive important nutrients from both plant and animal sources. As much as dogs benefit from...

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Skins

Victor Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo 2026 Comparison: Pros & Cons

When it comes to choosing food for your dog, it can be confusing and difficult to choose between brands. We all want the best for our dogs, but it’s not uncommon to unintentionally select a food that isn’t appropriate for...

Dogster_Dog Food Victor VS Blue Buffalo

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Cake? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Safe Recipes

We are all well aware that human foods can be harmful to dogs. Some just don’t have any health benefits for canines, while others are highly toxic to them, including many sweet treats. Dogs shouldn’t eat carrot cake, though if...

Can Dogs Eat Carrot Cake

Can Dogs Eat Tahini? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Tahini is delicious, rich, and wholesome! You can find sesame seed paste in many cuisines worldwide, like those in the Middle East, Israel, China, Africa, Japan, Turkey, Iran, and Korea. In addition to providing several vitamins and minerals, tahini is...

Can Dogs Eat Tahini

Regular vs Premium Dog Food: What’s the Difference? Vet Reviewed Facts

As consumers demand, manufacturers will supply. Consumers spoke throughout the early 2000s, asking for a more balanced diet for themselves and their pets. The market then exploded with trending phrases like “Premium,” Super Premium,” and “Ultra Premium.” The truth about...

Dogster_Regular vs Premium Dog Food

Merrick Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Garth Merrick founded Merrick Pet Care in 1988 out of a desire to create homemade food for his dog, Gracie. He crafted his recipes in Hereford, Texas, where the company still has offices. Merrick prides itself on producing...

Dogster_Merrick Dog Food Review

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter