Dog Parks and Off-Leash Areas in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater
- October 20, 2026
- About 13 minutes to read
- Rules checked October 2026
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The short version
- Olympia has three off-leash dog areas (McLane, Ward Lake and Evergreen Park) and an off-leash dog trail at LBA Woods.
- Lacey and Tumwater do not run their own off-leash parks, but Thurston County’s fenced Off-Leash Dog Park in Lacey is open daily from 7 am to dusk, with a separate small-dog area.
- Everywhere else, dogs must be leashed in city, county and state parks.
- Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater require a license for every dog and cat. Joint Animal Services sells them, from $16 a year for a spayed or neutered dog.
- Dogs are not allowed at the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, Woodard Bay or on designated swimming beaches.
Off-leash areas at a glance
These are the official places in and around Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater where your dog can be off leash. Each one is run by the City of Olympia or Thurston County.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Place | Address | Run by | What it is | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park | 2420 Hogum Bay Rd NE, Lacey | Thurston County | Fenced, with a small-dog area | 7 am to dusk |
| McLane Dog Park | 4421 Mud Bay Rd NW, Olympia | City of Olympia | 5.5-acre site with off-leash areas | Dawn to dusk |
| Ward Lake | 2008 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia | City of Olympia | Off-leash dog area on a 9-acre site | Dawn to dusk |
| Evergreen Park | 1445 Evergreen Park Dr SW, Olympia | City of Olympia | Neighborhood park with an off-leash area | Dawn to dusk |
| LBA Park and Woods | 3333 Morse-Merryman Rd SE, Olympia | City of Olympia | Off-leash dog trail in the woods | Dawn to dusk |
Skip the outdated listings
Some dog park apps still list Sunrise Park on Olympia’s westside. The City of Olympia’s current page for Sunrise Park does not include a dog area, so use the places above instead.
Olympia’s dog parks
The City of Olympia added three off-leash areas and its first off-leash dog trail in 2021. All city parks are open daily from dawn to dusk, and the city’s pages do not mention any fee or permit.
McLane Dog Park
4421 Mud Bay Road NW, Olympia. A 5.5-acre site on the westside with off-leash dog areas and a 29-space parking lot. The Olympia School District leases the land to the city, which opened the dog park in 2021. It is the largest dedicated dog park site in Olympia and the easiest to park at.
Ward Lake
2008 Yelm Highway SE, Olympia. A 9-acre undeveloped site with lake views and an off-leash dog area added in 2021. Parking is very limited, so follow the posted signs. The public can use the upland part of the site only. The forested hillside and shoreline are closed, and swimming is not allowed.
Evergreen Park
1445 Evergreen Park Drive SW, Olympia. A small, 4-acre neighborhood park with picnic tables, a swing set, a short crushed-rock trail loop, edible landscaping and an off-leash dog area. It works well for a quick run close to home on the westside.
LBA Park and Woods: the off-leash trail
3333 Morse-Merryman Road SE or 3500 Amhurst Street SE, Olympia. A 155-acre park with sports fields, restrooms and wooded trails. In 2021 the city and the Washington Trails Association built Olympia’s first off-leash dog trail here. It is a trail, not a fenced park, so your dog needs to come back when called. The park map on the city’s website shows where the off-leash section runs.
Olympia’s dog park rules
The city posts the same rules for its off-leash areas:
- No more than three dogs per person, and carry a leash for each one.
- Leash your dog when entering and leaving.
- Pick up after your dog, and keep it from jumping on people or other dogs.
- Children under 12 must be with an adult.
- Not allowed: dogs under 6 months, unlicensed dogs, dogs with expired vaccinations (including Bordetella), dogs that are sick or in heat, aggressive dogs, food, glass, and dog toys and balls.
Report a dog bite to Thurston County Animal Control at (360) 352-2510.
Coming later: a dog park on Yelm Highway
The City of Olympia plans a dog park in the first phase of Jolene Unsoeld Community Park, an 86-acre site on Yelm Highway (formerly called Yelm Highway Community Park). The city says construction begins in fall 2026 and expects the park to open in late 2028.
The Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Park
2420 Hogum Bay Road NE, Lacey. If you want a fully fenced park with room for small dogs, this is the one. Thurston County Public Works runs it next to the county’s Waste and Recovery Center and Closed Loop Park.
7 am
daily opening time; open until dusk
Fenced
with a separate area just for small dogs
3
dogs at most per visit
- What is inside: winding paths, a sand and gravel digging zone, and plenty of water stations. The entrance is a bone-shaped path made of personalized bricks.
- Parking: drive through the gate to the Waste and Recovery Center and park next to Closed Loop Park.
- Rules: stay inside the fenced area, keep your dogs in sight and under voice control, clean up after them, and be ready to leash them at any time. Repair any digging outside the sand area. Supervise children closely and do not let them run or chase. No food in the off-leash area.
Closed Loop Park next door is dog-free
The county asks visitors not to bring pets into Closed Loop Park, the neighboring park on the same site. Use the dog park instead.
Lacey and Tumwater: what to know
- Lacey. The City of Lacey does not run its own off-leash park. Its park rules say dogs are allowed in parks only when on a leash, even when no one else is around. The county’s fenced dog park is inside Lacey, on Hogum Bay Road. Lacey residents can also pick up a free dog waste bag dispenser at City Hall. (Leash in all city parks)
- Tumwater. We found no official off-leash area in Tumwater. City code requires dogs to be leashed in parks, and owners must clean up after them. The closest off-leash options are Olympia’s dog parks and the county park in Lacey. Tumwater also holds an annual Dog Days event at Pioneer Park. (Leash in all city parks)
Looking for a pet‑friendly apartment in Thurston County?
Olympic Multi-Family Management manages more than 20 communities across Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Pet policies vary by community, so ask the leasing office about size, breed and fees.
Great leashed walks
Off-leash time is great, but most of a dog’s week is spent on leash. These are some of the best walks in the area. Pick a type to see the walks that match.
- Chehalis Western Trail. A 22-mile paved trail from Woodard Bay to Vail, open 9 am to dusk. Leashed pets are welcome. In 2026 the county has been repaving between Yelm Highway and Woodard Bay Road, with rolling closures. (Thurston County)
- Karen Fraser Woodland Trail. 2.5 miles from Eastside Street in Olympia to the Chehalis Western Trail, with a paved path, a crushed-rock path, benches and a restroom. (Olympia)
- Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail. 14.5 paved miles through farmland and small towns, open 9 am to dusk. Leashed pets are welcome. (Thurston County)
- Squaxin Park. Formerly Priest Point Park: 314 acres with more than four miles of forest trails and nearly two miles of saltwater shoreline on Budd Inlet. (Olympia)
- Watershed Park. 153 acres of forest in the middle of Olympia, with the 1.5-mile G. Eldon Marshall Trail. Expect steps, boardwalks and some steep sections. (Olympia)
- Percival Landing. A 0.9-mile boardwalk along West Bay in downtown Olympia, good for an evening stroll. (Olympia)
- Tumwater Falls Park. Trails beside the falls of the Deschutes River, run by the nonprofit Olympia Tumwater Foundation. Dogs are welcome on leash, with waste stations on site. (Tumwater)
- Burfoot Park. A 65-acre county park on Boston Harbor Road with forest trails and 1,100 feet of saltwater beach. Leash and clean up after your pet. (Thurston County)
- Tolmie State Park. Day-use park on Nisqually Reach. Dogs must be on a leash of 8 feet or shorter everywhere, including the beach. Part of the park is closed for construction until November 30, 2026. (Discover Pass, Olympia)
- Millersylvania State Park. Old-growth forest around Deep Lake. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not on the designated swimming beaches. (Discover Pass, Olympia, south of Tumwater)
- Chehalis Western Trail. A 22-mile paved trail from Woodard Bay to Vail, open 9 am to dusk. Leashed pets are welcome. In 2026 the county has been repaving between Yelm Highway and Woodard Bay Road, with rolling closures. (Thurston County)
- Karen Fraser Woodland Trail. 2.5 miles from Eastside Street in Olympia to the Chehalis Western Trail, with a paved path, a crushed-rock path, benches and a restroom. (Olympia)
- Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail. 14.5 paved miles through farmland and small towns, open 9 am to dusk. Leashed pets are welcome. (Thurston County)
- Percival Landing. A 0.9-mile boardwalk along West Bay in downtown Olympia, good for an evening stroll. (Olympia)
- Squaxin Park. Formerly Priest Point Park: 314 acres with more than four miles of forest trails and nearly two miles of saltwater shoreline on Budd Inlet. (Olympia)
- Watershed Park. 153 acres of forest in the middle of Olympia, with the 1.5-mile G. Eldon Marshall Trail. Expect steps, boardwalks and some steep sections. (Olympia)
- Tumwater Falls Park. Trails beside the falls of the Deschutes River, run by the nonprofit Olympia Tumwater Foundation. Dogs are welcome on leash, with waste stations on site. (Tumwater)
- Burfoot Park. A 65-acre county park on Boston Harbor Road with forest trails and 1,100 feet of saltwater beach. Leash and clean up after your pet. (Thurston County)
- Millersylvania State Park. Old-growth forest around Deep Lake. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not on the designated swimming beaches. (Discover Pass, Olympia, south of Tumwater)
- Squaxin Park. Formerly Priest Point Park: 314 acres with more than four miles of forest trails and nearly two miles of saltwater shoreline on Budd Inlet. (Olympia)
- Percival Landing. A 0.9-mile boardwalk along West Bay in downtown Olympia, good for an evening stroll. (Olympia)
- Tumwater Falls Park. Trails beside the falls of the Deschutes River, run by the nonprofit Olympia Tumwater Foundation. Dogs are welcome on leash, with waste stations on site. (Tumwater)
- Burfoot Park. A 65-acre county park on Boston Harbor Road with forest trails and 1,100 feet of saltwater beach. Leash and clean up after your pet. (Thurston County)
- Tolmie State Park. Day-use park on Nisqually Reach. Dogs must be on a leash of 8 feet or shorter everywhere, including the beach. Part of the park is closed for construction until November 30, 2026. (Discover Pass, Olympia)
- Millersylvania State Park. Old-growth forest around Deep Lake. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not on the designated swimming beaches. (Discover Pass, Olympia, south of Tumwater)
- Tolmie State Park. Day-use park on Nisqually Reach. Dogs must be on a leash of 8 feet or shorter everywhere, including the beach. Part of the park is closed for construction until November 30, 2026. (Discover Pass, Olympia)
- Millersylvania State Park. Old-growth forest around Deep Lake. Dogs are allowed on leash, but not on the designated swimming beaches. (Discover Pass, Olympia, south of Tumwater)
About the Discover Pass
Parking at Washington state parks and on state DNR land needs a Discover Pass. The annual pass is $45 and a one-day pass is $10, plus a small transaction fee when you buy online. The annual price rose from $30 in October 2025.
Places dogs cannot go
A few local favorites do not allow dogs at all, and it is worth knowing before you load the car.
- Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Pets and comfort animals are not allowed, starting at the entrance road and including the parking lots. Pets cannot be left in cars there. Only working service animals on leash may enter. (No dogs)
- Woodard Bay Conservation Area. No pets, to protect the site’s wildlife. It sits at the north end of the Chehalis Western Trail, so turn around before you reach it. (No dogs)
- Swimming beaches. Pets are not allowed on designated swimming beaches in county and state parks, or on the beach and swim area at Long Lake Park in Lacey. (No dogs)
- Closed Loop Park. Right beside the county dog park, and dog-free. The county asks visitors to use the dog park instead. (No dogs)
- Olympia’s sprayground and courts. The city’s park rules ban animals at the sprayground and on its tennis and pickleball courts. (No dogs)
- Tumwater’s golf course. Dogs are not allowed on the city golf course. (No dogs)
Leash laws, licenses and fines
The rules are similar across the three cities, with a few differences worth knowing.
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| Olympia | Lacey | Tumwater | Unincorporated county | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leash in parks | Required, except designated off-leash areas | Required in all city parks | Required in all city parks | Required; county parks set an 8-foot maximum leash |
| Pick up waste | Required; carry bags in parks | Required; carry bags in parks | Required | Required in parks |
| License required | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs and cats | Dogs |
| Fine for no license | $103 | $103 | $103 | $52 |
Lacey’s park rules add that breaking a park rule can bring a civil fine of up to $100, a misdemeanor charge, or a one-year ban from all city parks.
How to license your dog
Joint Animal Services licenses pets for Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and unincorporated Thurston County. A license lasts one year from purchase, and you can buy it online, by mail or in person at the shelter. A microchip does not replace a license.
| License | Yearly fee |
|---|---|
| Dog, spayed or neutered | $16 |
| Dog, not spayed or neutered | $28 |
| Cat, spayed or neutered | $10 |
| Cat, not spayed or neutered | $18 |
| Replacement tag | $3 |
Reduced fees are available for low-income seniors with spayed or neutered pets, and for service dogs. Joint Animal Services is at 3120 Martin Way E in Olympia, open Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, and can be reached at (360) 352-2510. Intercity Transit routes 60, 62A and 62B stop out front.
Dog park etiquette
Good dog park visits come down to a few habits. Use this checklist before your next trip.
Before and during a dog park visit
- My dog is licensed and its vaccinations, including Bordetella, are up to date
- My dog is at least 6 months old and is not sick or in heat
- I have a leash for every dog and plenty of waste bags
- I am bringing three dogs or fewer
- I left food and glass at home (and toys, at Olympia’s parks)
- I will leash up when entering and leaving, and keep the gate clear
- I will watch my dog the whole time, not my phone
- I will leave right away if my dog plays too rough or seems stressed
- Any children with me will stay close and will not run or chase
Living with a dog in an apartment
A tired dog is a quiet neighbor. A few habits make apartment life easier for your dog and everyone around you.
- Plan the day’s exercise. A morning walk and an off-leash session a few times a week help most dogs settle at home. The county park opens at 7 am, which suits a before-work visit.
- Mind shared spaces. Keep your dog leashed in hallways, elevators and on community grounds, and pick up every time, even in the rain.
- Know your community’s rules. Pet policies, fees and any size or breed limits vary by community and are set out in your lease. Ask the office before bringing a new pet home.
- Keep records handy. Keep your license number and vaccination dates on your phone, so you are ready for the dog park, a groomer or a boarding stay.
Several Olympic communities in the area welcome pets. Abalon Pointe on Black Lake Boulevard describes its apartments as pet-friendly, and Copper Leaf in Olympia welcomes cats and small dogs. Ask each leasing office about current pet policies and fees.
Assistance animals are not pets
Service animals and assistance animals for people with disabilities are not treated as pets under fair housing law, and pet fees and pet limits generally do not apply to them. Talk with your leasing office about the request process.
Questions people ask
Yes. Thurston County’s Off-Leash Dog Park at 2420 Hogum Bay Road NE in Lacey is fenced and has a separate small-dog area. It is open daily from 7 am to dusk. The City of Lacey itself does not run an off-leash park.
We did not find an official off-leash area in Tumwater. Dogs must be leashed in Tumwater’s city parks. The nearest off-leash options are Olympia’s dog parks and the county park in Lacey.
Only on the designated off-leash dog trail at LBA Park and Woods. Everywhere else in Olympia’s parks, dogs must be on a leash held by someone who can control them.
Yes. Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater require licenses for all dogs and cats. Joint Animal Services sells them, from $16 a year for a spayed or neutered dog. The fine for an unlicensed pet is $103 in all three cities.
No. Pets and comfort animals are not allowed anywhere at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, including the entrance road and parking lots. Only working service animals are allowed.
No. The City of Olympia’s posted dog park rules list dog toys and balls among the items not allowed, along with food and glass.
Sources
Last checked: October 20, 2026. Rules come from the city, county and state sources below.
- City of Olympia Parks: McLane Dog Park, Ward Lake, Evergreen Park, LBA Park and Woods, park rules, Jolene Unsoeld Community Park. olympiawa.gov
- Thurston County: Off-Leash Dog Park, Chehalis Western Trail, Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail, Burfoot Park, Closed Loop Park. thurstoncountywa.gov
- City of Lacey park rules. laceyparks.org
- City of Tumwater code and parks. ecode360.com
- Olympia Municipal Code 6.04 and Tumwater Municipal Code 6.04. codepublishing.com
- Joint Animal Services: licensing and fees. jointanimalservices.org
- Washington State Parks: Tolmie, Millersylvania, Discover Pass. parks.wa.gov
- US Fish and Wildlife Service: Nisqually refuge rules. fws.gov
- Washington DNR: Woodard Bay. dnr.wa.gov
- Olympia Tumwater Foundation: Tumwater Falls Park. olytumfoundation.org