Dog walking in Esperance

52nd Ave W/ 220th St SW

There will be lots of tail wagging in Mountlake Terrace’s 52nd Ave W/ 220th St SW neighborhood, just 2.5 miles from Esperance. A pawsome canine hotspot in the neighborhood is the Mountlake Terrace Off-Leash Dog Park located within Terrace Creek Park. The fenced-in park is about three-quarters of an acre with lots of hills, trees and bushes, making it extra-fun to explore. There is drinking water for dogs in warmer months, plus a doggie waste cleanup station. Outside of the off-leash dog area, you and your leashed pooch will have a furrific time adventuring on the nature trails throughout Terrace Creek Park’s 60 acres. There is also a disc golf course, wildflowers in warmer months, wildlife, a playground, picnic areas and open meadows. The neighborhood’s other two parks, Jack Long Park and Evergreen Playfield, are also woofderful spots for walks and picnics with your leashed dog.

66th Ave W/ 220th St SW

Looking for fun in a beautiful park? Head to this Mountlake Terrace neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the pristine Ballenger Park, where you and your leashed dog will love the scenery while you walk at this 55-acre park that was once a golf course. The park has fishing access, picnic areas and beautiful views of Lake Ballenger and the smaller ponds around the park. There are tons of mature trees and wetlands, too. It’s a good idea to bring drinking water and your own cleanup baggies to ensure the park stays in its unspoiled state.

Edmonds City Center

If your pup goes bonkers for beach days, check out the Edmonds City Center neighborhood, about three miles from Esperance. This neighborhood’s Edmonds Marina Beach Off-Leash Dog Park is understandably pawpular for pups who love fun in the sand and surf. Partially fenced, this Puget Sound shoreline is a pawsome place for dogs to play and swim in the water. There is lots of space for games of fetch, a dog waste cleanup station and restrooms. Nearby, there are lots of restaurants with pet-friendly outdoor seating areas. Anthony’s Beach Café and American Brewing Company are within walking distance of the park.

Richmond Beach

Just 3.5 miles from Esperance, you and your pup will love Shoreline’s Richmond Beach neighborhood. The neighborhood’s Richmond Beach Saltwater Park has a puptastic off-leash area with beach access and beautiful views of Puget Sound. Open to dogs November through March, this unfenced area is a great place for a walk or a jog on the beach with your pup and a pawsome spot for a game of fetch. There are cleanup baggies available and restrooms. Year-round, you and your leashed dog can explore the park’s trails, public art displays, picnic areas and open space. The Richmond Beach neighborhood is also the home of Kayu Kayu Ac Park and Hillwood Park – both furrific places for walks and picnics with your leashed dog.

The Highlands

For active pups and owners, The Highlands neighborhood in Shoreline, just 4.5 miles from Esperance, is a furrific place to burn off some energy. The neighborhood is home to the Shoreview Park Off-Leash Area, a large fenced-in open space great for playing with other dogs. This park has a long runway, great for throwing a ball. You’ll want to bring drinking water. Adjacent to Shoreview Park, you’ll find a woofderful area for a hike with your leashed dog at Boeing Creek Park. Several trails make up a network of paths through this lovely space. The .7-mile Boeing Creek Loop trail on the north end of the park is a great hike for you and Fido, with creek crossings and a scenic overlook.