Let’s be real: Seattle has its share of solid dog parks, but sometimes you and your pup need a little more room to breathe. That’s where Seattle's Eastside comes in. Just a quick trip across the bridge, neighborhoods like Ballard, Downtown Seattle, South Lake Union and Wallingford are all within 15-30 minutes of a totally different kind of dog park experience. Think: wide-open play fields, shaded trails and even a few lakes to splash in.
This guide rounds up the best dog-friendly parks on Seattle’s Eastside — from full-on off-leash playgrounds to peaceful on-leash nature trails. Bring the leash, pack some treats, and let’s go exploring!
Why Seattle's Eastside is basically dog paradise
Sure, the city has charm, but the Eastside hits different when it comes to dogs. You get bigger parks, less sidewalk traffic and far more places where your dog can run without bumping into a dozen strollers. Many of the trails here are actually built for equestrians or hikers, so there’s a real sense of space and quiet. Plus, parking is usually less of a headache — no parallel parking gymnastics needed when your dog is already whining to get out.
The mix of wooded areas, lakeside views and suburban calm makes it ideal for everything from hyperactive labs to slow-strolling senior schnauzers.
Eastside parks your dog will love
Marymoor Park
If you haven’t been to Marymoor Park in Redmond yet, your dog might want a word. Known affectionately as “Doggy Disneyland,” this 640-acre park includes a massive 40-acre off-leash area where dogs can run, dig, splash and mingle to their heart’s content. There’s river access for swimmers, trails for the leash-wearers and even agility obstacles for your canine athlete.
Weekends often bring food trucks and local events, so you can grab a snack while your pup burns off steam. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch an impromptu corgi meetup or a pack of Great Danes looking to play.
Afterward, stroll through Redmond Town Center just down the road. Many of the patios are dog-friendly, and there’s even a pet boutique in case you forgot extra bags or want to reward your pup with a new chew toy.
Live nearby? Even better: Redmond residents basically have this gem in their backyard.
Robinswood Park
For a more low-key, neighborhood vibe, head over to Robinswood Community Park in Bellevue. This park is smaller and a bit quieter than Marymoor, but it’s no less charming. The fenced-in off-leash area has separate spaces for big and small dogs, which is a blessing for owners of nervous or petite pups.
You’ll find shady seating, grassy patches and a welcoming community of regulars. This one’s perfect for a quick afternoon energy burn or a casual game of fetch with fewer distractions.
When you're done, grab a coffee or smoothie from nearby Factoria — a handful of local cafés have outdoor seating and dog bowls out front. Bellevue residents know this park as a solid everyday stop.
Bridle Trails State Park
Sometimes your dog doesn’t need a wild sprint — they just want to sniff everything in the woods for two hours. That’s where Bridle Trails State Park comes in. Located on the border of Bellevue and Kirkland, this lush, forested area offers 28 miles of trails winding through second-growth woods.
Dogs must stay on-leash (horses share the trails), but the peaceful atmosphere and towering trees make it feel like a proper wilderness retreat — just minutes from city life. It’s a great pick for calm, curious dogs and owners who don’t mind slowing the pace.
Nearby Bridle Trails Shopping Center has a few shaded benches and a bakery or two if you're hungry after the hike.
Luther Burbank Park
Mercer Island’s Luther Burbank Park strikes the perfect balance between waterfront charm and dog-friendly space. There's a small but scenic off-leash area right by the lake, where dogs can play with a view. The surrounding walking trails are open to leashed pups and offer lake breezes, shaded benches and that “island getaway” vibe — without leaving the metro.
Stick around after your walk — just five minutes away is Mercer Island's town center, where you’ll find a relaxed deli, a coffee shop with a pup-friendly patio and a surprisingly great ice cream stand.
Idylwood Park
Tucked away on Lake Sammamish, Idylwood Park is an Eastside secret worth knowing. It’s not a designated off-leash park, but dogs on leash are more than welcome to join you on strolls around the beach, through grassy picnic zones or along shady trails. It’s the kind of place where families lay out picnic blankets, and dogs curl up under the table waiting for a dropped hot dog.
On weekends, you’ll often see paddleboarders or birthday parties, so it can get busy — but never overwhelming. The peaceful lake views make it a nice change of pace for you and your pup.
Grass Lawn Park
Not every dog park needs a label to be pet-friendly. Grass Lawn Park doesn’t have an official off-leash area, but dogs on leash are a common (and welcome) sight. There’s a ton of open space, paved walking loops and big shady trees — ideal for throwing down a blanket and hanging out for an hour or two.
The playgrounds and ball fields make it feel active and social without being overwhelming. For dogs that are chill and used to distractions, this is a great “people-watching” park.
Dog day checklist: what to bring and when to go
Before you head out, here are a few things to keep in mind for a successful park adventure:
- Go early or late: Eastside parks are popular on sunny weekends, so try mornings or evenings for more space.
- Pack smart: Bring a long leash, collapsible water bowl, waste bags and a towel for muddy paws (especially at Marymoor).
- Be respectful: Pick up after your dog, follow posted leash rules and yield to horses or bikers on shared trails.
- Snacks are always a good idea: Many Eastside parks have picnic zones or nearby cafés, so pack a few treats for your pup — and maybe a sandwich for yourself.
Honorable mentions worth sniffing out
There are a few other dog-friendly spots on the Eastside that didn’t make the top six but are still worth checking out:
- Wilburton Hill Park in Bellevue has peaceful trails and a botanical garden nearby—leash required, but great for a quiet walk.
- Crossroads Park, also in Bellevue, is more of a people-focused space, but it’s super walkable and welcoming to dogs on leash.
If you’ve already been to the heavy hitters, these offer a nice change of pace.
Making the trip from Seattle proper
For folks in Ballard, Downtown, South Lake Union and Wallingford, heading to the Eastside might sound like a hike — but it’s really not. On a typical weekend, you can cross the bridge and be parking at Marymoor or Bridle Trails in about 20 minutes. That’s less time than it takes to find a spot at Green Lake on a sunny day.
And let’s be honest — sometimes your dog deserves a new adventure. The Eastside is full of trees to sniff, water to paddle in and fields to chase balls across. So, is it really worth the gas? Absolutely.
Pick a park, grab a leash, and go!
Whether your dog’s the type to dive into the river or gently sniff a trail’s edge, the Eastside has something for both of you. From massive off-leash zones to tranquil forest paths, there’s no shortage of ways to keep tails wagging east of the city.
And if you’re the type who likes having this kind of access all the time, living nearby doesn’t hurt. Our luxury Seattle apartments, or better yet, our Bellevue apartments, put these parks right in your backyard — and your dog will thank you for it.
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Featured photo by Mathew Smith on Unsplash
Second photo by Julia Vivcharyk on Unsplash
Third photo by Jamie Street on Unsplash
Fourth photo by Martin Dalsgaard on Unsplash
The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.
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