How tall is the perimeter fence?

About four feet of chain-link, lower than some larger parks, so keep watch on dogs that like to jump.

Is the park bigger than it looks from the parking lot?

Yes. The small patch by the lot is just the entrance; the fenced runs and internal trails extend well past it.

Is drinking water always on?

The central hub has a water source, but the fountains can be shut off in colder months, so carrying a bottle is a safe bet.

Are restrooms available?

Restrooms in the surrounding park have been closed at times because of vandalism, so plan as if they may be unavailable.

All Dog Parks

Northacres Off-Leash Dog Area

Fenced trail corridors where dogs adventure instead of circle

4.5 · 552 reviews

•

Fenced Off-leash Water

Get Directions

About this park

Northacres Off-Leash Dog Area in North Seattle has a distinctive design: separately fenced trail corridors with offshoots and switchbacks instead of a single open pen, giving dogs an endless supply of sniff opportunities and directional variety. A central hub with water, benches, poop bags, and trash cans anchors the hub-and-spoke trail layout. Regulars describe it as a community-oriented park with a calm, neighborhood feel.

Amenities

Fenced Off-leash Water Parking Shade Benches Trash cans

Northacres Off-Leash Dog Area reviews

What visitors consistently say

The highlights

Reviewers describe Northacres as a jewel: the unusual fenced-trail layout earns repeated praise for giving dogs endless sniff offshoots instead of one open pen. The tree canopy, ample parking, and central hub with water and benches round out what regulars call one of their favorite COLA-managed parks.

The community

A neighborhood regulars park with a community-oriented feel. Locals pitch in to keep it maintained and most dogs and owners are described as polite. A mellow scene that works well for senior dogs and low-key social visits.

Best for

Senior dogs Social dogs Small dogs Large dogs

Before you go

The fenced trail system is unusual; dogs can't just run in open circles, so it tends to feel less chaotic than similarly-sized parks. Great for senior dogs who prefer sniff-forward exploration over high-energy play. Trees provide good rain cover on typical Seattle wet days.

Frequently asked

How tall is the perimeter fence?: About four feet of chain-link, lower than some larger parks, so keep watch on dogs that like to jump.
Is the park bigger than it looks from the parking lot?: Yes. The small patch by the lot is just the entrance; the fenced runs and internal trails extend well past it.
Is drinking water always on?: The central hub has a water source, but the fountains can be shut off in colder months, so carrying a bottle is a safe bet.
Are restrooms available?: Restrooms in the surrounding park have been closed at times because of vandalism, so plan as if they may be unavailable.

Nearby parks in Seattle

View all