This is our favorite dog park to take our pup. Simply put, it's MASSIVE. Our dog can run, play, and…read moresocialize with so many different dogs all over this park and he comes back exhausted and so happy from his fun filled day. Worth the drive no matter where you are in WA. Rain or shine this park is always open. Just don't be surprised if your pup comes back covered in mud on a rainy day .

This is on the site of a former territorial military fort, then a state mental hospital and work…read morefarm (c.1868). With the farm's closing in the 1970's, a wonderful gift to the people of Lakewood and Washington state grew out of the distress of those hospital days. A diamond rising from the ashes, so to speak. There are a few of the farm buildings remaining plus the foundation to the barracks for the hospital's farm workers. More over there is tons of room to spread out, no matter what your activity might be (sports fields, trails, picnic areas......)

Nice park, small-ish, a circle gravel path, small pond, gazebo-type building in the front, some…read moreinteresting rock formations, and as it says, lots of native plants. Looks like there is a small trickly water feature going into the pond (wasn't very high on this day so it was hard to get an idea of the full effect). Well maintained, somewhat busy when we were there on a weekend but not so much that you couldn't take your time and enjoy a short walk around the park.

Great little garden off the drive through Point Defiance Park. Has all Northwest plants, flowers,…read moreand trees. The waterfall and pond are a nice feature. Does have hills, so be careful as that may not be super handicap friendly.

I live close by and come here often. It's a small park that's beautifully maintained. The animals…read morecarved into trees and stumps throughout the park are a real unique feature. It's a quiet and peaceful place. Plenty of parking, restrooms, place to get water for your dogs if you brought them. I feel safe walking around by myself and that's always a plus!

Want to go for a walk in the woods? This lovely, quiet little park off of Grandview has a…read morebark-covered walking path and drinking fountains for people and their dogs. Good for bird-watching, too.

Great for dogs and bikes Standard little or all dog off…read moreleash park areas but these are not a dirty field (Wapato) or no dogs (point defiance). Water fountain for dogs amd their best friend. Lush trees area. So the pups stay cool despite temperatures Plus plenty of area to walk the dogs, let kid learn how to ride a bike or venture off to the bike trails for more adventures. Must for dog owners

Lovely hike but the uphill one route was a no win. People fish here. Trails are cleat but sometimes…read morerugged. Beautiful scenery.

Never met a park I didn't think was 5* and the recently renovated Kopachuck SP delivers. New lodge,…read moretrails, and renovated access. I heard the campgrounds were eliminated in the renovation. Just another 5* park in Washington.

Visited at low tide today, just a day trip to a park for a "hike" and some outside time for kids 9…read moreand 4. Parked in the lot- plenty of space at 10:30 am - used Discover Pass on rear view mirror. Walked in a small loop down to the shore, kids loved shells, crabs, oysters, water, moving rocks and logs (to see the crabs). Walked back up with some complaining but it was short enough we could see the parking fence before kiddo gave up. Then we had a snack at the play area, let the kids climb and play, and went back home for lunch. Water was not on at play area yet, much to my 4 yr olds disappointment. Can't wait to come back!

I didn't even know Parkland Prarie Nature Preserve existed until I was going to go to another park…read moreand saw it from the road. It had a Pokémon Go stop and I selected it and learned what I drove by. I wasn't too concerned going here on Memorial Day weekend because Parkland isn't a place that brings in tourism and is definitely a 'hood. For a nature preserve Parkland Prarie is pretty small but it's very pleasant nonetheless. We saw lots of wildflowers and that was very pleasant as we strolled on the paths and got perfumed whiffs of the blooms. We saw no wildlife but that's one of those things where you can't see them but they can see you and it may all be due to timing but I wouldn't think it would attract a plethora of wildlife as it is surrounded by homes but wild animals that have been born and raised in the city aren't easily startled so it's totally possible to see deer or foxes or anything of that sort here. With all of the flowers though it would attract birds for sure. Parkland Prarie was a nice little stroll and walking on the couple of looped dirt trails doesn't take much time at all and there are reading plaques along the way to learn more about the plants and animals that take an interest coming here.

Parkland Prairie is a 4.5 acre urban nature preserve right near Pacific Lutheran University. There…read moreis a short loop gravel trail throughout that is around half a mile. I stopped by to go on a morning walk and see all the beautiful wildflowers in bloom right now. There is a lot of different native plants here as well. Parking is just in the gravel lot right out front or free street parking. There is no restrooms, but there are doggy bags if you want to bring your dog(s) for a walk. There are also several log benches to sit if you need a break or just want to enjoy the views and see all the birds that are out. Overall: it was very peaceful here in the early morning and only a couple other people were out walking when I was there. There was a homeless man near the creek, but that is typical for this area. I wanted to mention though because I know not everyone is used to it or may be from this area of town.

This is such an amazing park! Various play structures for different aged children, 2 zip lines,…read morelots of tables and the most amazing splash pad we've been to. There is no shade on this playground so in direct sun the equipment will get hot.

Great playground with swings, merry-go-round and two zip lines. Also a splash park for kids. There…read moreis a large covered picnic area to get some shade and eat your lunch.

This park includes a few pretty little, heavily cedar woody chippy trails, and some meadows that…read moreabut the steep incline of the paved Cushman Trail (with an access trail behind the barn on private property) on one side, as well as a very well-hidden pond (note the invisible quacking) undergoing secondary succession. In addition to the meadows and the very short woody-chippy trails, there are bat houses, a community garden plot (for private cultivation, not a u-pick) and a historic barn, on a private homestead. Blackberry vines crisscross every trail. At first glance, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot here, but follow a few of the well-worn rabbit and deer paths into a thicket and you may discover a feral apple orchard, or the perfect quiet spot of shade or sun to have a summer picnic or catch a tan. There is a small parking area, a wheelchair accessible pit toilet, and a few picnic tables--also a water fountain and dog water fountain with a bowl. I have had a picnic, tended my tomatoes, and picked black berries here all on the same day, and seen families with small children or sausage-y dogs enjoy the largess nature provisions us with in its uninhibited, wild state. It's a rare gem that many people know about, but pass by because the proximate Gig Harbor waterfront, just a few blocks away, is far more eye-poppingly scenic, and a much bigger draw. And that's why I love it here. Linger a while and most of the people you encounter will be folks tending their gardens or locals walking their pups, but I have also seen kids in homemade super hero costumes filming a movie, and about a hundred-thousand bunnies. It's a great place in any season, and lovely for a fall photo shoot. We're lucky to have this green space in the middle of an increasingly crowded and busy city.