Howarth Park’s designated off-leash area is the north end of its saltwater beach in Everett, Washington. It is a scenic place for dogs that handle open water, uneven beach surfaces and an unfenced boundary well. The rest of the park and the south side of the beach require leashes.
Plan your visit
- Address: 1127 Olympic Boulevard, Everett, WA 98203.
- Hours: The City of Everett lists Howarth Park as open from 6 a.m. to dusk.
- Off-leash boundary: North end of the beach only. Keep dogs leashed on the approach, in the upper park and on the south side of the beach.
- Conditions: Check the tide before leaving. High tide can leave little usable beach, while low tide exposes much more sand and rock.
- Bring: Fresh drinking water, a bowl, waste bags, a towel and sturdy footwear for trails, stairs, rocks and wet sand.
Find the dog beach entrance
Howarth Park has three parking areas. The city says the north parking lot provides the closest pedestrian beach access. From there, take the short trail to the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks, then descend to the beach. At the bottom, turn toward the north end for the designated off-leash area.
Get directions to Howarth Park. The route includes slopes and substantial stairs, so allow time for the descent and return climb. The upper park’s southern and central lots serve other amenities but are less direct for dog-beach access.
Water, tides and the open boundary
The off-leash area is a natural beach beside Possession Sound. It is not a fully fenced dog run, and active railroad tracks lie landward of the shoreline. Keep close visual and voice control, and do not unleash a dog that may leave the beach, chase wildlife or ignore recall.
Tides change both the amount of play space and the route along the shore. At high tide, dogs and visitors may be pushed toward rocks and narrower sections. Check current tide and weather conditions, stay within the signed north-beach boundary and leash up before returning to the bridge or other parts of the park.
Rules and practical safety
Use the north beach only for off-leash play and clean up after your dog. Keep a leash ready for other visitors, wildlife, rough water or changing conditions. The larger park includes trails, picnic tables, restrooms, a playground, courts and viewpoints, but those amenities are not part of the off-leash boundary.
This setting is a poor fit for dogs without reliable recall, dogs that chase trains or wildlife, or visitors who cannot comfortably manage stairs and uneven shore access. Choose a fully fenced dog park when a secure perimeter or level entry is essential.
What other park goers say
Visitors often praise the saltwater views, wooded approach and room to explore at low tide. Local visit notes highlight the north beach as especially enjoyable when the tide exposes a wide stretch of sand, and many like combining the beach with a short forested walk.
Park goers also warn that high tide can make the beach feel cramped, parking fills on pleasant days and the stairs can be challenging. Some specifically caution that the off-leash section is not fully fenced from the railroad side. Check the tide, arrive earlier on busy days and keep your dog close. Read current visitor reviews before your trip.
More options and updates
Browse other Washington dog parks if you need a fenced enclosure or easier access. Last researched September 1, 2026. Check the official Howarth Park page for current hours, access notices and contact information.