French Lake Off-Leash Dog Park is Federal Way’s only city-approved off-leash park. The ten-acre fenced property combines open lawn, mature trees and a perimeter walking path, giving dogs more room to explore than a typical neighborhood dog run.
Plan your visit
- Address: 31531 1st Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003.
- Hours: May through August, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; September through April, 7 a.m. to dusk.
- Dog areas: A large main off-leash area and a separate enclosure used by small or more cautious dogs.
- Water: Visitors report a dog-water spout, but service can change. Bring backup drinking water and a bowl.
- Surface: Grass, dirt and wooded ground; expect mud or standing water during wet weather.
- Parking: The city lists an on-site parking area.
Find the dog park entrance
The entrance is at 31531 1st Avenue South. Use directions to French Lake Dog Park, then continue along the driveway to the parking area and signed fenced entrance. The approach is narrow and does not have a continuous sidewalk, so use extra care if arriving on foot. Keep your dog leashed outside the fence.
Ten acres of off-leash space
The former golf-course property feels more like a wooded park than a compact dog run. A walking route circles the spacious enclosure, with open areas for running and trees for shade. Picnic tables and benches provide places to stop while dogs explore.
Small-dog area, water and footing
A separate enclosure gives small or nervous dogs another option, although recent visitors have cautioned that gaps around its gate may be too wide for very small dogs. Inspect the gate and fence before unclipping the leash. Water and bag stations are visitor-reported amenities and can run out or be out of service, so arrive prepared. Wet conditions can make portions of the natural surface muddy.
Rules before you enter
Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated and at least four months old. Female dogs in heat are not allowed. Carry one leash per dog, maintain control, remove waste and fill any holes your dog digs. Remove pinch or choke collars, and keep dogs leashed outside the fenced area. Aggressive behavior, excessive barking, alcohol, fireworks, bicycles and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
What park visitors say
Visitors most often praise the amount of space, wooded setting, shade and walking loop. Many describe friendly dogs and owners, and appreciate the small-dog area, tables, benches and water spout. Critical comments mention mud, limited restroom facilities, depleted waste-bag stations, a gap at the small-dog gate and concerns around the parking area. These are individual observations, so inspect current conditions when you arrive.
Official information
Check the City of Federal Way parks page for French Lake’s current seasonal hours, amenities and complete dog-park rules.