Fort Steilacoom Park
A sprawling park offering diverse recreation, from sports fields and an inclusive playground to scenic lake trails and a beloved dog park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Fort Steilacoom Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling park offering diverse recreation, from sports fields and an inclusive playground to scenic lake trails and a beloved dog park.
"This place has it all. From the dog park to the lake. It's breathtaking view and breathtaking taking playground for the kids."
🐾 Dog Park Paradise
The off-leash dog park is huge, clean, and well-maintained. Friendly people and safe vibes!
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy flat, never-ending trails around the lake, perfect for long walks with pets or kids.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort Steilacoom Dog Park
Off-leash area
A spacious, fenced haven for pups to play and socialize. Fully fenced with wooded paths and plenty of furry friends!
Lake Steilacoom Trails
Around the lake
Peaceful walking paths offering serene lake views and towering trees. Perfect for a quiet stroll or a family hike.
Inclusive Playground
Children's park area
A modern, inclusive play space designed for all children to enjoy. Features a variety of accessible and engaging play structures.
Historic Buildings
Throughout the park
Discover remnants of the park's past, including old farm and military fort structures. Adds a unique historical character.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors Year-Round
Explore History and Nature
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog Park Paradise
The off-leash dog park is huge, clean, and well-maintained. Friendly people and safe vibes!
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy flat, never-ending trails around the lake, perfect for long walks with pets or kids.
📅 Tuesday Farmers Market
Shop fresh produce and local goods every Tuesday from 2-7 PM at the park.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Beautiful scenery with tall grass, red barns, and lake views make it ideal for photoshoots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog Park Paradise
The off-leash dog park is huge, clean, and well-maintained. Friendly people and safe vibes!
🚶♀️ Lakeside Strolls
Enjoy flat, never-ending trails around the lake, perfect for long walks with pets or kids.
📅 Tuesday Farmers Market
Shop fresh produce and local goods every Tuesday from 2-7 PM at the park.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Beautiful scenery with tall grass, red barns, and lake views make it ideal for photoshoots.
🎶 Summer Concerts
Catch free Tuesday Concert Series performances during the summer.
🚗 Ample Parking
Large, open parking lots make it easy to access different areas of the park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Steilacoom Park for its vast open spaces, well-maintained facilities, and diverse offerings, from a top-notch dog park to scenic lake trails and an inclusive playground. Many highlight the park's safety and the friendly community atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for families, dog owners, and nature enthusiasts alike.
"Love love love this place! We love the open space the old historic buildings large open parking lots. It’s my family’s favorite place to go take our dog for a nice walk. Friendly ppl and I always feel safe. If you like nature you’ll love this place."
Amara Cohen
"The coin is tossed each time we go to Fort Steilacoom Park so we can decide which park area to go. The children's park, the off leash fenced-in dog park, or the trails around the lake? The options are plenty and the hiking trails through this park are never-ending. We enjoy the towering trees and fenced areas for long cool down walks with our fur babies in the summer. The farmer's market here also runs all the summer and is usually on Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm. The park offers multiple fresh experiences each week with a full & fresh list of vendors. Fort Steilacoom always gives us a great excuse to get outside and enjoy our community. 😋"
Sarah Girkadirk
"Fort Steilacoom Park is hands-down one of the best places around to spend a day outdoors. The park is huge, beautifully kept, and has something for everyone—walking trails, open fields, sports courts, a fantastic dog park, and even a serene lake that makes for a perfect backdrop. It’s clean, safe, and well-maintained, which makes it great for families, fitness, or just relaxing.
I love how much space there is to spread out, whether you want to enjoy a picnic, take the kids to the playground, or just go for a quiet stroll. The history of the grounds gives it a unique character, and yet it still feels like a modern, vibrant community spot. Every time I visit, I’m reminded how lucky we are to have such a gem right here.
Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy the outdoors!"
Michael Michael
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Steilacoom Park is located in Lakewood, Washington. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park.
Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is generally recommended. Check local transit schedules if you plan to use public transport.Yes, the park offers large, open parking lots, making it convenient to access various areas like the sports fields, dog park, and playgrounds.
While there aren't dedicated bike lanes leading directly to the park, you can cycle to the park and utilize the walking paths for exploration. Secure your bike appropriately if you do.
The park is quite large, so wearing comfortable shoes is a must. Maps are often available at park entrances or visitor centers, and many visitors use their phones to navigate the extensive trail system.
Fort Steilacoom Park is a public park and generally does not have an entrance fee for general access. Special events or specific facility rentals might incur separate charges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fort Steilacoom Park is a public park and does not require tickets for general admission. You can explore its grounds, trails, and playgrounds freely.
The park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facility hours, like restrooms or sports fields, may vary. It's always a good idea to check the official City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation website for the most up-to-date information.
The off-leash dog park is typically open year-round during park hours. However, it's advisable to check for any temporary closures due to weather or maintenance.
Yes, picnic areas and shelters may be available for reservation through the City of Lakewood Parks and Recreation department. This is recommended for larger gatherings or events.
The inclusive playground is designed for children of various ages and abilities. While there are no strict age restrictions, supervision by an adult is always recommended.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking on trails, playing at the inclusive playground, visiting the large off-leash dog park, picnicking, and exploring the historic buildings.
There are also sports fields for baseball, softball, and soccer.Absolutely! Families love the spacious playgrounds, open fields for running, and the lake trails. The inclusive playground is a major draw for children of all abilities.
The park boasts a large, fenced, off-leash dog park that is a favorite among local dog owners for its size and maintenance.
The trails are also great for leashed dog walks.Yes, the trails around Lake Steilacoom are generally flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for beginners and families with young children.
Fishing regulations may apply. It's best to check with Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for current rules and licensing requirements if you plan to fish in the lake.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park itself doesn't have on-site restaurants, but it's a popular spot for picnics. You'll find many picnic tables available. The Tuesday Farmers Market also offers food vendors.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks for picnics is highly encouraged. There are plenty of open spaces and picnic areas to enjoy your meal.
The Lakewood Farmers Market at Fort Steilacoom Park features a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, snacks, and sometimes prepared foods.
Yes, the surrounding Lakewood area has numerous restaurants, cafes, and fast-food options. You can easily find dining choices before or after your park visit.
Park rules regarding alcohol consumption can vary. It's best to check the City of Lakewood's official park regulations or signage at the park for current policies.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers diverse backdrops, including the lake, tall grass fields, historic buildings, and the playground. The changing seasons also provide unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, it's a popular location for senior photos due to its varied scenery, including fields, barns, and waterfront views, offering a 'farmer core' vibe.
Professional photoshoots are common here, with photographers utilizing the park's natural beauty and historic elements.
Permits may be required for commercial photography; check with the city.Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer the best natural light for photography. The open fields also provide great light throughout the day.
Drone usage is often restricted in public parks to ensure safety and privacy. Always check local regulations and park rules before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Stroll Through History
Later, the grounds were home to the Western State Hospital, an institution for the mentally unwell. This complex past contributes to the park's distinctive atmosphere. While the historical buildings might evoke a sense of the past, the park has been transformed into a vibrant community hub, offering a peaceful coexistence of history and modern recreation.
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Beyond the off-leash area, the park's extensive network of trails around Lake Steilacoom is perfect for leashed walks. The flat terrain and scenic views make it an enjoyable experience for both pets and their owners. The friendly atmosphere among park-goers also contributes to a positive experience for those visiting with their furry friends.
Family Fun and Play
In addition to the playground, families can enjoy the open fields for games, picnics, and general exploration. The walking trails around the lake offer a gentle way for families to connect with nature, and the park's overall safety and cleanliness make it a worry-free environment for parents.
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