I-5 Colonnade Off Leash Area

While it offers a unique experience to be under the I 5 freeway with your dog off leash, it also offers kind of a sketchy uneasy feeling that you could be attacked any time by a homeless person or somebody trying to rob you. I think this is a great location during daylight hours when there’s many people around and other dogs present for your dog to interact and play with. The all gravel no grass areas for the dogs doesn’t present an area appealing to dogs that need to rest or want to use the restroom. Too long corridors surround this so-​called dog park which needs much improvement. It was disappointed to see that other dog owners did not lock the gates that are supposed to protect the other dogs from getting out its a two way system lock 1 gauge bring your dog in luck the other gate block it. I have found on numerous occasions that dog owners have left both gates open leaving your dog to run free in the streets of Seattle because of the carelessness of their owners. There needs to be some more ownership and respect of not only the people that are using this dog park but this city maintaining a better standard for a so called off dog park in a unique area of the city. I will think about going to one of the many other dog parks in this city where I feel comfortable that my dog will not be able to leave the enclosed area because some irresponsible dog owner has not followed the rules of shutting the one in one out entrance and exit rules. If your dog is smarter than you then don’t take him to this park because other people that want to have their dogs experience a good time at this park you’re putting our dogs at jeopardy by not shutting the exit and entry gates. Wise up otherwise they’re not going to improve this park was looking for a $ 100,000 increase to improve this park. That’s all bark out… And dogs think that’s peace out wiseup owners respect the property and the people that use this in want this to succeed!

This park is definitely a cool use of space that might otherwise go unused. The dog park has a bunch of big concrete steps that my dog had fun jumping on and off of. I’d say the reason for the lack of stars is because the lack of grass. This isn’t a great park to take your dog to exercise in since all the rocks/​gravel isn’t awesome for their little paws.

This park makes me sad. It’s huge and it’s protected from the sun and rain and yet… I’m here right now and my dog is the only one around. I was hoping she would have some friends to play with!

Only good for when it’s raining — Very steep hill down to enter — careful not to have your dogs pull you down into a rolling tumble!
Park is very long with lots of steps and terraces… each end has a lot with better ground for running and playing. The rest of the park is gravel and large rocks — hard to walk on for humans –can’t imagine how comfy it is for the little pooches.
Was empty when I arrived and when I left 45 minutes later. Maybe it’s more popular in bad weather!

This is one of the few (if not the only) dog parks in Seattle that is covered — super convenient if you don’t want your pooch getting too muddy on rainy days. Located conveniently under the I5 freeway in Capitol Hill/​East Lake, the dog park is easily accessible and you’ll usually find a couple of other dogs running around.
While it’s not as nice as some of the other dog parks in the area, it’s a pretty spacious area for your dog to get some exercise in without being restricted to a leash.
Be sure to wear closed toe shoes! the ground is loose gravel and not all pet owners pick up after their dogs.

The Good:
Cool idea — put a dog park under I-​5. Makes a nice roof on rainy days. This dog park is unique, with narrow passage ways, large steps — tucked right next to a mountain bike park (another cool idea). There are rocks as the surface in most of the park with an area delegated for sand. Great for keeping dogs clean. This park is better for socializing dogs as opposed to exercising dogs. We have a lab and a smaller dog that have different needs. Luckily there was a dog walker at the park with ten dogs, otherwise our little pup would’ve been bored. Narrow space for our lab to chase a ball but he was easily tired in the space provided.
The Bad:
However, being that it is under a bridge, we saw a mattress topped with cardboard right next to the park, and then we saw a syringe on the steps which made us want to leave. Couldn’t imagine if one of our dogs (or a child for that matter) stepped on any dirty needles under the rocks. Serious red flag for us, which I suppose comes with the territory. I’m sure the people who maintain this park do as good of a job with the upkeep, but this is Seattle and well, I guess if I was a homeless person with a heroin addiction I would give it five stars.
Will stick to Westcrest, Magnuson and Luther Burbank. Haven’t been to Marymoore yet.

Pros:
–Sheltered from the rain
–Well-​kept and maintained
–Awesome urban landscaping (It is nestled within a mountain bike trail zone).
–Great use of residual land.
–Beautiful walk to get there if you’re up on Capitol Hill. I go North through Volunteer Park, down by the Tennis courts until you reach Federal Way, then turn left on Blain Street steps (There are a lot of steps to go down/​up, but there’s a gem of a secret garden along the path).
Cons:
–Doesn’t look like much people know about this park, but I always run into one or two dogs.
–Noise from I-​5
Overall: This is a great doggy off-​leash park in a residential area that doesn’t have many that are within walking distance. We just need to get the word out and it would be amazing!

Yes, it’s sometimes unpopulated, but usually we see a couple of dogs come and go in the time we’re there. In a park this small, I appreciate the fact that it’s not super-​crowded because it prevents dog packs. (This is a little selfish, since my idiot hunting dog thinks it’s fun to be chased and always ends up being the prey animal for the pack.)
Also, the big steps tire my dog out. If I can get someone else to go with me and have the dog run up and down between us a few times, presto! Nap time! Also, great place for hide-​and-​seek with the dog – lots of places to hide.
Yes, there are homeless people in the area who sleep in the colonnade. They also use the park for their own dogs. That’s cool, and the dogs seem well-​socialized (maybe because they don’t have a home??)
The only issue we’ve had is we once saw a couple of people who were shooting up and wandering around the dog park totally messed up. They seemed pretty harmless, but they were very confused when the dogs jumped on them, and I suspect they are also the people who occasionally leave the gates open (watch out for this).
I’m making the park sound shady… it doesn’t feel shady. I recommend it if you live in the area, but I wouldn’t drive miles to get there, and I wouldn’t go at night (okay maybe it is a little shady.) But that doesn’t make it less fun. It’s like an obstacle course for the dog – think of it as canine parkour.

After I searched for the park and finally found it, I thought it was strangely beautiful. The wooden carvings are great and the mountain bike trail looks bad-​ass but the dog park aspect of it; and the reason why I went there in the first place, sucked. I think you need to walk to it and plan on just keeping your dog on the leash and walking around the park exploring rather than banking on your pooch getting all of their exercise in the off leash area.
My dog likes plants to smell and soft… well something other than jagged rocks to run, roll, and play on. If you are looking to run some stairs though this place is top notch!

Dont get me wrong, I am happy to have a dog park in the Eastlake area. But it is a SAD little space. Cement and rocks surrounded by a fence. I went after work yesterday and although it was only 4 pm and light out, there were a few strange looking men lurking about which made me feel a little unsafe. I only saw one other dog there very briefly. Most neighborhood dog parks I ve been to have a real sense of community to them, but I dont know that this same vibe is ever going to be achieved in this space. :(

I was house-​sitting in Eastlake for ten days (and what a hidden gem that neighborhood is). Was happy to find out from friendly (in Seattle!) locals about an off-​leash park beneath I-​5. So, with my 11-​month-​old pup in tow, we went.
The off-​leash park is adjacent on the west side of a magnificent mountain bike skills area. Really, for beneath a freeway, it is an unexpected blast of intricate wooden and gravel trails. The park, too, is kind of different — at least from other OLAs I have been to. It is very long and thin. There is a small round area with soft gravel and then a long area with bleacher-​esque concrete sections and steps. This area has larger gravel (rocks) and is clean but yet uninviting for long visits.
I went there four times while I was house-​sitting and only saw a few other dogs. None of them wanted to play so it was more throwing the tennis ball for Rosie to retrieve. One good thing is that she is a jumper and the steps and bleachers were obviously her favorite.
I recommend this place and like a previous reviewer hope to see more people and dogs here because more dogs = more play.

Seriously, it’s under a freeway. You aren’t going to find Marymoor or Greenlake hidden under I-​5. It’s a beautiful park, but in a much different way.
Yes, you’ll find a bum, usually sleeping, now and again. But do you think Capitol Hill or Belltown are any better? Yes, it’s all gravel and left over concrete sections. However, it is quiet, private and quite large. It is one of the largest covered outdoor areas for rainy days I can think of, especially one you can bring a dog. It’s a unique park and a brilliant use of land in this city.
Like the previous reviewers said, the park is in dire need of maintenance and improvement; I’m not sure if many are aware of this, but dog parks are almost entirely volunteer based. If you think it needs improvement, THEN IMPROVE IT! I would find it hard to complain about the quality of a park while at the same time never lending a hand.
I’m not even sure if there is a work party for this park. But maybe there needs to be. If anyone is part of one or would like to start one, message me.
Remember, TANSTAAFL.

I actually liked this place. We took the pup here on a rainy day, which was great because it wasn’t muddy and he was able to run around. He’s a bit of a jumper, so he had so much fun running up the stairs and then jumping down. It wasn’t super crowded, which is nice because we had the place to ourselves and were able to run around and play with him. The way it’s laid out made it perfect for a game of hide and seek. The puppy was LOVING it. He had so much fun and was having a blast.
My only complaint is that it can get pretty dirty. There were a few beer cans lying around and in one area of the park there was a lot of poop. People, pick up your dog poop!

First off– finding this place was a pain the the ***-1) getting there and 2) finding the dog park under the expressway surrounded by the mountain biking area.
There weren’t any dogs. People who do take their dogs there know that people don’t take their dogs there because they do NOT pick up their dog’s poop! Walking in the off-​leash area was like being in dog kitty litter area full of rocks and this weird rock blocks. i found the mountain bike area to have more of an interesting terrain!
If you have to go to the dog park with your dog, I would advise you to park on Franklin by Blaine/​Garfield since its by the off-​leash area instead of navigating your way through the mountain biking area where there is a risk of being in a path of a mountain bike!

This is a reasonable, low-​mud place for a dog during the rainy months. The park is a long, narrow space with terraced stairs that are good for jumpers (like my girl). Yes, the rocks are still there, and continue to be an issue for delicate paws.
It seems that no one is ever here. This place needs some marketing and a layer of mulch — these would bump the rating up a star or two.

This place is a good idea gone terribly wrong. The space is ample and the location may be a bit odd, but in rainy Seattle its not so bad. Its the large sharp rocks that my dog can’t walk on without pain that are the real problem, the place may as well be lined with shattered glass.
My new apartment is a block away from this place, but if I want to let my dog have any off-​leash time, I am going to have to drive out somewhere else.

Cons: We’ve been here a few times because it’s somewhat close to us but it’s scarcely populated. We’ve only ever seen one or two other dogs there at a time. I did see a sign encouraging Saturday & Sunday afternoon meet-​ups to get a good number of people to come but I haven’t checked it out to see if that happens. Our other biggest issue is the rocks. Our dog (like many others) gets sore paws very easily from rocks and we can’t let him play here too long.
Pros: The stairs are neat — it’s an interesting space — long and sort-​of narrow, with some stairs at one end for dogs to run and burn some extra energy. It’s a neat idea to use the area under I-​5 as well. Also, the lack of mud really helps when I want a quick «clean-​dog» romp. (But would this area get too muddy if there was dirt? It’s sort of protected) And, of course, it’s nice to have a park in the area.

I did not know there was an off leash area in the Eastlake neighborhood. Apparently neither does anyone else. I heard about the Colonnade yesterday so I packed up the pooches and set off to check it out. There were three dogs there when we arrived, none stayed very long and no others arrived.
This is a fine example of a great idea poorly executed. The city has reclaimed the land underneath I-​5 and is building the Colonnade. Still under construction are bike paths both commuter and a mountain bike course. There are little grass areas which would be nice for a picnic if it were not for the constant roar of autos zooming by fifty feet above your head.
The off leash area is good sized, quite long but narrow. The grade it runs along is steep and they have terraced it, giving a kind of amphitheater feel. The ground cover is gravel. No dirt, no grass, no bark, just rocks. The brilliant mind that decided that should be forced to chase balls barefooted and see how comfortable it is for him. Also, the fences are a little low. If you dog is prone to escape this park is not recommended.
Now the boys are completely capable of entertaining each other when there are no other dogs around but today, after exploring the boundaries of the park, they spent most of the time standing at the gate with the *is it time to go yet* look. We finally gave up and headed home.
While I think this could be a nice little park they need to rethink a few things. I would not take the boys back unless improvements were made.