Best Dog Walking Trails in Gig Harbor & Fox Island

This is the classic Gig Harbor dog walk — and for good reason. The paved waterfront path runs from Harbor History Park down along the harbor with views of Mount Rainier on clear days, fishing boats, and the kind of scenery that makes locals forget they've walked this route a hundred times already.

Dogs love the smells along the water. You'll encounter plenty of other dogs here, especially on weekend mornings, so this is a great trail for socialization. The path is mostly flat with a few gentle grades near the park facilities.

• Leashes required throughout — park rangers do enforce this
• Multiple garbage cans with bag dispensers along the path
• Water fountain near the Harbor History Museum (dog bowl at base during warm months)
• Gets busy on summer afternoons — arrive before 9am for a quiet walk

The Cushman Trail is the Peninsula's longest dedicated walking and biking path — a converted rail corridor that cuts through residential and natural areas from Gig Harbor to Purdy. Most dog walkers use a 2–4 mile out-and-back section starting from the Borgen Blvd trailhead or the 36th Street access point.

It's a well-maintained paved surface, which makes it ideal for dogs with sensitive paws or older dogs who struggle with uneven terrain. The tree canopy keeps the trail shaded and cool even in July.

• Best entry points: Borgen Blvd at 38th St NW (parking lot), or Ray Nash Dr NW near Rosedale
• Bicycles share the path — keep your dog close on the right side
• No water sources on the trail — bring your own
• 2-mile section near Burnham Dr has the nicest tree cover and least foot traffic

Sehmel Homestead is Gig Harbor's best-kept dog walking secret. The park has a dedicated off-leash dog area — a rare find in the region — plus natural surface trails through open meadow and woodland. The off-leash zone is fully fenced, making it appropriate even for dogs who are still building their recall.

Outside the off-leash area, you can loop through the park's natural surface trails on a standard leash. The meadow sections offer wide-open views and good morning light if you're walking early.

• Off-leash area requires dog license tags — posted rules at the gate
• Separate small-dog and large-dog sections in the off-leash zone
• Muddy in winter and early spring — bring a towel
• Usually quiet on weekday mornings; can get busy Saturday afternoons

The Artondale neighborhood gives access to a network of quiet streets and connecting natural paths, including trail sections near Crescent Creek. It's less a formal park and more a living neighborhood walk — the kind dogs love because every block is new territory.

The creek sections offer shade and water sounds that calm even reactive dogs. This area is also one of the better spots in Gig Harbor to spot herons and other wildlife, which keeps dogs (and owners) alert and engaged.

• Best explored with a map or GPS — the trail connections aren't always signed
• Creek access possible at several points for dogs who like wading (watch for current after rain)
• Mix of paved neighborhood streets and natural trail — good for dogs that want variety

Fox Island's informal trail system winds through second-growth forest and connects several open areas near the island's interior. The trails aren't heavily maintained or signed, which actually makes them more enjoyable — you're walking through quiet Washington forest with almost no crowds.

Dogs pick up a huge range of scents through here (deer, raccoon, and more), which makes for excellent mental stimulation. The natural surface trail can get soft in winter but drains reasonably well after a few dry days.

• Best accessed off Pioneer Lane — look for the trail head markers or well-worn paths
• Wildlife is present — keep dogs on leash if they have a strong prey drive
• Great for morning walks when the fog is still in the trees

Fox Island has several public shoreline access points where you can walk the beach with your dog at low tide. The south shore access near Sylvan and the public right-of-ways on the east side offer the best stretches. At extreme low tide, you can cover a solid mile of beach gravel and sand.

Dogs love beach walking — the texture, smells, birds flushing from the water's edge. Go at low tide (check the NOAA tide chart before you leave) and allow extra time because most dogs are impossible to rush here.

• Always leash near the water — the current around Fox Island can be fast
• Best at low tide (below +3 ft) for the most beach access
• Bring a towel — most dogs find a way to get wet regardless of your intentions
• Watch for oyster beds — sharp shells can cut paws at certain access points