I spent the better part of RSS Day wandering the shores of Sandpoint Magnuson Park with my girlfriend. I’ve lived in Seattle since 1991 and had no clue of its existence. With a gigantic off leash area rivaled only by the great forests of Oregon and a beautiful dog beach how could I miss it?

We started out in the huge parking lot near the jungle gym and slowly made our way along a wide sun scorched dirt and gravel path. Slipping through a gate we ended up in the midst of doggy heaven. Millions of dogs (give or take a few) were off their leashes, playing with frisbees, tennis balls and their owner’s patience.

Along the tall fences plastic poo bag rolls are tactically placed reminiscent of the grocery store produce section. We continued our long trip towards the water front admiring the pooches and a few bikini clad ladies (ok that was only me). The main path towards the dog beach is surprisingly free of canine waste but not of nat hoards which threaten to suffocate us. But it’s worth it. To the right we can see a handful of kites high in the air and the landscaping on the sides of the path is not unlike Woodland Park Zoo’s back trails.

As we continue we come across two huge plastic barrels with bowls at their base and spigots to pour water from for your furry companions. Did Magnuson think of everything!? No. This would have been the perfect spot to stick a three dollar a bottle coke machine. (Not unlike Woodland Park Zoo come to think of it.)

Finally we arrive at the dog beach and it is swarming with people and their pets. Dozens of dogs dive for tennis balls while their owners relax on the shore or in the water themselves. I was glad to see it didn’t get deep too fast, I didn’t want to have to hop in and rescue a drowning dog. I’m crazy like that.

Taking up a seat on an old fallen and gnarled tree we watch the events and pet every dog that we can reach. Life is perfect, or it would be if we had a dog, especially one who would bring me a coke.