Japanese Gulch

This emerald gem right in the heart of Mukilteo makes for great hiking. The woods here are packed with woodpeckers, herons, and black-tailed deer -- wildlife sightings hikers of all ages will love. There's rich history here, too. Originally owned by the Mukilteo Lumber Company, Japanese Gulch was housing for millworkers and their families, many who were Japanese.

The area was used for defense during World War Two and by the Boeing Company in the 1960s, until 2007, when a company tried to purchase the area to be an industrial park. The community of Mukilteo protested, saving wildlife habitat in 2014 when they purchased the land and preserved it for public use.

Access this area from either the Mukilteo dog park on 5th Street or from the community garden at the intersection of 76th and 44th.

From the dog park, there are two route options. Go through the shelter and start climbing trails up along the gulch. There aren't any signs, and there are many side trails here, but it's easy to keep track of where you are.

Catch glimpses of Puget Sound and the creek running through the gulch, as well as railroad tracks below. You can take any number of paths that will lead you down to the gravel road that runs along the tracks, or do an out and back hike. The gravel road will lead you back to the dog park.

Alternatively, walk around the gate and down to the gravel road. Turn left and walk all the way to the water and enjoy the sand.