Happy Trails to You: Japanese Gulch

Originally published August 29, 2018.

Walking in Everett is how I really fell in love with it, and also how I started finding the places I wanted to write about.

There's really no better way to get to know a city than on foot. Slow down, soak it up, take some pictures, and get a closer look at those places you only catch glimpses of from the car.

Years ago, I noticed the Tails and Trails Dog Park sign on 5th Street driving into Mukilteo and made a mental note to check it out when my lower back felt better. The move into our house aggravated an old back injury, and after months of physical therapy, yoga, and increasingly longer walks in the neighborhood, I was ready to visit.

All that summer, I visited up to three times a week, exploring, getting lost, and finding myself all over again. For me, Japanese Gulch will always represent healing, adventure, and endless natural beauty.

Tails and Trails dog Park // Christopher Bragg

So, is it in Everett, or Mukilteo? Both. While exploring the trails, you're likely to spend most of your time in Everett. If you want to start at the bottom of the trail, pull into the dog park lot at 1301 5th Street.

Would you rather get some great views of Paine Field and the Boeing Plant before working your way down? Grab a spot in the east end of the Sterling Business Park (a good landmark is King's Teriyaki), follow the path along the Boeing freeway, and hang a left at the Boeing Perimeter Road.

Don't want to climb at all? Park at the 19th Street Neighborhood Trailhead or at the South Trailhead near the Mukilteo Community Gardens. There are lots of trails on the west side to enjoy without going very far up or down.

The 19th Street Trailhead. // Christopher Bragg

That's the great thing about the gulch. By my estimate, there are about 20 miles of trails, with plenty of variety for hikers and bikers at any experience level to enjoy. Keep it fun by observing some basic safety guidelines.

BEFORE YOU GO

Always stretch, bring plenty of water, and tell someone where you're headed. Better yet, bring a friend. Wear good shoes and reflective neon safety gear so you can be spotted from a distance. Familiarize yourself with the surrounding neighborhoods in case you decide to leave the gulch and make your way back through via the streets.

WHILE YOU'RE THERE

Much of the gulch lacks cell service, but you can still use a GPS tracking program like MapMyRun so you can see where you are and how to get back while you're familiarizing yourself with the trail system. Most trails won't be on the map, but the perspective helps a lot. If you're on a bike, call out often to give hikers a chance to find a spot to step aside so you can pass.

When hiking, never push yourself to cross difficult terrain since you may have to double back and do it again. Be respectful if you run into any coyotes, snakes, deer, or owls. Keep a safe distance from the center railroad tracks and remember: you may have some very close encounters with planes flying into Boeing Field.

NEED A BREAK?

You can find Honey Buckets at the dog park, community gardens, and the ball fields near the Boeing Recreation Center.

WHEN YOU FINISH

Brag about your hike on social media and share your awesome pictures using #liveineverett on Instagram.
Learn more about Japanese Gulch and volunteer opportunities there via the Japanese Gulch Group.
Check out recent trip reports, contribute your own, and find more hikes at Washington Trails Association.

With over 1,000 acres to explore, forget, and rediscover, you're not likely to get sick of Japanese Gulch... except maybe during the rainy season when it gets muddy.

Keep an eye on the blog, I'll tell you about all the other great hiking and walking spots around town so you know where to go when the rain comes this fall.