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Craft Island
4.5 ★★★★★ 54 Google reviews · Running trail in Mount Vernon, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Craft Island's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Craft Island
“Beautiful, expansive Beach that leaves some pools of warm water behind that my kids especially loved.”
“Great for children, dogs, and families of all ages.”
Beautiful trail ....we took our dogs all the way out to the beach. If you have any difficulties with walking then this trail is not for you. Great views of the valley ones you reach the top of the little hill. DONT LEAVE ANYTHING IN YOUR CAR!
The most gorgeous views!!! And beautiful hike! Short and sweet! But very muddy!!! And Absolutely no bathrooms! Great for all ages! Lots to see and explore! Highly recommend! Parking is very minimal, you have to park in a line on a very narrow street, at the dead end.
This is a beautiful trail to an even more beautiful river beach! The beach is nice and sandy, and it's huge, so even if it's busy you'll be able to find a place to yourself. If you go while the tide is out, stay to watch it come in! The beach is so flat that it comes in *fast*, it's really neat to see.
Busy trail at low tide. Trailhead is off the main road so I'd caution against leaving bikes secured with simple cable or valuables in your vehicle. Beyond that it is a gorgeous destination (better view than Oyster Dome??). Great for children, dogs, and families of all ages. With muddy spots...
Trail conditions & character
“Sometimes it’s all about the view… & sometimes it’s all about whose with you watching the view… regardless of how you want to spend your time I’d recommend going with a buddy here.”
“Trail is usually very muddy, but we got lucky and it was mostly dry in late July.”
“Trailhead is off the main road so I'd caution against leaving bikes secured with simple cable or valuables in your vehicle.”
“Great for children, dogs, and families of all ages.”
“Relatively flat but beautiful and fun for people who are new to hiking.”
Plan your run at Craft Island
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Mount Vernon
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dugualla State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Relaxed, scenic woodland spot with a path down to a beach.
Padilla Bay Shore Trailhead - South
4.7 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Popular, laid-back trail for walking, running and biking with benches along the way, along with mountain views plus waterfowl.
