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Japanese Gulch South Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 161 Google reviews · Running trail in Mukilteo, Washington · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Japanese Gulch South Trailhead'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.
Natural setting for hiking, mountain biking, and running with a fenced-in off-leash area for dogs.
What runners say about Japanese Gulch South Trailhead
“It’s a beautiful, natural area surrounded by industry, but once you’re inside the conservation area, you’d never know Boeing is practically next door.”
“So many different kinds of birds and plants exist here and to top it off there was not a lot of traffic on the trails therefore, it was very quiet.”
There are two sides of this ravine. One is the boring hiker’s highway. The other is the mountain bike part which will shred your knees. I choose the latter. There are private property signs. Feel free to un understand that Non Marxian concept. Walk on the gravel if it pleases
What an absolutely amazing and underrated hiking area. There's absolutely gorgeous nature views, biking trails and a ton of other walking/hiking trails. If you want to walk 1.5mi you can find a beautiful dog park.
Great hike in Mukillteo. The trail signs weee a bit confusing? Makes me think I need to sign up for a trails app.
We walked the south loop trail on a Monday afternoon starting from the south parking lot. The trail is about 1.25 miles, has moderate hills, is narrow, and rough. It passes over tree roots, mud patches and 2 small bridges. The loop includes part of the main trail. The main trail is wider than the south loop trail.
Trail conditions & character
“We walked the south loop trail on a Monday afternoon starting from the south parking lot.”
“There’s a lovely waterfall down that part of the trail and a footbridge that’s crosses it, which provides a fun photo opportunity.”
“76 miles down to the dog park; there’s another parking lot and porta-potty located there.”
“So many different kinds of birds and plants exist here and to top it off there was not a lot of traffic on the trails therefore, it was very quiet.”
“Beautiful single track under a canopy of trees with plenty of optional challenging sections to keep it fun.”
“We walked the south loop trail on a Monday afternoon starting from the south parking lot.”
“Side trails are nice compact dirt while main straight trails are gravel.”
“The porta-potty was very clean and stocked with TP.”
Plan your run at Japanese Gulch South Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitemukilteowa.gov
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9 PM |
Running trails near Mukilteo
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Japanese Gulch 19th Street Neighborhood Trailhead
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Japanese Gulch Conservation Area
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Mountain-biking and hiking locale, plus a creek and wildlife.
92nd Street Park
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Big Gulch Trail
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Japanese Gulch
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Beach, hiking and walking area, featuring trails and a dog park.