Staircase in Meadowdale Beach Park

The Lunds Gulch Trail offers a delightful descent through a vibrant, green ravine, leading you to the shores of Puget Sound. You'll wind through a forest of second-growth and some old-growth trees, following the soothing sounds of Lunds Gulch Creek. The path is generally wide and well-maintained, eventually passing under railroad tracks via a tunnel before opening up to the expansive Meadowdale Beach, where you can enjoy views of Whidbey Island and the Olympic Mountains.

This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) hiking route, with 386 feet (118 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes. While the initial descent is gentle, the return climb is a steady uphill effort, so be prepared for that. The trail is accessible year-round, but parking at Meadowdale Beach Park can get busy, so an early start is often a good idea.

One of the trail's biggest draws is its direct access to a beautiful Puget Sound beach, making it a popular spot for beachcombing and birdwatching, especially at low tide. The presence of spawning salmon in Lunds Gulch Creek during the fall adds another layer of natural interest. It's a fantastic option for families, offering a mix of forest exploration, a unique railroad tunnel, and a rewarding beach destination.

The Meadowdale Beach loop from Meadowdale offers a refreshing journey through diverse terrain, starting with a descent into a quiet ravine filled with evergreen trees and the sounds of Lund's Gulch Creek. You'll pass through a memorable pedestrian tunnel before emerging onto two distinct Puget Sound beaches, where you can enjoy expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and Whidbey Island. This 5.2-mile (8.4 km) hike, rated moderate, provides a true escape into nature without requiring a long drive.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park is open year-round and welcomes leashed dogs. The primary challenge is the 574 feet (175 metres) of elevation gain on the return climb, which takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete. Be aware that the trail can be wet and muddy, even on clear days, so appropriate footwear is a good idea. Checking for any park closures with Snohomish County Parks before you go is always a smart move.

What makes this trail particularly special is its ecological significance; Lund's Gulch Creek is an important estuary supporting migrating salmon. The unique