Once in a while it's fun to add a stroll through an expensive, hilly neighborhood to my walk in the woods—especially if I think there's going to be a gorgeous sunrise.

Sometimes, I'll leave Japanese Gulch via the residential streets to the west and do a big zig-zag on the way back down to the car at the dog park. For an even bigger dose of real estate envy, I head to Big Gulch in Mukilteo.

The best place to park is 92nd Street Park, but I don't enter the gulch there. I'm just not a fan of going down big, steep stairs with no rails like this, so I save them for the end of the route.

The views are better if you head down 92nd Street SW anyway. At the bottom of the hill, hang a left on 62nd or 63rd. I prefer 63rd because it has a wider walkway and, as the last street, has the best unobstructed views.

Near the end of 95th Place SW, you'll find an access road leading to the lower Big Gulch entrance. It's the type of place that looks off limits even though the signs clearly give you permission.

Sometimes the blackberry bushes to the left of the gate are overgrown and you have to duck under instead of passing through the gap. It's worth it.

In the fall, you can see the wastewater treatment plant below as you make your way along the narrow road. Don't get distracted, though, because if a truck comes, you need to be out of its way. Finally, you'll arrive at the entrance.

It's easy to think of Big Gulch as smaller Japanese Gulch, but they're quite different. Much of Japanese Gulch is wild and steep, and the similar spots in Big Gulch are reinforced, groomed, and much safer.

The trail system is also clearly marked, which is handy because the upper part of Big Gulch is a nice way for residents to get around without having to walk along Mukilteo Speedway. It's obvious as you pass behind the library and local businesses that it's a beloved local spot for a lunchtime stroll.

The route I've described comes in at under 4.5 miles with about 400 feet of elevation gain, even if you explore the complete trail system.

It's always lovely and I really only have one warning: part way up, when the terrain starts to flatten out, you'll find some sewer valve vents coming out of the ground which are part of the system leading to the wastewater treatment plant.

Sometimes they smell awful, but if you get in the habit of holding your breath when you see a large vent, you'll be fine.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.