Along the shores of Possession Sound with sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and Whidbey Island, the community of Mukilteo offers a coastal setting that draws many to its streets and waterfront. The current population stands at approximately 21,312 residents. Originally a trading outpost and later a ferry and rail hub, this town is known for its historic lighthouse, scenic ferry terminal, and its role as a gateway to Whidbey Island.

From the Old Town pier to its slope-lined ravines, the place is full of stories. One lesser-known lore relates to the area around the lighthouse. Before formal settlement, local Indigenous people used the point as a winter camp, and the headland was referred to in the native Lushootseed language as something close to “good camping ground.” There’s also a fun tidbit from the Prohibition era. The town’s waters served as a transit route for rum runners moving alcohol from across the Sound into the Seattle area.

Neighborhoods rise from the bluffs above the water, with ravines like Japanese Gulch carving their way down to the shoreline. That gulch began as a settlement for Japanese laborers in the early twentieth century and today has become a cherished greenway with trails and conservation interests. On any calm evening, one can sense layers of history beneath the rails and paths.

Strolling through the town is deliciously rewarding. If you wander toward the waterfront, you’ll find Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing, known for its fish and chips, clam chowder bread bowls, and broad aquamarine views of the Sound. South of the waterfront, Sakuma Japanese Restaurant offers sushi and chirashi bowls in a warmly lit setting where locals gather for fresh catches. For a more casual bite, Blu Burgers is praised for its inventive takes on the classic hamburger, sweet potato fries, and homemade milkshakes. 

Beyond food, the business scene includes houses like Diamond Knot Brewing Company, a craft brewer founded in the mid-1990s and regarded as the oldest microbrewery in Snohomish County. They’ve carved a niche in the region for their innovative ales and waterfront taproom atmosphere. The public library branch, tucked in the Harbour Pointe area, also serves as a community hub for lectures, story times, and local exhibitions.

When it comes to things to do, the lighthouse park is a must. The iconic light station, built in 1906 and perched where the BNSF railway tracks clip the shoreline, welcomes visitors to climb, explore the keeper’s house, and enjoy picnic grounds with sweeping maritime views. Then there’s the annual Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival, held each late August or early September. For three days, the waterfront fills with parades, music, fireworks, children’s activities, and even a fishing derby, drawing thousands of residents and visitors alike. Locals also cherish the summer weekends when the Farmers Market pops up near the lighthouse grounds, offering seasonal produce and artisan treats.

Adventure seekers can head into the gulches for trail walking or mountain biking. Japanese Gulch and Big Gulch feature forested slopes, creeks, and vistas of industry meeting nature. It’s one of the few places where you might spot deer or woodpeckers within city limits and still feel the roar of a passing ferry across the Sound. On the water side, the ferry terminal connects travelers to Whidbey Island, making the community a crossroads of land and sea transport.

We at Cleaner Guys know how much effort goes into keeping residences and businesses in this maritime coastal setting protected from the elements and unexpected damage. If your property in Mukilteo ever experiences water damage, fire damage, mold growth, or you need a mold inspection, we’re ready to help restore your home or business quickly, respectfully, and thoroughly. Don’t wait, contact us today to find out what we can do for you and your property in this beautiful waterfront community.