West Hylebos Wetlands Park
Exceptional peat bog in heart of Puget Sound urban sprawl
Quick Facts:
Location: Federal Way, WA
Land Agency contact: city of Federal Way Parks and Recreation
Round Trip: 1.4 miles of trails
Elevation Gain: 225 feet
Detailed Information: Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Books)
Notes: Dogs prohibited. Park open dusk to dawn
Access: From I-5 Exit 142B in Federal Way drive west on S 348th Street for 0.9 mile to park and trailhead located on your left. Overflow parking can be found at the South Federal Way Park and Ride located just to the east of the park on S 348th Street
Good to Know: kid-friendly, snow free winter hikes, interpretive, ADA accessible
Much has changed in the Hylebos Creek drainage since Belgian-born priest, Father Peter Francis Hylebos came to Washington Territory in 1880. Hylebos helped build churches, hospitals and schools in the region. And while he was a big promoter for developing the region, he would probably be astounded today to see a booming city of 100,000 residents sprout around these wetlands. But thanks to Ilene and Francis Marckx, a significant portion of the sensitive wetlands here have been protected
Back in 1955, long before there was a city of Federal Way the Marckxs bought a large parcel of land that contained these wetlands. They soon realized the ecological value of them and grew concerned over the increasing development around them. They formed the Friends of Hylebos and began looking for ways to preserve this land. In 1981 they donated 24.5 acres to the state to be used a as state park. Since then, various agencies and conservation groups have helped bring the preserve to 120 acres. Today it’s owned and managed by Federal Way and is the pride of the city.
From the small parking lot check out two historic structures before heading down the trail. Then follow a wide gravel path winding through a small field and old orchard to a junction.
The trail to the right leads to a picnic area then continues along the west shore of the small body of water known as Marlake before ending at private property.
The trail to the left is the main attraction, follow it to the start of nearly one mile of boardwalk. Soon the trail comes to a junction—here a loop can be made and it matters not which direction you go. Branching off of the loop is a short spur boardwalk traveling over Hylebos Creek and ending at an observation platform at a body of water known as Brooklake.
The boardwalk loop is one of the most enjoyable and interesting hikes in the South Sound. Notice the large and abundant Sitka spruce growing in these wetlands—trees more commonly associated with the coast. And do check out the Deep Sink a deep water filled hole in the peat. In some places within this bog the peat is more than 30 feet deep.
For detailed descriptions (including maps) for this hike as well as many others in Federal Way and surrounding communities, pick up a copy of my Urban Trails Tacoma (Mountaineers Books).
