Hike of the Week: Hylebos Wetlands

Old growth in Federal Way? Believe it!

Hylebos Wetlands

Deep in the heart of Federal Way





by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin

January 13, 2006

Quick FactsLocation: Federal Way, south King County
Land Agency: Federal Way Parks Department
Roundtrip: 2.0 miles
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Access: On South 348th Street, just west of the South Federal Way Park and Ride. Use exit 142 if arriving via I-5.
Special Note: Dogs must be on a leash

Washington is a beautiful state. Of course, I'm referring to the Cascades, Olympics, Coast and the golden brown hills of the Palouse. Unfortunately, punctuating this incredible beauty are far too many areas of urban blight and suburban sprawl. Not pretty sights at all. From Marysville to Olympia a near continuous 100-mile strip development mars the Puget lowlands. Miles upon miles of fast food restaurants, video outlets, and mini-malls occupies land that once supported wildlife rich prairies, wetlands, and estuaries.
And if there’s an epicenter to the aesthetically lacking and habitat deficient sprawl-lands, it’s south King County. For lovers of nature, it would be easy to discount all of this asphalt and clapboard and head to the hills for beauty and serenity. So it may come as a surprise to you- that deep in this suburban jungle are pockets and remnants of the land that once was.
The West Hylebos Wetlands Park in Federal Way is one of those gems. This little park not only preserves a piece of green and natural beauty in a sea of suburbia, it also contains trees that are 300 years old! Old growth Sitka spruces in Federal Way?! Almost inconceivable-only a trip there will make you a believer. Once part of the state park system, West Hylebos Wetlands is now managed by the city of Federal Way Park’s department. The park preserves a portion of the watershed of its namesake. Far too many area wetlands in the Puget Sound Region have been dredged, filled and paved over. West Hylebos has been granted an execution stay; it has been allowed to flow freely and naturally.
Much of the park's existence is due to the love and determination of the former property owners, the Marckx family. They saw to it that this rare and threatened ecosystem should be protected for all Washingtonians to enjoy and appreciate. The park is small, but wild enough to allow you a feeling of removal from the noise of the surrounding sprawl. There is a one-and-a-half mile nature trail that encircles the park, as well as several spur trails that lead to points of interest.
There are some beautiful bogs adorned with false azaleas, currents, huckleberries and roses. The pride of the park is the giant old growth Sitka spruce trees. These trees generally grow along the coast. Walk the trails, listen to the birds, smell the flowers and breathe the air. Be thankful for the people who saved this land.