The West Hylebos Wetlands Parks is reopened as of February 11, 2008! Come in and see the new boardwalk and the expanded Brooklake viewing platform. Read more here.

The West Hylebos Wetlands is equal parts wildlife refuge, ecological and hydrological conservatory, nature trail, and just plain natural wonder.  One of the last remaining bogs in South King County, Hylebos’ wetland wilderness lies just one mile west of I-5 in southern Federal Way. It's easy to reach and easy to explore this rare urban nature park.

Walking the park’s one-mile-long boardwalk immerses visitors in a forested wetlands that existed before Europeans settled the Puget Sound lowlands and affords a unique opportunity for nature study and reflection.  To learn more, take our Virtual Hike! (This feature is currently limited. More sites coming soon)

Biodiversity In The City

Wetlands are a hotbed of biodiversity as a trip to the West Hylebos illustrates.  Hidden among the park’s 120 acres is a staggering diversity of life; from the tiny — 27 species of moss, 37 species of lichen, 30 fungi, and 6 liverwort species — to the gigantic — cathedral-like Douglas firs, western hemlock, red cedars, and rare ancient Sitka spruce that began life around the time the Mayflower reached Plymouth Rock.

More than one hundred bird species frequent the park, including gangly great blue herons, snazzy red pileated woodpeckers, orange-brown warblers, and violet green swallows. Check out our Spring Birds of the West Hylebos, Summer Birds of the West Hylebos, and Birds of the Fall.

Red-legged frogs inhabit the park’s slow waters and the mysterious Deep Sinks while flying squirrels traverse the distant canopy overhead.

Almost hidden by the activity above, the wetlands works its wonder on water flowing into the park through the many tributary streams. The wetlands slows and purifies this surface water, protecting Hylebos Creek and recharging the Redondo-Milton Channel Aquifer that supplies water to Federal Way, Milton, Fife, and Puyallup.

Don't Delay. Visit the West Hylebos Today!

Park Operations Information

Read about how the West Hylebos Wetlands was saved

City of Federal Way West Hylebos Site

Scouting opportunities at the West Hylebos Wetlands