Lake Killarney Open Space Park

Lake Killarny is a small but long forested lake hiding in the woods in Federal Way. Much of the lake was protected from development, probably because it was part of the original Weyerhaeuser Headquarters ownership. At some point, this property was sold to the city of Federal Way and to World Vision for their headquarters building. The trees here are big; some are old growth, a very rare find in Federal Way.

Walk down a paved trail to split. To the right goes to the Lake Killarny views. Do not stop until you have water on all three sides of you. After enjoying the views, go back to the split. Now go left as the trail passes through some trees and emerges at the backside of World Vision Headquarters. A left goes into a parking lot, right proceeds on a wide gravel path around their water retention ponds. Pass several ponds, and then arrive at another access to a parking lot. The trail continues further to another business building but look instead to the right for a hiking trail up a small hill to a picnic table. This trail continues well past the lunch spot through a very nice and old forest with glimpses at another arm of Lake Killarny. The trail ends at 344th Street, on a sidewalk in front of the Devry University Campus.

Take the Weyerhaeuser Way exit off Highway 18. Turn south and follow Weyerhaeuser Way until a sharp bend right. The park sign is there. If the gate is open, go in and park. If not, park just outside the gate along the road or across the street in a large church parking lot.