PopUp StoryWalk at Ten Trails

Ten Trails is happy to share that PopUp StoryWalk has an installation in the community June 3rd-20th! Come walk our trails and read The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield. PopUp StoryWalk is a local program promoting literacy, health, and art appreciation using deconstructed children’s storybooks installed in outdoor community spaces. Begin a children’s story at the start of a trail, read posted pages along the way, and end the trial as you end the book. PopUp StoryWalk is empowered by the Arts of Kenmore.      

   

Visit the Community June 3rd-20th

The PopUp StoryWalk installation is in the community June 3rd-20th, located at the intersection of SE Stevens and Glacier Ave. Grab a map from our Welcome Center for easy navigation or follow the QR code directions on our website’s home page.

   

Hidden Treasures Along the Trails

While children read along the trail, we will have some hidden treasures that correlate with the book’s theme for them to spot along the way.  PopUp StoryWalk will be at Ten Trails for three weeks so there is plenty of time for families to visit the trail more than once and see how many fun new things they discover on each visit.   www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Head to the Coast for Low Elevation Spring Hikes 

Get a jumpstart on the summer hiking season by heading west to the Washington coast for some spectacular low-elevation hikes that offer stunning views with no special snow gear required.

Oyster Dome Trail 

Oyster Dome Trail is one of the area’s most popular hikes and for good reason. Located in the Chuckanut Mountains where the Cascades meet Samish Bay, this 6+ mile hike has it all: views, challenging terrain, boulders, and glimpses of wildlife. The difficult hike is worth the trip. At the top you can catch views of the San Juan Islands, Olympic mountains, and you can see all the way to Vancouver Island on a clear day.

Leadbetter Point Loop Hiking Trail

Located on the northern tip of the 28-mile Long Beach Peninsula, the Leadbetter Point Loop Hiking Trail is the perfect place to go if you are looking to get away from it all. Leadbetter Point is a protected habitat as part of the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is home to the endangered snowy plover. This 3.8-mile loop weaves through sand dunes, tidal flats and dense brush forest.

Cape Disappointment 

Cape Disappointment is in the most southwestern part of the state where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. At this state park, visitors will find many trails to hike including the Cape Disappointment North Head Trail. At just over 3 miles out and back, hikers can spot views of the majestic coastline and the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. This hike is ideal during the months of May through October as the trail can get muddy in the winter months. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike, and a Discover Pass is required for visiting the park. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Fast Pace of Home Sales Shows Ten Trails has What Homebuyers Want Most

Since opening just over two years ago, Ten Trails, the master planned community in Black Diamond managed by Oakpointe Communities, has seen home sales increase at a brisk pace and is well-known in the Puget Sound area as a desirable place to live. There are many reasons why so many homebuyers choose Ten Trails. Here are just a few!

Many Home Builders to Choose From 

Currently, Ten Trails has eight different builder options to choose from with home products ranging from townhomes to single family detached homes and even some apartments for rent currently under construction and pre-leasing.

A Walkable Community

Walkability remains one of the top features homebuyers desire in a new community. Ten Trails has miles of paved sidewalks and walking trails in addition to our nature trails that weave through the community’s wooded natural areas.

A Strong Sense of Community

Homebuyers want to also feel a sense of connection and community with where they live. Ten Trails offers this through our many shared community amenities and community events that bring residents together. Even during the pandemic, we have found ways to connect with one another and are looking forward to coming together in person again when guidelines allow for it.

Proximity Close to Nature 

Home shoppers are also searching for communities with easy access and proximity to nature. The entire community of Ten Trails is nestled in rural Black Diamond, surrounded by forests and with open and natural spaces integrated throughout the community. It is also located just a short drive from some of the area’s finest outdoors destinations like Crystal Mountain Resort, countless hiking trails, campgrounds, and Mount Rainier National Park. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com    

Visit Nearby Lake Sawyer Regional Park for Spectacular Walking Trails

Located less than three miles from Ten Trails, Lake Sawyer Regional Park boasts some of the area’s best walking pathways! The newly-expanded trail system connects to Black Diamond Open Space which, in turn, connects to Henry’s Ridge and Summit Ridge. Avid mountain bikers or hikers who live in Ten Trails can spend a day exploring trails just outside their doorstep!

Lake Sawyer Trails

The Lake Sawyer mountain bike trail system is located in the area on the west side of Hwy 169 in Black Diamond adjacent to a mix of private property and King County Parks land. Used primarily for mountain biking, the trails consist of a mix of ladder bridges, drops and other free-ride obstacles. If you are looking for easy walking trails, access the park from the parking lot on Lake Sawyer Road Southeast. Here, residents can get to the park via a wooded trail that leads out to open space, picnic areas, and the lake itself.

Lake Sawyer Boating and Fishing

Lake Sawyer is King County’s fourth largest natural lake, and is used primarily for boating, water skiing, swimming, and fishing. The lake’s public boat ramp can be accessed via Lake Sawyer Road Southeast and visitors pay just a $5 parking fee. Launch motorboats or kayaks for a day spent enjoying spectacular views of Mount Rainier from these calm waters. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043        

Head to Nearby Franklin Falls for a Magical Wintertime Hiking Experience

Franklin Falls is located about an hour’s drive from Ten Trails and is a popular hiking destination in the summer months. In the winter months, however, the hike takes on a uniquely different quality because the majestic waterfall partially freezes as temperatures drop. At just a few miles roundtrip, this is a quick and easy hike that can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages.

Location and Driving Directions for Franklin Falls Trail 

Franklin Falls Trail is located near the Snoqualmie Pass and can be reached via I-90 and exit 52. During the winter months, the trail can be accessed via National Forest Road 58 (NF-58) which closes to vehicle traffic due to snow. Park in the West Summit lot and walk along NF-58 for about 1.4 miles before taking a right into the woods at the Safety Corridor sign. A five-minute descent through the wooded trail will reveal the waterfall.

Alternate Hike Along Denny Creek Trail

You can opt to take a shorter path along Denny Creek that is relatively flat with sweeping views of the river and cabins. Old growth trees provide ample shade and the river is fast-flowing much of the year.

Make Sure You Have the Proper Hiking Equipment

Because the trail is covered in snow in the winter, you will want to make sure you bring the proper snow hiking equipment for a safe and enjoyable excursion. Waterproof hiking or snow boots equipped with microspikes or crampons are essential for ensuring you do not slip on the snowy trail. Snowshoes would also be handy to have for the hike on snowy NF-58 and gaiters to keep snow from going into your shoes. Many snow hikers also opt for stability with trekking poles and other winter hiking gear. For suggestions of what gear and supplies you may need for your winter hike outing, visit REI’s website. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043      

Spend Time Outdoors this Winter Getting to Know Your Local Area 

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused many of us to get more familiar with our local area than ever before. Many of us are taking more walks, exploring the areas around our homes, and sticking close to home this holiday season instead of traveling. The Pacific Northwest’s winter weather can make it challenging to take pleasure in the outdoors, but many activities can be enjoyed if you have the appropriate outdoor gear.

Snowshoe Local Trails

Take a day trip to local trails for some time spent outdoors snowshoeing. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing requires little skill and the equipment is relatively affordable.  Local trails like Gold Creek Pond are ideal for beginning snowshoers as are the trails at Crystal Mountain Resort. For more of  a challenge, take a trip south to Mount Rainier National Park to tackle Reflection or Louise Lake Trails.

Local Ski Resorts Open with Some Restrictions 

Local ski resorts like nearby Crystal Mountain Resort or The Summit at Snoqualmie are open for skiers to enjoy the slopes with some restrictions. Face coverings are required, and each resort has a set of guidelines for skiers and snowboarders to follow during their visit–including reservations required at Crystal Mountain. Visit Crystal Mountain’s website prior to your trip to make your reservation and review guidelines as well as The Summit at Snoqualmie’s site before heading out.

Take a low-level Hike or Nature Walk 

Lower elevation hikes like Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Renton are ideal for the winter months! No special snow gear is required, just sturdy hiking boots and maybe a rain jacket. Other great options close to Ten Trails are Lord Hill Loop and Boulder Garden Loop. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043      

Explore Southeastern King County’s Off the Beaten Path Attractions this Summer 

Tucked away in a scenic section of southeastern King County, Ten Trails is located close to outdoor recreation hotspots as well as some lesser known but still notable area attractions.

Franklin Ghost Town Trail 

Ten Trails is located just minutes from the former town of Franklin. Once a booming coal-mining town, Franklin is now owned by King County and is part of the Green River Gorge Conservation Area. Hikers can explore the ruins of old buildings and view coal car tracks and cables hidden among the forest. The trail is part of privately-owned land, but the public is welcome to tour the Franklin Ghost Town trail for a $5 fee.

Maid of the Mist Waterfall

Also commonly known as the “Green River Gorge Falls” the Maid of the Mist waterfall is clearly visible with just a short hike from the historic Franklin Ghost Town trail. Instead of hiking up toward the hills, visitors can check out the waterfall by taking the route that ventures down into the gorge.

Black Diamond Open Space

Just a short, five-minute drive from Ten Trails north on Hwy 169, visitors can find the Black Diamond Open Space Park.  The park boasts 240 acres of park and trail space for hiking, horseback riding, trail running and mountain-biking. The latter is what the park is most well-known for, with more than 28 mountain bike trails that span more than 13 miles total.

Nolte State Park

Nolte State Park is one of the area’s finest state park recreation sites, but is not well-known to anyone who lives outside the immediate area. This 110-acre day-use park has 7,174 feet of freshwater shoreline located on Deep Lake near the Green River Gorge.

Black Diamond Cemetery

The Black Diamond Cemetery was founded in 1884 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Located within walking distance to Ten Trails, the cemetery has more than 1,200 graves, one of them of a Civil War veteran, and many others of the miners who came to work in the city from all over the world. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043    

Five Nearby Hiking Trails to Check out This Spring

Some state-managed parks, wildlife areas, recreation land, boat launches, and natural areas will reopen for day-use activities on May 5, along with some trails and parks managed by the Department of Natural Resources, meaning Ten Trails residents can get back to spending more time in the great outdoors! If you and your family are looking for some picturesque nearby hikes for varying levels of ability, we have provided a few to explore. The Washington Trails Association has provided a thorough list of helpful tips for families who are looking to recreate responsibility. Please visit their website prior to embarking on your hike to review the tips, and be prepared that there’s a chance that some hiking trails and facilities may be closed when you arrive.

South Access Road | Issaquah Alps

The South Access Road Trail is the most direct route to summit Squak Mountain. This nearby mountain is one of the few places left in King County where visitors can walk through a preserved mountain rainforest. Because the land was privately owned for many years, much of the old growth forest remains and can be observed from the trail. The South Access Road Trail is 5.5 miles in length with an elevation gain of 1,606 feet.

Little Si Trail

Short but offering spectacular views, Little Si is the companion trail to the longer and steeper, Mount Si Trail. Little Si is 3.7 miles in length with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. The rocky trail is popular with local hikers and is best accessed early in the morning to avoid crowds. Like with all Washington State trails, visitors need to display a Washington Trails Discover Pass on their vehicle when parking to hike Little Si.

Tiger Mountain Trail

Tiger Mountain Trail encompasses 15 miles of trail that extends from north to south through the Tiger Mountains with many cross trails to explore. Ten Trails families can spend days exploring the trails and its many hidden gems like Lone Rock, Custer’s Bridge and Wally’s Glen. Make a fun family game out of spotting local wildlife or counting the trail’s many small bridges and creeks.

Chybinski Loop Trail 

Chybinski Loop Trail is located in the Squak Mountain/Cougar Mountain corridor. The trail is 7.7 miles total roundtrip with an elevation gain of 2,100 feet. Hikers looking for a longer loop can also access nearby trails like the Bullitt Fireplace Trail or the Coal Mine Trail. No passes or entry fees are required to access this trail.

May Valley Loop 

Located just outside of Issaquah in the Issaquah Alps, May Valley Loop Trail offers hikers gorgeous views of the city’s downtown. The trail connects with Squak Mountain State Park which features a .3 mile Pretzel Tree Trail that is perfect for little kids to explore with signs that provide a self-guided interpretive walk about the surrounding ecosystem. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Five Reasons to Check out the Green River Gorge this Year | Ten Trails News and Blog

Ten Trails residents enjoy an active lifestyle close to outdoor activities and area recreational destinations like the nearby Green River Gorge. Read more to find out five reasons you should explore this local conservation site this year!

Search for Local Wildlife

The Green River Gorge is home to abundant wildlife like deer, elk, and black bear. Bald eagles have also been spotted in the area, and Chinook salmon use the Green River as their spawning grounds in the fall.

Hike the Hanging Gardens Trail

The 150-foot white sandstone cliffs of the Green River Gorge are home to native plants and some small cedar trees which cling to the cliff’s edge and give the Hanging Gardens Trail its name. Access to the trail is tricky as the trailhead is unmarked. Hikers can look for the red gate on the north side of Enumclaw/Franklin Road SE and take a short walk down the road to a primitive trail that leads down to the Green River and offers views of the cliff gardens.

Go Tubing on the Green River

In the summer months, the Green River is a popular tubing site for locals who are looking for some relief from the heat. Popular tubing routes are from Flaming Geyser Park to the SR18 Bridge (2.5 hours) or from Flaming Geyser to Whitney Bridge (45 minutes.) Be sure to wear a life vest and keep an eye out for local kayakers who are also known to spend time navigating these portions of the river.

View the Maid of the Mist Falls

Also commonly known as the “Green River Gorge Falls” the 50-foot Maid of the Mist waterfall is clearly visible with just a short hike from the historic Franklin Ghost Town trail. The trail is part of privately-owned land, but the public is welcome to visit the falls and tour the Franklin Ghost Town trail for a $5 fee.

Search for Fossils and Petrified Wood 

The Green River has been known to wash up the ancient remains of plant and wildlife and visitors to the Green River Gorge have come across fossils and petrified wood while strolling the riverbanks. Bring the kids and let them have a blast playing archaeologist for the day while hunting for prehistoric treasures. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Top Five Ways to Get Fit in Your New Hometown

It’s a new year and what better time than now to focus on fitness goals? Residents of Ten Trails have ample opportunities to get fit using our many community amenities and through easy access to local outdoor recreation sites!

Ten Trails Bike Lanes

Ten Trails’ community bike lanes make cycling safer and a convenient and healthy way to get around. Take your bike for a spin around the community in the new year, or hop on your bike next time you want to visit neighbors instead of getting in your car. Not only will you be doing something healthy for yourself, but biking is better for the environment as well!

Parks and Green Space 

Outdoor activities are a great way to get fit in the new year! Ten Trails is committed to providing open spaces for residents and the public to enjoy, including many parks and green spaces that are ideal for outdoor recreation and fitness. At a minimum, there will be approximately 500 acres of open space within the community when it is complete. This will be comprised of wetlands, buffers, critical areas, natural areas, both passive and active park spaces and trails.

Walking/Jogging Paths at Ten Trails

When development has finished, Ten Trails will have at least ten distinctly different trails for residents to use for walking, biking, fitness and more! Currently, our paved trails connect the different sections of the neighborhood and nature trails weave through forested areas of the community. Enjoy walking or running through Ten Trails while admiring the beautiful views of nature and the mountains.

Community Sports

If your preference is to stay active through playing sports, then Ten Trails has plenty to offer! The community’s large Civic Park has basketball hoops, a sports court, two bocce ball courts and large event lawn that is perfect for a game of kickball or touch football with the neighbors.

Nearby Outdoor Recreation

Ten Trails is conveniently located near some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest outdoor recreation sites like Black Diamond Open Space, Crystal Mountain Resort, the Cascade Mountain range, the Issaquah Alps and Mount Rainier National Park. Opportunities to get fit via hiking, camping, rock-climbing, mountain-biking, and more are just a short drive from the community. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com