Head to Local Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms this Summer

A visit to a local u-pick blueberry farm is a great summertime activity for the entire family! Get outside, learn about plants and farming while bringing home nutritious berries for the whole family to enjoy. There are many farms within easy driving distance to Ten Trails that offer pick-your-own options throughout the summer. Here are a few to consider visiting:

Canter-Berry Farms

Canter-Berry Farms is a small, family-owned farm that has been in operation with one family since 1954. The farm once sold blueberries at Pike Place Market where they were famous with customers for their quality. These days, the family only grows blueberries for the u-pick season. Located just southeast of Auburn in the upper Green River Valley, Canter-Berry Farms is just around the corner from Ten Trails. For updates on when blueberries will be available for picking for the 2021 season, visit the farm’s Facebook page.

Blue Dot Farm

Located a few miles north of Enumclaw on SE 416^th Street, Blue Dot Farm has over 500 plants with sixteen varieties of blueberries that ripen throughout the summer months. Some of these varieties produce the largest blueberries available in the country. For details on planning a visit to the farm this season, check out their website.

The Rusty Plow

The Rusty Plow Farm also offers u-pick blueberries with five main varieties at the farm, each with its own unique flavor and qualities. The Rusty Plow Farm is family-friendly, and great place to bring kids for an afternoon of blueberry-picking. Located in nearby Enumclaw, the farm is just a short drive from Ten Trails. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Take a Trip Close to Home this Summer and Visit these Local Getaways

Washington State is beautiful and full of diverse climates, scenic state and national parks and many fun cities and towns that make great places to visit when you are looking for a local getaway! Take a drive this summer and visit one of these four fantastic locations that are close to home yet offer uniquely different experiences!

Friday Harbor 

Known as the “gateway to the San Juan Islands,” Friday Harbor is a charming and historic seaport that is well known for its quaint shops, walkable downtown, and many restaurants. Located just a few hour’s drive from Ten Trails followed by a ferry ride, Friday Harbor is the perfect local summer getaway spot.

Leavenworth

Take a short drive into the mountains to the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth, Washington. The walkable downtown boasts countless shops and restaurants, many of which sell German food and goods. The village is surrounded by spectacular hiking trails offering sweeping views of nearby mountains, rivers, and lakes. Hikers can cool off at the end of the day with a float, raft, or paddleboard down the Wenatchee River.

Bellingham

If you are looking for a city getaway with plenty of activities to do but without the crowds of Seattle or Portland, head north to Bellingham! This city offers something for everyone with plenty of local breweries and restaurants, shopping, spas, museums, and access to the outdoors. Bellingham has some of the area’s best urban biking trails with several places to rent bikes locally. During the summer months, head to Bellingham for “Downtown Sounds” an outdoor summer concert series with live music located near the city’s historic Bay and Prospect Streets. Check the city’s website for updates on the 2021 concert series schedule.

Winthrop

Located in the sunny and breathtaking Methow Valley of Washington, Winthrop is a charming mountain town that is a great getaway on its own, or a wonderful stop along the North Cascades Scenic Byway. Winthrop’s old western theme, complete with antique boardwalks, is a must-see for locals who have not visited. The town also has great shopping boutiques as well as restaurants, and motels. Summer is a great time to visit to enjoy live music and a seasonal farmers’ market. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

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

Hike the Nearby Summit Ridge Trails

Nearby Summit Ridge offers an easygoing six-mile loop for hikers of all skill levels. While the trail is often used for mountain biking, you may see some horseback riders along the way as the path intersects with trails that connect to Henry’s Ridge and Lake Sawyer Regional Park.

Mountain Biking at Summit Ridge

The cross-country trails at Summit Ridge feature many runs for mountain biking. Most are twisty and technical trails with numerous bridges, log rides and ladders. The sight lines are good for watching out for other riders, and there is also a flow park with lines suitable for beginning, intermediate and advanced riders. The trails also connect with other cross-country trails at Black Diamond Open Space.

Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance 

Many of the trails at Summit Ridge are maintained by the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the nation’s largest statewide mountain bike association. Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance represents thousands of riders through eight regional chapters and is committed to sustainable recreation, trail maintenance, advocacy, education, volunteerism, and trail building.

Logging Trails Along the Ridge

The uppermost logging road trails up along Summit Ridge offer sweeping views of the Cascades and are less shaded than the lower trails, making them ideal for early spring hikes and catching the afternoon sunlight. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Ten Trails has a Prime Location, Close to Necessities

Ten Trails has a prime location, close to area attractions and necessities like local commuter rail stations, SeaTac airport, local shopping centers, and area outdoor attractions.

Ten Trails is Close to SeaTac Airport

Ten Trails is located about a 35-minute drive from SeaTac airport. This international airport has long-term parking options for residents who need to leave their vehicle for a trip. The community is also an easy Uber, Lyft, or airport shuttle drive from the airport.

Ten Trails is Nearby Outdoor Attractions

Ten Trails residents have their pick of amazing outdoor attractions located just minutes from the community. Nearby Lake Sawyer Regional Park is perfect for a day spent boating, fishing, picnicking, or walking the nature trails.  Flaming Geyser State Park is also just minutes from the community and is another spot for a family picnic or hike. Head over on a clear, sunny day to watch some model airplanes flying in the park’s AMA-sanctioned flying field.  Crystal Mountain Resort is one of the area’s best and largest snow sports resorts and can be reached from the community in just about an hour’s drive.

Ten Trails is Close to Local Shopping

Ten Trails is located just minutes from area shopping centers. Four Corners Maple Valley is only a seven-minute drive from the community and Covington Costco along with a number of other shopping plazas are less than 15 minutes from the community.

Close to the Commuter Train Station

For residents who need to commute to Seattle for work, Ten Trails is conveniently located about 25 minutes from both the Auburn and Kent commuter railway stations. Ride the Sounder train into downtown Seattle where you can catch a bus to your final destination, walk to your downtown building, or hop on the Link light rail. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Golf Courses Close to Ten Trails

Golf is one of many outdoor activities open during current Covid-19 restrictions. Lucky for Ten Trails residents, they have their pick of many fine golf courses all within a short drive of the community! Check with each of the courses listed below before your arrival to be updated with all current pandemic guidelines and be prepared for indoor dining areas to be closed during your visit.

Druid’s Glen Golf Course 

Located just minutes from Ten Trails in nearby Covington, Druid’s Glen Golf Course is ranked one of the top ten golf courses in Washington and offers championship golf and scenic views. This public course offers memberships as well as daily play fee options and is challenging for golfers of all skill levels.

Lake Wilderness Golf Course

Located in nearby Maple Valley, Lake Wilderness Golf Course is a fun, accessible course open for members and the public. The 18-hole course offers short, narrow fairways that test all skill levels, and the scenic setting is enhanced by the course’s many large fir trees.

Enumclaw Golf Course

Another local public course located just off Hwy-410, the Enumclaw Golf Course is an 18-hole facility that meanders through tall pines in a beautiful setting below Mt. Rainier. Enumclaw Golf Course is known for its reasonable fees, scenic fairways, and accessibility for all players.

Washington National Golf Club

Washington National is a popular local course that is well-known as the home course for the University of Washington’s men’s and women’s golf teams. This 18-hole championship course was designed by award-winning architect, John Fought, and features rugged transitional areas, white-sand bunkers and impeccably maintained greens. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

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      

Shop Local this Weekend for Small Business Saturday

The Black Diamond area thrives on the support of local residents, and this year support is needed more than ever! Before shopping from corporate retail chains this holiday season, consider whether you can make your purchase from a local store instead. Make sure to call ahead before heading to local stores to find out their policies for Covid-19 restrictions.

Local Black Diamond Stores 

Shop vintage goods at Black Diamond’s Black Bear Outpost and the Black Diamond Antiques and More store. Looking for a place to grab some sweet treats for the holiday season? Gracene’s Cupcakes has you covered! Head to Lumber House Brewery for local microbrews for your holiday table. For a complete list of local Black Diamond businesses that you can shop this holiday season, check out the Maple Valley – Black Diamond Chamber of Commerce website.

Enumclaw Cole Street Businesses 

Take a short drive to nearby Enumclaw to shop some of the local businesses on Cole Street. Enumclaw has several blocks of local retail stores, restaurants, salons, spas, and bakeries to explore. For a full listing of businesses, check out the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce website.

Shop Four Corners Maple Valley

Four Corners Maple Valley is only a short drive from Ten Trails and offers everything you need in a retail destination including many small businesses. Shop gift cards or beauty products at local salons like Chocolates Cherries and Blondes or Annastina Beauty Lounge. Grab outdoor equipment and all your biking needs at the Northwest Bicycle Shop.  Whatever item is on your shopping list, chances are you’ll be able to find it at Four Corners!

Support Local Farms for Holiday Meal Produce 

Holiday time shopping is not all about gifts! Shop local for your holiday meal items as well. Ten Trails is conveniently located near many wonderful local farms. Enumclaw’s Meadowwood Farm sells raw milk, cheeses, turkeys, eggs, beef, and more for your holiday feast. Carpinito Brothers Farm in nearby Kent is open year-round and offers both local and imported produce as well as garden center items, pumpkins, gourds, and Christmas trees. The farm stand is closed for Thanksgiving but will be open at 7 am on Black Friday with trees ready for purchase.  Metz Meadows off Green Valley Road in nearby Auburn sells eggs from pasture-raised chickens in addition to seasonal freshly cut flowers and produce. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com      

Fun Fall Activities for the Whole Family

This fall season is a great time to take the kids outdoors to explore something new! Why not plan an educational and fun outing to take part in one of these fall family-friendly activities soon?

Watch Salmon Runs

The rivers and creeks of the Seattle area come alive in the fall with the yearly salmon runs. Salmon spawn in local waterways, swim out to the Pacific Ocean where they live for a few years, then return to the river where they spawned to complete their life cycle. Salmon are an integral part of the ecosystem in our area, and their spectacular swim upriver is not to be missed. Ten Trails residents can view salmon runs in the nearby Cedar River in addition to many local creeks and streams. For a list of Seattle-area salmon run viewing spots, check out this website.

Search for Sand Dollars in the Tidal Flats at Dash Point

Head to nearby Dash Point in Federal Way during low tide and comb the beach for shells, kelp, and sand dollars. Dash Point State Park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and unobstructed views of the Puget Sound. Kids will love splashing in the shallow tidal pools and building sandcastles in the 3,201 feet of shoreline.

Go Razor Clamming at Washington’s Beaches

Recreational razor clamming is one of the most popular licensed outdoor activities in Washington State, and razor clamming beaches on the Washington coast can be reached from Ten Trails in less than three hours. If you have not tried razor clamming, this fall season is the perfect time to give it a go! This family-friendly activity is enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike, totaling over 75,000 participants each year in Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has just announced digs for this season. Check their website for dates and license information.

Take a Drive to the Cascades to See Fall Foliage

Pack your cameras and a picnic lunch and head out for a drive into the Cascades this fall to witness some truly spectacular fall foliage! Shades of red, gold, orange and yellow can be found in various locations throughout the Cascades with many varieties of deciduous trees putting on a beautiful show. Before heading out, plan your route and check this website for a map of active wildfire locations and road closures. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043