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      

Tips for Working From Home 

Many American workers have switched from daily commutes to the office to working from home some or part of the time. With predictions that many businesses may adopt a part-time work-from-home policy even after the pandemic, it is more important than ever to follow some key guidelines to work from home productively.

Start the Day Right 

You will have a better experience all day at work if you start the day off on the right foot by doing a few simple things. First, make your bed to immediately set the tone for the day. Next, get dressed in clothes you would normally wear to work in your office, rather than lounge wear. Being dressed for the task at hand can help to promote a sense that you are engaged in work, rather than leisure. Finally, sit down and write a task list of what you need and want to accomplish for that day. That list will keep you focused throughout the day on the most immediate priorities.

Enjoy One-Gig Speed Internet to Work from Your Ten Trails Home 

At Ten Trails, workers who can work from home can take advantage of the community’s one-gig speed internet to smoothly navigate video calls and work online. Provided by Wave, the community’s internet is some of the fastest available in the Seattle area with downloads and uploads at up to 1,000 Mbps.

Set Aside Space in Your Home Just for Work 

If you have space in your home, set aside an area that is solely dedicated to workspace—even if that is just during the daytime hours. Having a dedicated workspace will keep your work items organized and help you shift your focus to work tasks at hand, rather than being distracted from the larger home around you. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Now Selling at Ten Trails 

Ten Trails offers a wide variety of builder options for homebuyers to choose from. Many of these builders are now selling or pre-selling their gorgeous new homes. Looking for a quick summary of what is available in your size and price range? Check below for information on each of these builders.

JK Monarch

JK Monarch is now pre-selling their modern farmhouse style homes at Ten Trails! They are offering seven different floorplans on 16 gorgeous home sites in the community including a rambler-style floorplan. Prices start in the upper $600’s and include floorplans that range in size from 2,637 to 3,267 square feet and three to five bedrooms. Contact their sales team at (206) 478-4525 for details.

Lennar 

Lennar’s  Village Collection at Ten Trails offers ten traditional single-family homes that range in size from 2,350 square feet to 4,194 square feet with 4 to 5 bedrooms. Floorplans include a home with a master bedroom on the main level as well as two options for Next Generation Living. Lennar’s single-family homes at Ten Trails are priced from the upper $500,000’s. Visit their website to schedule your appointment to tour their eight model homes at Ten Trails.

New Homes in the Enclave by MainVue Homes 

MainVue Homes is offering their luxury homes in a new section of the community called “The Enclave.”  Current floorplan options start in size from 4,126+ square feet with four bedrooms and are priced from the low $900,000’s. You can view MainVue’s availability on their website. Contact Christine Cordova at 425.879.4747 to schedule your tour to view their model home at Ten Trails.

Oakridge Homes

Oakridge Homes is now selling single-family detached homes in Ten Trails priced from the low $600,000s. These homes are from 2,488 to 3,568 square feet with three to five bedrooms. Oakridge Homes’ owner, Scott Serven, believes in building extra features and amenities into his homes like extra large windows for more natural light and decorative recessed lighting to show off focal points. Serven is passionate about producing homes that have been described as “a lot of home for the money” by finding more efficient ways to build and then passing along the savings to homebuyer in the form of those “extras” that make the homes so special.

Pulte Homes

Pulte Homes is now selling their new single-family detached homes at Ten Trails. These two-story homes from the builder’s “Expressions Collection” all include two-car garages and up to six bedrooms and some of the homes will also include walk-out basements! Visit Pulte Homes’ website to view each of the eight floorplan options and use their customizing and furniture-planning tools to design the home of your dreams. Pulte’s homes are priced from the mid $500,000’s with 2,523 to 3,556 square feet.

Toll Brothers 

Toll Brothers is now selling single-family detached homes at Ten Trails! These homes start in the low $500,000’s and range in size from 1,575 to 3,228 square feet. This award-winning builder offers homebuyers the ability to personalize their new homes with the help of a professional designer at their Design Studio located in Kirkland, WA. Want to know more or schedule time to speak with one of Toll Brothers’ sales consultants? Contact Kristi Brewer at kbrewer@tollbrothers.com or (425) 246-9899 or Nise Keenan at dkeenan@tollbrothers.com. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums

As we settle into the post-holiday season, many of us experience a seasonal mood shift. With this winter being especially unique due to Covid-19, it can be more difficult to find ways to break out of a dull winter mood. Here are a few tips for keeping the winter blues at bay until we welcome spring in a few months:

Find Time to Take a Walk in Nature

Many studies of longer (60-90 minute) and shorter walks (15 minutes) in a natural setting have shown that participants benefit after from a lower heart rate, lower fight-or-flight response, and feelings of being more relaxed. Walks in nature have also been shown to boost memory and decrease feelings of anxiety. Walks in urban settings are not shown to provide the same benefits. Ten Trails is located close to area hiking trails and many state and regional parks, giving you ample opportunities to get outside in nature. You do not need to even leave the community to benefit from a walk in nature, however! Our community nature trails are the perfect place for a daily stroll.

Listen to Music that Lifts Your Mood 

Scientific studies show that music has a positive effect on emotional well-being, including improving mood, decreasing anxiety, and helping stress management. Our brains associate specific pieces of music with certain happy memories and music has also been shown to have an effect on the release of dopamine in our brains. Next time you are feeling the winter blahs, put on a song that you remember listening to during a happy time like your wedding, graduation, or a favorite concert and see if it shifts your outlook.

Schedule Daily Exercise

The health benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical! Numerous studies have shown that exercise has a positive impact on mood. Proposed theories are due to exercise’s impact on blood circulation and the resulting influence on the brain and HPA axis. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins in the body which produces a feeling of well-being. This feeling is often commonly referred to as a  “runner’s high.” Ten Trails has many paved paths and nature trails that are ideal for use for daily exercise like jogging, walking, or biking. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Schedule Your Informational Video Appointment to Learn More about Ten Trails

Did you know you can schedule a one-on-one video call with one of our Ten Trails representatives to learn more about the community? If you have questions about the overall master plan, want to know more about upcoming amenities, or general questions about the community, schedule a video call to learn more!

Research Your New Hometown from the Comfort of Your Home 

Beginning a search for a new home can be overwhelming! With so many home options to choose from at Ten Trails, it can be challenging to do research on our website without having someone with intimate knowledge of the community help you navigate the choices. Let one of our representatives help you begin your new home search from the comfort of your current home. We are available seven days a week for Zoom, Google Meet, or Facetime informational appointments.

Take the Guesswork out of Detailed Maps

During your video appointment, our representative can show you maps of Ten Trails, including current and upcoming development. We are happy to offer explanations of what type of construction will be included on areas of the maps and elaborate on future amenities and community features. To book your video appointment, contact us at info@tentrails.com, or call 360.469.4043. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

2021 Home Design Trends to Try in Your New Ten Trails Home

While many of us are hoping for a much different looking 2021 than 2020, a few home design trends that emerged during the pandemic may continue to stick around. If you are moving into a new home this year or simply need a change in your current one, why not try one of these popular design trends?

An Abundance of Indoor Plants

Indoor plants have always been popular, but they became a huge rage during the pandemic. With many people unable to leave their homes during stay-home orders, and some with limited outdoor space, bringing the outside in through indoor greenery became extremely popular. For newbies to indoor plant care, check with a local nursery to see which plants will do best in your home. Some varieties that are hardy and thrive during winter’s low light in our northern climate include Parlor Palms, Snake Plants and certain varieties of ivy.

Edible Gardens

Edible gardens became a big trend in 2020 with many people reluctant to venture out of their homes as often to get fresh produce, and many farmers’ markets shut down due to the pandemic. Keep the trend going through 2021 with an indoor herb or lettuce garden to carry you through the winter months. You can also begin sprouting spring vegetable seeds indoors in February or March for planting outside once the risk of frost has passed for the season. At Ten Trails, our residents can rent out space for an edible garden in our community pea patches.

Home offices

The home office is not going anywhere in 2021. With many workers continuing to work from home at least part of the time, home office space is here to stay. At Ten Trails, many of our builders have home office space built into their home design so there is no need to convert your space if you are planning to continue to work from home in the new year.

Multi-purpose rooms

In 2020, we saw many of our home’s rooms transformed into multi-purpose areas. Guest rooms become home offices, Basements turned into gyms and loft areas became makeshift school rooms for virtual learning. We believe multi-purpose spaces will continue to be a trend in the coming year and beyond. Get creative and figure out what hidden potential a seldom-used room of your home may have! www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Achieve Your 2021 Fitness Goals Without Going to a Gym 

It is still uncertain whether gyms will be allowed to be open in the coming weeks, and if they are, capacity may be limited. Do not let that deter you from achieving your new year fitness goals! Ten Trails has all you need to get fit this winter without leaving the community.

Hit the Trails

Ten Trails has miles of trails for walking, jogging, or running! Check out our flipbook for a map of our current trail system to plan your route before heading out. Need an accountability partner? Our HOA sponsored Facebook group is a great place to meet other residents to be your socially-distanced walking or jogging buddies.

Get Creative with the Play Equipment

Ten Trails’ many parks offer a variety of play equipment that can be used for workouts. Busy parents who do not have time for workouts often use this trick to sneak them in while watching their kiddos at the playground. Check out Red Tricycle for some suggestions on how to use playground equipment for a quick workout

Embrace Bodyweight Exercises

Take a cue from the military and embrace calisthenics, or bodyweight exercises! You can see huge results in muscle gains without purchasing expensive weights by following exercises that use your own body weight to create resistance. Examples of these exercises include squats, push-ups, crunches, burpees, and lunges. For a list of calisthenics workouts to try, check out this article from Shape magazine. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Alternatives to Resolutions to Start off Your New Year

This has been an unprecedented year for the entire world, with many of us looking for a big change in the new year. Rather than making the same tired old New Year’s Resolutions that you likely will not keep, why not switch it up a bit and try a different approach to mark the beginning of 2021? Research shows that a focus on creating new habits is way more effective in changing unwanted behaviors than traditional resolutions. For example, instead of resolving to lose weight in the new year, create a new habit for 2021 that you will take a walk for 30 minutes every day after dinner. Need some inspiration for new healthy habits for 2021? Here are a few suggestions you can try out:

Practice Daily Gratitude

According to Psychology Today,  a regular gratitude practice is correlated with a greater sense of overall happiness. Practicing gratitude helps release feel-good chemicals in our brains and cultivates a sense of mindfulness. When you are focused on your many blessings, you are not dwelling on the things that are perceived to be going “wrong.” With so much turmoil and uncertainty over the past year, it can be easy to feel uneasy and anxious. Adding a gratitude practice to your day may be just the thing to turn those negative feelings around in the new year.

Reach out to Someone to Connect Once a Week 

The pandemic has made life for many much more isolated than ever before. With restricted ability to travel and see friends and loved ones, the past 10 months may have been very lonely for some. Make a new habit in the new year to reach out to a friend or family member once a week for a phone call check in or virtual visit. As humans, we crave connection and these weekly check-ins with friends may not only do you a world of good, but might be what your friend or family member needs as well!

Move Your Body Every Day 

Make a habit to move your body each day in a way that is most fun for you and that will not feel like a chore. If you hate running, do not make a new habit of running miles every morning or you will quit before January is even over. Dance, walk, play with your dog, ride your bike, or hike local trails. Daily exercise contributes to better overall health and a sense of well-being. Find the thing that you enjoy doing and make a habit of finding time for it every day! 360.460.4043 www.TenTrails.com

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