Hit the Trails on Horseback this Summer at Local Horseback Riding Venues

Ten Trails enjoys a prime location, close to area outdoor attractions but also within convenient commuting distance to area employment centers. Ten Trails is also located within close distance to many horse farms that offer seasonal trail riding and year-round riding lessons. Check out these local farms this summer for a trail ride with the entire family!

Misty Acres

Located in nearby Ravensdale, Misty Acres has horses that are suitable for trail riding for beginner or first-time riders. Trail rides are an hour long, and must be arranged ahead of time. Misty Acres also offers lessons for riders as well as on-site pony parties.

Morris’s Shadow Mountain

Located in Auburn, Morris’s Shadow Mountain is just a quick drive from Ten Trails. The farm offers boarding, riding lessons and trail rides through the wooded areas adjacent to the property. Morris’s Shadow also has a covered riding arena for year-round riding.

Echo River Ranch

Echo River Ranch offers walking trail rides through private timberlands and the foothills surrounding the ranch. The property itself is five acres with miles of beautiful trails to explore on horseback. Echo River Ranch offers trail riding for visitors all year long, rain or shine, with a selection of steady horses suitable for beginner riders.

Pony Tail Ranch

Pony Tail Ranch in nearby Renton is a full-service equestrian facility offering an indoor, enclosed arena for lessons as well as access to Lake Youngs’ trails for trail riding. Contact the ranch to learn about their options for hosting birthday parties.

Deerfield Farm

Deerfield Farm in Issaquah is well-known for their world-class, competitive riding program. The farm, located in the beautiful Cascade foothills, offers horse camps for the summer months and during the school year. Riding lessons are available for kids as well as adults, and the farm has options for renting space and horses for corporate or other events. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043    

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  

Visit Nearby Mount Rainier National Park

National Treasure Located Just an Hour from Ten Trails

 

Ten Trails residents can count themselves lucky that the community is located just an hour’s drive from Mount Rainier National Park. As one of three national parks in Washington State and one of just 63 elite national parks in the country, Mount Rainier sees more than one million visitors in a typical year.

Training Ground for Mountaineering

Mount Rainier is an active volcano and the tallest mountain in the Cascades Mountain Range. Mountaineering teams use the mountain as a training ground for climbers who are looking to climb some of the tallest peaks in the world, like Denali or Mount Everest. Thousands attempt to climb Mount Rainier each year, but not all of them are successful in reaching the summit.

Miles of Hiking Trails

For the average park visitor who is not looking to summit the mountain, Mount Rainier National Park offers spectacular views and more than 250 miles of hiking trails. One of the most popular hikes in the park, Grove of the Patriarchs, features Douglas firs, western red hemlocks and Douglas cedars that are estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.

Plan Ahead for Road Conditions 

Based on current snow pack levels, roads to Mount Rainier National Park are predicted to be open for visitors by the end of May. Before your visit, plan ahead by checking road conditions on the passes to the park by visiting this website. 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

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  

Springtime Outings for Animal Educational Experiences

Springtime is a great time of year for people of all ages to connect with animals. There are many local farms in the area around Ten Trails that offer petting farm interactive experiences with domestic animals. For an informative experience seeing wildlife, head to nearby Northwest Trek to see their bears, wolves, big cats, and more. Spring is also a great time of year for a wildlife hike to look for migrating birds.

Fox Hollow Farm

Fox Hollow Farm, located in nearby Issaquah, is now open for visitors for its children’s car track, greenhouse, gardens, trails, river park and animal areas. Guests to the farm are being limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. Check their website for available times and book your visit in advance. Ticket prices are $5 per adult and $8 per child, per session.

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary

Sammamish Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization where formerly homeless, neglected or animals that need a forever home are cared for as they live out the rest of their lives. The farm is accepting visitors this spring in limited numbers due to Covid-19 precautions and requests visitors schedule a tour through their website before visiting. Visits to the farm are free, however donations are appreciated to help pay for the food and care the animals receive.

Go on a Birding Hike

An inexpensive pair of binoculars or a keen eye are all you need to go on a birding adventure with kids this spring. As birds migrate into western Washington for the season, see how many different species you can identify on your hike. For a list of some of the best places for birdwatching in our state, check out the Audubon Society’s website.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park

Dedicated to conservation and education, Northwest Trek has been a popular attraction for local residents and tourists for decades.  The park is now offering visits to a limited number of guests at a time for all outdoor attractions. Visit this spring to get up close and personal with the park’s many residents like gray wolves, black bears, and grizzly bears. 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  

Fun Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is not just for lovers! Everyone can get in on the spirit of love and appreciation this holiday. Now more than ever, it is a great time to share the love with others and find ways to celebrate the small things.

Get Creative with Paper Valentines

Make paper hearts and other decorations to decorate your windows for Valentine’s Day. Ten Trails is giving away construction paper for residents to use to make their homes more festive. Go the old-fashioned route and use the paper to make valentines to give to neighbors, friends, or family members to show your love and appreciation this holiday.

Show the #TenTrailsLove on Social

Do you love your new hometown at Ten Trails? Show us! Throughout the month of February, share photos of you and your family enjoying life at Ten Trails and use the hashtag #TenTrailsLove to be automatically entered to win a gift card for local takeout. We will randomly select five winners at the beginning of March and announce them on our Facebook page.

Organize a Virtual Chocolate Tasting

Many gourmet chocolate companies are offering virtual chocolate tasting classes! You can opt for a public class or organize your friends, family, or coworkers to join for a private group class. These fun tasting parties are a great way to connect with others during the pandemic and provide a fun alternative to traditional Valentine’s Day activities. Keep the fun local by finding a class through Seattle chocolatier, Theo Chocolate.

Rom-Com Virtual Watch Party with Friends 

Many streaming services like Netflix or Sling have options to organize virtual watch parties with other subscribers. Gather up friends and family from around the world and watch some of your favorite sappy romantic comedies together to mark the holiday.

Get Tickets to a Virtual Show

Many concerts, ballets, operas, and more live entertainment shows have virtual viewings available for the Valentine’s Day holiday. Couples or families can also find virtual classes for just about every topic imaginable this month including virtual flower-arranging classes and virtual cheeseboard creation. If you opt to attend an event virtually with a loved one this holiday, make it extra special by dressing up as if you were attending in person! Don’t forget to take photos to remember this unique holiday time.

Self-Care this Valentine’s Day

Finally, Valentine’s Day is the holiday of love but that does not mean you are excluded if you are not currently in a relationship. Self-love is just as, if not more, important! Schedule some self-care by getting a massage, going out for some time in nature, or ordering food from your favorite fancy restaurant. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Break out of the Routine this Winter and Try Something Completely New

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended lives across the country and many of us are struggling to find ways to break out of the monotony that can come with many days spent at home, with limited options for socializing. Here are a few ideas of new things you and the family can try this winter to help break up your normal routines!

Go on a Dogsledding Adventure 

Northwest Dogsledding Adventures offers one-hour, seven-mile tours through snowy wilderness with their eager team of 12 dogs. The pack can run up to 20 miles per hour while guests kick back under blankets and enjoy the ride and views. Northwest Dogsledding Adventures is now taking reservations for weekend-only tours through March 31^st, 2021. The cost is $165 for adults and $110 for children under 80 pounds. For more information, visit their website.

Take a Virtual Cooking Class

Cooking is a wonderful skill for anyone to master, and it is a great idea to foster a love of cooking in kids from a young age. Even if you are an adult who is well-adept at cooking, there are always new skills and recipes to learn to keep things interesting in the kitchen! Famous Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas, is now offering virtual cooking classes through his company for families or larger groups. Seattle Cucina is also offering virtual classes geared specifically for kids of all ages. You can browse their many class offerings on their website.

Try Sprouting Seedlings Indoors

While we wait for the warmth and sunshine of spring, bring the outdoors inside by starting seed sprouts indoors. When the threat of frost is over, the whole family can enjoy transplanting the new baby plants to an outdoor garden or to a rented garden space in Ten Trails’ pea patches! Some plants that are among the easiest to grow from seed are pumpkins, sunflowers, lettuces, and squash. For information on how to start seeds indoors, check out this website. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com