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      

Take a Day Trip from Your Ten Trails Home This Summer

Summer travel plans may have  changed this year, but luckily Ten Trails residents have access to some of the country’s most scenic and beautiful areas all within a day’s drive from the community. Read on to plan your family’s summer day trips!

Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham is the northernmost city in the contiguous United States and is known for its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Take a two-hour drive from Ten Trails to explore this city which includes a quaint downtown along with places for fishing, hiking and golfing.

Bainbridge Island 

Summertime is the perfect time to take a ferry ride over to Bainbridge Island! Pier 52 in Seattle will take you on a quick 35-minute ferry ride by car or on foot to this gorgeous island. Once there, take a walk on the waterfront trail which begins at the park close to the ferry terminal. Visitors can opt for the two-mile western loop or the 1.5-mile eastern route. The latter takes hikers alongside the waterfront and forest, while the western trail runs along parks, restaurants, and historical sites.

Mount Rainier National Park

Just a short drive south of the community, Ten Trails residents can visit one of the country’s most beautiful national parks. Most roads and trailheads within Mount Rainier National Park are now open for the summer season, however visitors’ centers, Paradise Inn, and facilities remain closed per guidance from the CDC and state, local and NPS public health officers. Be sure to pack your own lunch and plan your visit by checking the park’s website before heading out.

Olympic National Park 

Another Washington State-based National Park, the Olympic National Park, is located about two hours from Ten Trails and offers visitors access to top-rated hiking trails as well as a chance to take a stroll through one of the last temperate rainforests in the country. The Hoh Rainforest is a popular destination in the park due to its spectacular old-growth forest featuring Sitka spruce as well as western hemlock among a wide variety of other trees. Visit the park’s website prior to making the trip to learn how to recreate responsibly and what facilities and centers will be open for your visit.

Snoqualmie Falls

For a quick afternoon trip, take the family to nearby Snoqualmie Falls which is only 35 minutes from Ten Trails. Snoqualmie Falls is one of the state’s most popular attractions and, in addition the spectacular 270-foot waterfall, there is an outdoor upper observation deck as well as a trail that wanders through the two-acre park for visitors to explore. As of publication date of this post, the park’s restrooms and lower boardwalk are closed to the public. www.TenTrails.com 360-469.4043  

Explore our Beautiful State by Taking a Scenic Drive this Summer

Chuckanut Drive 

View the only place where the Cascade Mountains meet the sea on Chuckanut Drive! This 24-mile, curvy route follows along sandstone cliffs and offers spectacular views of the Puget Sound. Stop off on your drive to explore the must-see Oyster Dome hike followed by a meal of freshly-shucked oysters at the outdoor picnic tables at Taylor Shellfish Farm. (insert photo Oyster Dome hike views)

North Cascades Highway 

State Route 20, more commonly known as the North Cascades Highway, is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. This scenic byway offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas and is part of the Cascade Loop, a 400-mile driving tour through the Cascades. This route is only open seasonally due to snow and avalanche conditions, so take advantage of the drive while it is open for the summer season!

White Pass Scenic Byway 

Take a tour from west to east across the Cascades on the nationally recognized White Pass Scenic Byway. Aside from stunning views of the Cascades, the byway offers access to Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams. There are also many recreational opportunities to take part in at stops on the byway including hiking fishing, camping and more! Be sure to check camp and park websites prior to visiting to make sure facilities are open.

Olympic National Park Loop

The Highway 101 Olympic National Park Loop covers more than 300 miles and offers stunning views and access to some of the state’s most popular attractions like Sol Duc Hot Springs, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park and Lake Crescent.

Whidbey Scenic Isle Way

This gorgeous 54-mile byway begins with a trip over the breathtaking Deception Pass Bridge and spans the length of Whidbey Island. Along the way, drivers will spot plenty of deer and wildlife, access to many beaches, and a glimpse of the Naval Air Station on the island. 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    

Take a Wild Drive Through Nearby Northwest Trek Park 

Nearby Northwest Trek is one of the area’s most unique attractions. Dedicated to conservation and education, the park has been a popular attraction for local residents and tourists for decades.  The park is now offering Wild Drive premier tours that allow visitors to drive by some of the park’s wildlife residents!

View Wildlife from the Comfort and Safety of Your Vehicle 

As participants in the Wild Drive tour, Ten Trails residents can see moose, elk herds, or newborn bison calves while following the governor’s health and safety protocols. Guests purchase timed tickets and meet staff members of the park to tour with a small caravan of other vehicles into Northwest Trek’s stunning Free Roaming Area. Guests can download an audio app to hear a naturalist give a live, narrated tour with personal stories about the species that roam freely in the 435-acre natural area.

Tickets and Additional Information 

Reservations are required for the Wild Drive tours. Cost is $70 for park members/$80 for non-members. The tour is open for family members of all ages, one family or household per vehicle with a maximum of eight people per vehicle. To purchase tickets, visit Northwest Trek’s website. 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  

Meet the Asante Family | New Residents at Ten Trails in Black Diamond, WA 

Ten Trails is happy to introduce some of our newest residents, the Asantes! Heather, Imani, and Emma Asante moved to Ten Trails from West Seattle in October with their Shitzu-Poodle, Charlie.

Search for a Close-Knit Community with Family Nearby

Heather and Imani began their search for their new home in south King County to be closer to their family members live in Covington. Heather and Emma visited the Welcome Center and model homes early last fall and fell in love with the sense of community they felt at Ten Trails, the beautiful new model homes, and all of the parks and green spaces in the community.

Hickory Floorplan by Lennar at Ten Trails

The couple chose to purchase the Hickory floorplan by Lennar because the floorplan fit their family’s needs and they especially loved the home’s large, open kitchen and living space. “We loved being able to have family come to our house this year for the holidays,” Heather says. Prior to moving to Ten Trails, the family of three lived in a rental home in West Seattle that was less than 1,000 square feet total in size with only one bathroom. “Having all of this extra space has been amazing,” Heather says.

Community Events at Ten Trails

The Asantes are looking forward to warmer weather and being able to get outside more to gather with neighbors in the parks and at one of the community’s many fire pits. Imani says he would love to get out and explore some of the community’s many trails this spring and check out the nearby Black Diamond Open Space Park with his mountain bike. “We love being out here so close to nature,” he says. “It’s a perfect escape at the end of a workday in the city.” Welcome to the community! We are so happy you chose Ten Trails as your new hometown! 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Get to Know the Ten Trails Village Green Park

Just over an acre in size and located directly adjacent to the popular Civic Park, the Village Green Park at Ten Trails is a great spot for taking in one of our many community events, enjoying views of Mount Rainier, or playing a game of catch with the neighbors.

Mount Rainier Viewpoint at Ten Trails 

The Village Green Park at Ten Trails was designed with a large viewing hill in the center of the park to offer spectacular views of Mount Rainier on a clear day. The hilltop’s boulder landscaping and colorful Adirondack chairs provide a cozy seating area to catch the reflection of the sun setting over Mount Rainier.

Summer Concerts in the Village Green Park at Ten Trails 

The Village Green Park has also been the location for some of Ten Trails’ bigger summer concerts in the park like our concert featuring Aaron Crawford in August 2019 which attracted thousands of visitors to the community.

Location for Holiday Events at Ten Trails 

The Village Green Park serves as one of the main hubs for other large-scale events hosted in the community! Our annual Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Tree Lighting both take place inside the park. For a list of upcoming events in the community, check out our events page. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043