Five of the Area’s Best Spring Mountain Bike Rides 

Did you know that mountain bikers from all over the Pacific Northwest flock to this area for a world-class riding experience? The region between Issaquah and Black Diamond is a mecca for mountain biking at all ability levels. We are fortunate to have these opportunities right outside our doorstep! Here are some of the most popular local trail systems for your springtime ride.

Lake Sawyer Trails 

The Lake Sawyer bike system is  located the area on the west side of Hwy 169 in Black Diamond,  on a mix of private property and King County Parks land. It consists of a web of cross-country trails including some ladder bridges, drops, and other free-ride obstacles with plenty of tight and twisty single-track routes. You won’t find hard climbs here, but there are a few shorter, steep climbs covered in tree roots. As well as some scenic viewpoints. The Lake Sawyer trail network connects to Black Diamond Open Space, Summit Ridge, and Henry’s Ridge.

Henry’s Ridge Natural Area

The official King County name for the Henry’s Ridge Natural Area Trail is the Maple Ridge Highlands Open Space Trail.  In Maple Valley, this network of trails is similar to the Lake Sawyer system with more climbing and descending. This is a suitable spring ride because it boasts good-draining soil and tree cover, keeping the trails from getting too muddy. There are currently eight miles of trails with new trails coming soon.

Black Diamond Open Space Trails 

On the north end of Black Diamond near Maple Valley, Black Diamond Open Space is 1,240 acres of popular riding trails. You’ll find the area’s parking lot on the east side of Hwy 169. Less technical and more flat than other local parks, this is the most family-friendly ride on this list.

Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park 

Duthie Hill Park in nearby Issaquah consists of 136 acres in a thick evergreen forest on the Sammamish Plateau. It was designed specifically for mountain-biking and is the most-visited mountain bike trail system in the state. The park offers several activity options including technical free-ride trails and XC trails that can be connected into a 5-mile loop. Technical riders will enjoy the progressive jump lines and skill-building features like drops of varying heights, tables and step-down jumps. Although beginners are welcome at Duthie, moderate and advanced riders will love this park!

Tiger Mountain

Tiger mountain offers 12 miles of intermediate to advanced trails plus some fire roads. Riders usually begin by taking the fire road up 3.5 miles to the East Tiger summit then descend via single-track or take a loop on the lower mountain. The climb to the summit takes a lot of effort and is considered quite challenging but worth the Mt. Rainier view on clear days.

Learn More about Nearby Mountain Biking

The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance is a great resource for all things mountain biking. Visit this site to learn about these rides and all the others in Washington. This is where you can find maps and directions to help you find your next spring mountain bike adventure…Have fun! 360-469-4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Celebrate Spring Flowers with Nearby Festivals and Activities 

Early spring is here and local flower-themed spring festivals and events mark the celebration of the end of a lengthy, cold winter. If the grey skies have been bringing you down these past few months, these activities will be sure to brighten your day!

Hellebore Tea at Lake Wilderness Lodge, March 10^th at 2pm 

The Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation in Maple Valley will host its yearly fundraising event, the Hellebore Tea. Guests look forward to this festive occasion which pays homage to the hellebore flowers that bloom in late winter and early spring. Attendees wear creative hats, enjoy delightful tea-party food, and bid on silent auction items to benefit the Lake Wilderness Arboretum Foundation. Our very own Kate from the Ten Trails Welcome Center will be in attendance, joining the Lumberhouse Brewery table. For tickets and more information, send an email to info@lakewildernessarboretum.org.

Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, April 1-30

Now in its 36^th year, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival will run throughout the month of April. The festival includes a street fair, art shows, parade, fun runs, show gardens, gala, and much more. Don’t miss your opportunity to take a scenic drive through the valley to view fields of daffodils, irises, and tulips for as far as the eye can see! Make sure to bring a camera because these backdrops are definitely social-media-worthy! For more information, visit https://tulipfestival.org.

Seattle Cherry Blossom Festival, April 26-28

Hosted by the Seattle Center, the Cherry Blossom & Japanese Cultural Festival commemorates the gift of 1,000 cherry trees that Japan bestowed upon the city in 1976. Attendees gain an understanding of Japanese cultural roots through live performances, visual arts, demonstrations, food, and hands-on activities. One highlight of the festival is the popular Taiko drummers show. Of course, cherry blossom viewing, known as Hanami, is the visual gift that keeps hundreds of thousands of guests returning to this festival year after year. For more information visit http://cherryblossomfest.org/   www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043

Celebrating it’s 22nd Year

Nearby Hiking this Spring

As the days get longer and warmer, and your spring fever sets in, you might have the urge for a little hiking with the family. Listed below are five local hikes near Ten Trails that might be just what you need to ease the cabin fever this spring!

Mud Mountain Rim 

This trail can be found 17 miles from Ten Trails at the Mud Mountain Dam Recreation Site, not far from Enumclaw. This is a relatively easy hike, 4.2 miles each way. The recreation site offers a playground, picnic area, and family-friendly hiking. Vista sites near the park provide the opportunity to view the dam and White River below with the added bonus of free parking in the nearby lot!

Squak Mountain 

Part of the Issaquah Alps, the Squak Mountain trailhead is 19 miles from Ten Trails. This is moderate in difficulty and less crowded than the nearby Tiger Mountain trails. The hike is 6.6 miles roundtrip. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trail head.

Pinnacle Peak (Mount Peak)

Not far from Enumclaw, this hike is about 20 miles from Ten Trails. This short but steep hike is two miles roundtrip and offers stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding valley with free parking for hikers.

Federation Forest Trail 

Near the town of Greenwater, Federation Forest State Park can be found 26 miles from Ten Trails. This is a relatively easy roundtrip hike of five miles and begins with an Interpretive Center that is open April through October. This is a delightful trail through old growth forest, alongside the White River, that is great for a family day trip. A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required for parking.

Snoquera Falls Loop 

For residents looking to venture a little further out this spring, the Snoquera Falls Loop trailhead parking lot can be found 38 miles from Ten Trails. The loop is a moderate roundtrip hike of 3.9 miles, peaking at a lovely waterfall that roars in the spring and trickles in the summer. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for hiking. There is no time like the present to discover what can be found just outside Your New Hometown! Happy trails! For more elevation details and maps to the above locations, go to the website for Washington Trails Association:  https://www.wta.org/ 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com