Ten Trails Offers Pea Patches for Residents as One of Many Community Amenities

One of the huge benefits of living in a master planned community is access to community amenities! At Ten Trails, we have a wide variety of amenities to suit residents of every age. From playgrounds to pea patches, our residents have their pick of community features to enhance their lifestyle.

Community Pea Patches at Ten Trails

Some of the most popular amenities at Ten Trails are our community pea patches! Residents can opt to rent a pea patch plot for the spring/summer season to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. With 2021 being the first official year our pea patches have been in use, it has been great fun to see all the different varieties of plants our residents are growing.

Benefits of Community Pea Patches

Our pea patches are a space where residents can come together to grow community and plan, plant, and maintain a piece of open space. As one of many gathering spaces in Ten Trails, our pea patches help strengthen the community by fostering connections and serve as a point of pride amongst residents.

More Pea Patches Coming for the 2022 Growing Season

Ten Trails will have more pea patches available for resident rental beginning early 2022. If you are a resident who is interested in renting a pea patch, contact your HOA manager, Jodi Kay, at hoa@tentrails.com for details. 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

Visit Local Botanical Gardens this Spring

The Seattle area is home to many beautiful botanical gardens, which are gardens dedicated to the collection, cultivation, preservation and display of a wide range of plants. Botanical gardens are known as such because each plant is labeled with its botanical name. A visit to one of our many local botanical gardens is a great springtime activity for families that is both fun and educational.

Bellevue Botanical Garden 

Located at 12001 Main Street in Bellevue, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is open daily, dawn to dusk, and there is no admission fee. The City of Bellevue owns and manages the garden, which was opened in 1992 and designed to be a space to be enjoyed by the community. The garden encompasses 53 acres of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands and showcases plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest. Bellevue Botanical Garden is also offering virtual gardening classes during the pandemic. Visit their website for more information.

Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center

The Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center is open to the public seasonally, March through November. The 22-acre garden is located on what was originally 200 acres owned by Norwegian immigrant ancestors of Maurice Skagen. The heritage center is devoted to highlighting the farming life of the early settlers on the Soos Creek plateau during the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Opening day for the garden in 2021 is March 3, although the heritage center indoor display is closed until further notice during Covid-19 restrictions.

Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens 

The Washington Park Arboretum is open to the public daily and admission is free. Take a self-guided tour through 230 acres of gardens, natural areas, and wetlands that includes species of plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the local area. The UW Botanic Gardens also includes a beautiful Japanese Garden which is managed by the City of Seattle and has a small entry fee. This 3.5-acre urban sanctuary features all the elements of a traditional Japanese garden with stones, water, lanterns, bridges, buildings, and plants.

Highline SeaTac Botanical Gardens 

Situated on approximately 11 acres adjacent to the North SeaTac Community Center, the Highline SeaTac Botanical Garden is a one-of-a-kind heritage location created to preserve some of the area’s most treasured gardens. Two of the gardens were physically moved to their current location to prevent their demolition during SeaTac Airport’s third runway project. Admission to the garden is free and it is open daily from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs are allowed at the garden which features displays of roses and a Japanese garden. 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      

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  

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      

Light Up Your Hometown Holiday Lights Contest Builds Community in a Challenging Time

Residents of Ten Trails can count themselves lucky to live in a community where events, activities and amenities are just one part of the lifestyle! The developer of Ten Trails, Oakpointe Communities, created the community with a goal in mind to build a place that is desirable to live, and where residents can feel a connection to their community and to each other. With this goal in mind, we continue to offer fun activities to build community, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. One of these activities is our recent Light Up Your Hometown Holiday Lights Contest.

Hometown Holiday Lights Contest

For the second year in a row, Ten Trails asked residents to take part in a holiday lights competition! Visit the community any evening now through January 1st to see many homes and much of the community lit up – including our 35-foot Christmas tree located at the top of the knoll in the Village Green!

2020 Light Up Your Hometown Winners

A huge congratulations to our winners and honorable mentions this year, and nice work to everyone who participated! As always, we appreciate your enthusiasm for the community and our activities. Not yet a resident of Ten Trails but still want to be part of the fun? Download a map for a suggested route to tour the community and see if you can find the winning homes pictured below. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Visit Ten Trails this Holiday Season to See our Community Lights Display 

Ten Trails is once again asking residents to take part in a holiday lights competition! Visit the community any evening from December 12^th through January 1^st to see many homes and much of the community lit up – including our huge Christmas tree in the Village Green!

Get a Map to Tour the Community Lights

Click here to access a map of a suggested route to tour our holiday lights or find one on our Facebook page. Want to share in the fun? Take a photo, post it to Facebook or Instagram and tag us, @TenTrails and tell us which house’s lights are your favorite!

Past Holiday Lights Celebrations in the Community

Click here for a link to view a video from last year’s Christmas tree lighting event in the community! We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the community for this fun gathering when it is safe to do so. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com

Head to Ten Trails to Be Part of Our First Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest 

If you are not yet a resident of Ten Trails, you can still be part of our community by being a spectator for one of our fun fall events! October 12^th through Halloween, take a stroll through the community to see our residents’ artistic carved pumpkin creations! We are hosting a pumpkin carving contest for our residents with winners eligible in multiple age categories.

Adults

1st Prize for Adults: $150 Uber Eats/Grub Eats gift card 2nd Prize for Adults: $100 Uber Eats/Grub Eats gift card 3rd Prize for Adults: $75 Uber Eats/Grub Eats gifts card  

Kids 12 and Over

1st Prize for Kids 12 and Over: $100 Xbox Gift Card 2nd Prize for Kids 12 and Over: $75 Xbox Gift Card 3rd Prize for Kids 12 and Over: $50 Xbox Gift Card  

Kids 11 and Under*

1st Prize for Kids 11 and Under: $100 Amazon Gift Card 2nd Prize for Kids 11 and Under: $75 Amazon Gift Card 3rd Prize for Kids 11 and Under: $50 Amazon Gift Card   Kids 11 and under can also paint their pumpkin rather than carve it.  

Enjoy our Walking Paths and the View

Enjoying a stroll through the community is scenic on any day with our spectacular views of the foothills and Mount Rainier, but this fall, guests are in for a spooky treat with hundreds of pumpkins set to be on display on porches throughout the community. Which one is your favorite? Share your porch pumpkin photos on our Facebook page.

Winners Announced on Social Media Halloween 

On Halloween, October 31^st, we will announce the winners of all three categories on our Ten Trails Facebook page. Be sure to follow us for this update and all our community updates and highlights! 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com