Fun Fall Activities for the Whole Family

This fall season is a great time to take the kids outdoors to explore something new! Why not plan an educational and fun outing to take part in one of these fall family-friendly activities soon?

Watch Salmon Runs

The rivers and creeks of the Seattle area come alive in the fall with the yearly salmon runs. Salmon spawn in local waterways, swim out to the Pacific Ocean where they live for a few years, then return to the river where they spawned to complete their life cycle. Salmon are an integral part of the ecosystem in our area, and their spectacular swim upriver is not to be missed. Ten Trails residents can view salmon runs in the nearby Cedar River in addition to many local creeks and streams. For a list of Seattle-area salmon run viewing spots, check out this website.

Search for Sand Dollars in the Tidal Flats at Dash Point

Head to nearby Dash Point in Federal Way during low tide and comb the beach for shells, kelp, and sand dollars. Dash Point State Park offers hiking trails, campgrounds, and unobstructed views of the Puget Sound. Kids will love splashing in the shallow tidal pools and building sandcastles in the 3,201 feet of shoreline.

Go Razor Clamming at Washington’s Beaches

Recreational razor clamming is one of the most popular licensed outdoor activities in Washington State, and razor clamming beaches on the Washington coast can be reached from Ten Trails in less than three hours. If you have not tried razor clamming, this fall season is the perfect time to give it a go! This family-friendly activity is enjoyed by children and senior citizens alike, totaling over 75,000 participants each year in Washington. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has just announced digs for this season. Check their website for dates and license information.

Take a Drive to the Cascades to See Fall Foliage

Pack your cameras and a picnic lunch and head out for a drive into the Cascades this fall to witness some truly spectacular fall foliage! Shades of red, gold, orange and yellow can be found in various locations throughout the Cascades with many varieties of deciduous trees putting on a beautiful show. Before heading out, plan your route and check this website for a map of active wildfire locations and road closures. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043    

Visit Ten Trails and Take Part in our Community Scavenger Hunt 

Since most of us will not be able to take any beach vacations this summer, we thought we would bring some beach-y fun to Ten Trails! We are hosting a weekly Scavenger Hunt contest throughout the month of August! Each week, find the hidden Flamingo Gnome somewhere at Ten Trails, take a socially distanced selfie with it, and send your photo to info@tentrails.com. Your emailed photo automatically enters you to win a  $50 gift card for local takeout!

New Hiding Spot Each Week 

Our beach-loving gnome will have a new hiding spot each week within the community! Look for it on your next stroll through the community and keep in mind he will be hidden somewhere within the community common areas – that is our parks, trails, rain gardens, fire pits, and community pathways. We ask that in order for this hunt to be as safe as possible, participants maintain social distancing when looking for the gnome, and avoid picking up or moving him when taking a selfie.

How to Enter to Win

Submit your photos by 5pm each Monday in August. We will randomly select a winner for the contest and announce it Wednesday on our Facebook page, @TenTrails. Be sure to follow us so you don’t miss out on any contest updates! 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com      

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      

Staying Connected at Ten Trails 

Whether it is saying hello to neighbors at one of our parks or amenities, checking in with one another during a community walk or having a virtual chat on our Facebook group, Ten Trails offers residents countless ways to connect even during this time of social distancing!

Ten Trails Community Amenities

Community amenities are not only a perk for our residents that enhance their lifestyle in this new master planned community, they are also a place for neighbors to see one another and say hello. Even while social distancing, our residents take advantage of our many community trails, parks, walking and biking paths. Residents have also been utilizing our community fire pits for intimate family gatherings during these warmer summer evenings.

Community Social Media Page

Our residents connect via social media on our resident-only Facebook group! Here, our HOA manager shares information about upcoming food trucks, community contests, updates and more! Meet your neighbors virtually and engage in community-related discussions all while using our community 1-gig internet!

Community Food Truck Events

Ten Trails is excited to get back to hosting our large-scale Hometown Social community events when it is safe to do so! Currently, we have been planning regular food truck events for our residents! Food trucks, kettle corn, or a coffee cart set up in the Welcome Center parking lot on select days and evenings for residents to get food to-go while social distancing with neighbors. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Five Ways to Have a Wonderful Staycation at Ten Trails This Summer 

Summer travel plans may have changed, but that doesn’t mean Ten Trails residents will miss out on plenty of fun this summer! Check out these five ways to plan a fun staycation at home this summer.

Take Virtual Tours of Some of the World’s Best Attractions via Community 1-Gig Internet 

Some of the world’s most popular attractions are  now offering virtual tours of their most popular exhibits! Check out live streams of zoos and aquariums, precious museum works of art and gorgeous art galleries all from the comfort of your Ten Trails home thanks to the community’s one-gig high speed internet connection!

Enjoy Community Food Truck Events 

Being a resident of Ten Trails has many perks, from our gorgeous brand new homes to our world-class amenities. One very special perk for residents this summer are regularly scheduled food truck stops in the community! A great excuse to get out of the house and wave hi to neighbors, the food truck evenings are just one of the many things that make this community so special.

Explore our Trails

Residents of Ten Trails can enjoy exploring community trails located just outside their doorsteps. The community’s name, “Ten Trails” refers to the fact that, when complete, the community will have at least ten distinctly different trails for residents to use. These may include nature trails, fitness trails, a children’s trail and more! Currently the community’s trails connect the different sections of the neighborhood and weave through forested areas.

Find Campsites Located a Short Drive From the Community

As of June 1, 2020, 30 Washington State campsites have opened for campers to make reservations. The state has issued some guidelines for reservations and the camping experience that all campers need to review prior to planning their trip. Check out this website for all the details.

Enjoy Area Hiking Trails 

Many area hiking trails are open for summer day hikes! The Washington Trails Association has provided a thorough list of helpful tips for families who are looking to recreate responsibly. 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. 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 Virtual Field Trip from Your Ten Trails Living Room

Some of the world’s most sought-after attractions, museums and zoos are now offering virtual tours! Ten Trails families can access some amazing exhibitions and live web cams of world-renowned tourist destinations all from the comfort of their living room using the community’s 1-gigabit speed internet provided by Wave.

Visit the Country’s Largest Aquarium Online

The Georgia Aquarium is not only the largest aquarium in the United States, it’s the biggest in the entire western hemisphere! Home to hundreds of species and thousands of animals across seven major galleries, the museum has several extremely popular webcams including one for its beluga whales and African penguins.

Check out World-Renowned Museums

If you have ever desired to visit some of the world’s most well-known museums, now is the time to take advantage of special virtual tours! The Louvre is offering free virtual tours of five of its main exhibits, including the ancient Egyptian collection. You can also take a 360-degree, room-by-room tour of every single exhibit in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Live Stream a Musical Performance

With many live music venues and bars closed, Billboard magazine is constantly updating their website with a list of new live stream musical performances to watch from home. Upcoming live stream shows include The Dropkick Murphy’s performing remotely with Bruce Springsteen on May 29^th, and a June 7^th Tony Awards Broadway musical celebration. The Metropolitan Opera is also airing nightly live streams of past performances on their website. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043  

Take a Virtual Tour of Local Museum Exhibits from the Comfort of Your Ten Trails Home 

While visiting museums in person isn’t possible right now, some local museums decided to bring the exhibits directly to your home! Take full advantage of Ten Trails’ ultra-fast 1-gig internet to keep kids entertained, augment at-home school learning programs and take part in fun puzzles and challenges with online programs offered by some Seattle area museums!

Take Flight at Home with the Museum of Flight

Ten Trails residents can take a 3D virtual tour of dozens of different aircrafts including the NASA space shuttle trainer via the Museum of Flight’s website. The Museum of Flight is also offering downloadable STEM workshops created by museum educators for kids in grades K-12. Kids can also get challenged competing in online puzzles and other interactive and educational games offered by the museum.

Pacific Science Center’s Curiosity at Home

Seattle’s Pacific Science Center is offering a new program, Curiosity at Home, which features live streaming science shows and hands-on STEM activities and tutorials for kids of all ages to do at home. The programs are intended to inspire young minds and create excitement about all areas of science. Every Wednesday at 11 am PST, the museum goes live on Facebook with educational programs related to the museum’s exhibits, live animals and even live science experiments.

Stay Home with SAM | At-home Art Programs from the Seattle Art Museum

While it is temporarily closed to the public, the Seattle Art Museum is offering weekly programs to inspire families to take part in at-home art activities. The museum’s blog features a new art object each week with information about its history, origination and the artist who created it. The weekly object is then connected to a suggested at-home activity for the entire family to take part in with tips on technique. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043

Nearby Events this Holiday Season If you didn’t get enough holiday fun at our Hometown Holiday event last weekend, don’t fret! Ten Trails residents still have plenty of activities to choose from to celebrate this magical time of year!

December 14^th Hometown Christmas in Black Diamond

From 10 am until 3 pm on December 14^th, head to historic downtown Black Diamond for the Black Diamond Historical Society’s annual Hometown Christmas event! Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus as well as Frosty the Snowman and take part in a ton of activities like cookie-decorating, face-painting, and more! All are welcome, and the kids’ activities are free.

December 14^th Christmas Rush Fun Run and Walk                  

Before heading to Hometown Christmas, bring the family to nearby Kent for the Christmas Rush Fun Run/Walk at Hogan Park. Registration begins at 8 am, the 10k runners start at 9:50 am and the 5K at 10 am. Registration is open until the day of the event and costs $25 per participant.

Now through January 5^th: Zoolights at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium 

Take a quick drive to nearby Tacoma for their annual Zoolights holiday display! 700,000 LED lights transform the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium into a winter wonderland complete with 3D animal light displays sure to dazzle the youngest members of your family.

Holiday Lights at Ten Trails 

Bundle up and take a stroll or family drive through Ten Trails during any given evening this holiday season to check out our spectacular holiday lights display! Our common areas, Welcome Center, and many of our residential homes are lit up with holiday cheer. For even more holiday events in the Puget Sound area check out Seattle Times’ Winter Guide! www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043