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