Beat Cabin Fever with These Winter Outdoor Activities 

Too many winter months trapped indoors can make even the happiest of households a little stir crazy. Luckily, the area around Ten Trails offers ample opportunities to get outside during the winter months and enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities the Pacific Northwest is well-known for!

Soak up Thermal Waters in Washington Hot Springs

Washington State is home to many natural hot springs, some primitive and some part of larger resorts. Within a day’s drive from Ten Trails, families can visit  Carson Hot Springs, located near the Oregon border where an authentic bathhouse and hotel accommodations make for a relaxing winter weekend.  Beginning March 20^th, families can head to Olympic National Park to visit Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. This seasonal resort offers cabins for rent and several outdoor thermal soaking pools for visitors to enjoy.

Wildlife at Oak Creek Feeding Area 

Watch winter feeding of elk and bighorn sheep at the Oak Creek Wildlife Area in nearby Naches. A program run through the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services, this supplemental winter feeding program helps to maintain the Yakima elk herd which roam the state lands during the winter months. Head to the Visitors Center first for information. Feedings happen daily at 1:30 pm and a Washington State Discover Pass is required to enter the wildlife area.

Take an Outdoor Tram Tour at Northwest Trek

Nearby Northwest Trek offers year-round tram tours of the park’s free-roaming area which is home to elk, bison, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou and more. Tours of the 435 acres of natural space take about 40 minutes, are included with a day pass, and are narrated by an informative park naturalist.

Go Nordic Skiing at White Pass

Take a day trip to White Pass and spend the afternoon cross-country skiing at the White Pass Nordic Center. The more than 11 miles of trails offer terrain that is appropriate for cross-country skiers of all levels. If cross-country skiing isn’t your thing, there’s also opportunities for skate skiing, and snowshoeing.

Ride the Mount Rainier Gondola 

Just an hour away from Ten Trails, head to Crystal Mountain Resort and ride the Mt. Rainier gondola to the summit where spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades await. Stay for the afternoon and enjoy lunch at the Summit House restaurant. Don’t forget to bring some extra snacks to feed the local gray jays who can be spotted at the summit being hand-fed by the visiting tourists. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com

Annual Salmon Spawn in the Nearby Cedar River

Right now is the time of year that salmon are embarking in their long journey upstream to spawn. The annual migration is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most awe-inspiring biological phenomenons and it can be viewed in person just minutes from Ten Trails!  Just a few miles from community, the Cedar River boasts Sockeye, Chinook, and Coho salmon–all of which can be viewed completing their migration. Within a short drive from the community, you and your family can learn from local naturalists about the annual travels that salmon take from the Pacific Ocean to the Cedar River to spawn.

Guided Tours with Local Naturalists

Aside from being fun to watch, the salmon migration offers a great opportunity for a learning experience for the entire family!  Naturalists are onsite at Landsburg Park in Ravensdale during the hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 20, 21, 27 and 28. Visitors will have the opportunity to look for the brightly-colored Sockeye in the river and learn about the yearly migration from experts in the field. Interaction and questions are encouraged, especially from younger participants.

Walking Tours of Landsburg Dam

In addition, Ten Trails families can take a 40-minute walking tour up to the Landsburg Dam and learn about the Seattle area’s water supply as well as how salmon are allowed to pass above the dam. This is a free tour that is perfect for the whole family. To learn more about the salmon run at Cedar River, visit Seattle’s Child’s website. 

Directions to the Landsburg Park and Dam

The Landsburg Park and Dam is located at SE 252nd Pl. & Landsburg Rd. SE, Ravensdale WA 98051 Follow Hwy. 169 southeast from I-405. Shortly after crossing under Hwy. 18, turn left (NE) at light on SE 216th Way. Go about 3 miles. Turn right (S) on 276th Ave. SE. Go about 1.5 miles. As you drive downhill, Landsburg Park will be on your left. Parking is available on the left and right sides of the road. Please note, the last tour leaves at 3:15pm. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043

Five Hikes Near Ten Trails that are Fun for the Whole Family

In addition to our miles of trails located within the community, Ten Trails is conveniently located just minutes from some of the area’s best hiking trails. You and your family will have endless opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors on nearby hikes when you are a resident of this new, master-planned community!

Poo Poo Point – Chirico Trail

Located in nearby Issaquah, Poo Poo Point’s Chirico Trail boasts 3.8 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,760 feet. Short, but intense, the hike is worth the view at the top, which gives hikers a pretty impressive view of Mt. Rainier, as well as plenty of opportunity for watching hangliders take off on clear days.

Twin Falls

Just a short drive up Highway 18 from Ten Trails, Twin Falls is a perfect day hike for  kids! The entire hike is just 2.6 miles roundtrip and offers views of the upper and lower falls. Most importantly, the trail is well-maintained and hiking is free with your Washington Discover Pass. At the end, cool off in a dip in the south fork of the Snoqualmie River.

Mailbox Peak

Mailbox Peak is definitely the most difficult hike on this list, therefore,  save it for older kids. At 9.4 miles roundtrip and a 4,000-foot elevation gain,  you will want to make sure to head out early to the trailhead, which is located in North Bend. Don’t forget to bring something to leave behind in the mailbox which is installed at the summit. Hikers are treated to views of Mt. Rainer and the Middle Fork Valley.

Franklin Ghost Town

Ten Trails is nestled in beautiful, historic Black Diamond and located just minutes from the 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. For a small parking fee, hikers can explore the ruins of old buildings and view coal car tracks and cables hidden among the forest. History buffs can also contact the Black Diamond Museum for a schedule of their upcoming historical tours of Franklin.

Rattlesnake Ledge

Lastly, located in the Snoqualmie, North Bend area, Rattlesnake Ledge is an extremely popular local hike, so visit on weekdays if possible, or go early to avoid the crowds. At only four miles roundtrip, this hike is accessible for kids and provides sweeping view of Rattlesnake Lake. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043

Black Diamond Open Space Park Offers Residents Miles of Biking Trails

Residents of Ten Trails have access to miles of biking, walking and nature trails that connect neighborhoods and weave throughout the community. Homeowners in this new master-planned community can also utilize the 1,240 acres of park and trail space at nearby Black Diamond Open Space Park for recreation. Located, just off Hwy 169 between Maple Valley and Black Diamond, this newly-expanded King County park is sure to be a family favorite!

A Mountain Biker’s Paradise

With fun names like “Roll’r Derby” and “Six Shooter,” Black Diamond Open Space’s 28 mountain bike trails span more than 13 miles total and are mostly geared toward cross country biking, with two downhill trails: “Fresh Squeezed,” and “Crooshal.”

Multi-Use Trails

Black Diamond Open Space Park also has trails for horseback riding, hiking, and trail running, so there is something for every member of the family! Big Thanks to the Black Diamond Trail Coalition for all your efforts to improve the trails at this park for nearby residents to enjoy! www.TenTrails.com    

New Homes in an Outdoor Paradise

The new master-planned community of Ten Trails offers residents easy access to nearby lakes where opportunities to enjoy water sports are plentiful! With a prime location, in southeastern King County, Ten Trails residents are nearby beautiful Lake Sawyer, Lake Meridian and Lake Wilderness. Enjoy new homes in an unparalleled location.

Ten Trails’ Nearby Lakes

Located down the road from Ten Trails, Lake Sawyer is the fourth largest natural lake in King County, with a surface area of 286.1 acres. In addition to canoeing and kayaking, visitors to the lake and park can swim, water ski, boat, and fish. Lake Meridian lies just a few miles northwest of Ten Trails and is a very popular boating site during the spring and summer months. On any given day, many kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards and motor boats can be found on its surface. Lake Wilderness is the largest lake in Maple Valley and is home to the very popular Lake Wilderness Park which includes sandy beach areas, a park and many walking trails.

Enjoy a Lifestyle You Don’t Need a Vacation From

Ten Trails is nestled in beautiful, historic Black Diamond, WA. Residents of this new master-planned community can enjoy a lifestyle the offers them ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, while still being close to all the necessary amenities.

Welcome to Your New Hometown 

Your New Hometown Awaits at Ten Trails!  Spend time getting to know your neighbors and take part in one of our many community-wide events! We offer residents a number of amenities located within the community. In addition to our walking, biking and nature trails, we offer community parks, a zip-line, basketball courts, bocce balls courts, a future retail shopping center, 1 Gig internet in all community homes, and our outdoor theater area. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043