Break out of the Routine this Winter and Try Something Completely New

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended lives across the country and many of us are struggling to find ways to break out of the monotony that can come with many days spent at home, with limited options for socializing. Here are a few ideas of new things you and the family can try this winter to help break up your normal routines!

Go on a Dogsledding Adventure 

Northwest Dogsledding Adventures offers one-hour, seven-mile tours through snowy wilderness with their eager team of 12 dogs. The pack can run up to 20 miles per hour while guests kick back under blankets and enjoy the ride and views. Northwest Dogsledding Adventures is now taking reservations for weekend-only tours through March 31^st, 2021. The cost is $165 for adults and $110 for children under 80 pounds. For more information, visit their website.

Take a Virtual Cooking Class

Cooking is a wonderful skill for anyone to master, and it is a great idea to foster a love of cooking in kids from a young age. Even if you are an adult who is well-adept at cooking, there are always new skills and recipes to learn to keep things interesting in the kitchen! Famous Seattle restaurateur, Tom Douglas, is now offering virtual cooking classes through his company for families or larger groups. Seattle Cucina is also offering virtual classes geared specifically for kids of all ages. You can browse their many class offerings on their website.

Try Sprouting Seedlings Indoors

While we wait for the warmth and sunshine of spring, bring the outdoors inside by starting seed sprouts indoors. When the threat of frost is over, the whole family can enjoy transplanting the new baby plants to an outdoor garden or to a rented garden space in Ten Trails’ pea patches! Some plants that are among the easiest to grow from seed are pumpkins, sunflowers, lettuces, and squash. For information on how to start seeds indoors, check out this website. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com    

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      

Ways to Beat the Winter Doldrums

As we settle into the post-holiday season, many of us experience a seasonal mood shift. With this winter being especially unique due to Covid-19, it can be more difficult to find ways to break out of a dull winter mood. Here are a few tips for keeping the winter blues at bay until we welcome spring in a few months:

Find Time to Take a Walk in Nature

Many studies of longer (60-90 minute) and shorter walks (15 minutes) in a natural setting have shown that participants benefit after from a lower heart rate, lower fight-or-flight response, and feelings of being more relaxed. Walks in nature have also been shown to boost memory and decrease feelings of anxiety. Walks in urban settings are not shown to provide the same benefits. Ten Trails is located close to area hiking trails and many state and regional parks, giving you ample opportunities to get outside in nature. You do not need to even leave the community to benefit from a walk in nature, however! Our community nature trails are the perfect place for a daily stroll.

Listen to Music that Lifts Your Mood 

Scientific studies show that music has a positive effect on emotional well-being, including improving mood, decreasing anxiety, and helping stress management. Our brains associate specific pieces of music with certain happy memories and music has also been shown to have an effect on the release of dopamine in our brains. Next time you are feeling the winter blahs, put on a song that you remember listening to during a happy time like your wedding, graduation, or a favorite concert and see if it shifts your outlook.

Schedule Daily Exercise

The health benefits of exercise extend beyond the physical! Numerous studies have shown that exercise has a positive impact on mood. Proposed theories are due to exercise’s impact on blood circulation and the resulting influence on the brain and HPA axis. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins in the body which produces a feeling of well-being. This feeling is often commonly referred to as a  “runner’s high.” Ten Trails has many paved paths and nature trails that are ideal for use for daily exercise like jogging, walking, or biking. 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      

Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Ten Trails Outdoor Space This Fall and Winter 

The weather is getting cooler but that does not mean you have to stop using your outdoor backyard patio space! Many of the homes at Ten Trails have private outdoor space for residents to enjoy. Here are a few tips on how to upgrade your patio space to optimize use for the cooler, darker months.

Add More Lighting

Embrace the shorter daylight hours and light up outdoor patio or backyard space with soft twinkle lights, rustic electric lanterns, and faux flickering candles. These will not only add light, but will also create ambiance and a magical glow to your space. Ten Trails HOA covenants permit outdoor string lights on patios, but written permission is needed to attach any lighting to fences.

Add Heat 

Fall and winter evenings in the Pacific Northwest can be damp and chilly. Combat the cold by adding electric or propane outdoor heaters to your space. Choose ones that are decorative or that can be easily stowed away in your yard when not needed.  Another great option for adding warmth in your backyard space is to purchase a propane fire pit which will also create a nice backdrop for your outdoor socially-distanced gathering with neighbors.

Change Up Your Décor 

If you have backyard or patio furniture, change up the upholstery to reflect the seasons! Add outdoor pillows in warm fall tones of gold, orange, and deep red. As the holidays approach, liven up your backyard space with hints of seasonal colors like red, green, gold and silver. Do not forget to include a few warm blankets and throws for your family or guests to keep warm.  

Swap out Summer Plantings for Fall Flowers

Bring some fall color into your backyard space by adding seasonal plants like hearty mums and even some late-blooming dahlias. Both will show color until the first frost. Purchase evergreens and conifer plants and place them in brightly colored pots to bring cheer and greenery to your backyard patio space during the winter months. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com

Year-End Savings on New Homes at Ten Trails 

The year is coming to an end and that means big savings for home buyers at Ten Trails! Two of our builder partners are offering some great incentives right now on select inventory in the community. These offers won’t last forever…Visit Ten Trails in the next few weeks to take advantage of these great deals!

Home for the Holidays Promotion by Conner Homes

Right now, Conner Homes at Ten Trails is offering a $10K Buyer Bonus for their three and four bedroom, single-family homes at Ten Trails! The bonus can be used towards options, upgrades, appliances, closing costs, HOA dues, or loan programs on the purchase of select homes at Ten Trails with the use of Conner Homes’ preferred lender. Home buyers must close escrow by December 31, 2019. Some exclusions apply, see the Conner Homes model at Ten Trails for all the details on this limited time offer!

Limited-Time Offer from MainVue Homes

MainVue Homes at Ten Trails has a limited time offer for homebuyers! Select MainVue Homes in the community are eligible for a $15,000 bonus offer that can be used your way plus free Electrolux appliances including refrigerator, washer, dryer and pedestals. Pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice, visit the MainVue model home at Ten Trails for details and exclusions! www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

The Ten Trails Winter 2019 Newsletter is Here!

Read all the latest news and information on this new master-planned community, located in Southeast King County! Featuring new single family homes, modern duplexes townhomes, parks, trails and a retail village!   www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043

Visit Nearby Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Convenient Location, One Hour from Ten Trails

Ten Trails residents can count themselves lucky to have quick and easy access to Crystal Mountain Resort! Just about a hour away from the community, residents can find some of the best skiing in the area. Crystal Mountain has runs for all skill levels, so beginners and expert skiers can enjoy a day on the mountain. Crystal Mountain is also kid-friendly with programs in place to teach younger skiers.

Ski Season is Coming Soon

With snow already reported at the resort, it won’t be long until Crystal Mountain opens for the 2018-2019 ski season! Crystal typically opens for the season in late November. In addition to skiing, there resort also has snowshoe trails for wintertime visitors to enjoy.

Ikon Passes on Sale Now

Crystal Mountain is part of the Ikon pass for the 2018/19 season! Ikon pass holders have access to not only Crystal Mountain, but a number of legendary mountain ski resorts in North America, Japan and Australia. Ikon passes are on sale now through December 13th. To purchase an Ikon pass, visit www.ikonpass.com.

Summertime Visits

Not a fan of skiing? Crystal Mountain offers summertime recreation opportunities for those who prefer warmer weather activities. The resort has a number of hiking and horseback riding trails, offers interpretive nature walks as well as mountain yoga classes.  Visitors can also buy tickets to ride in the Mount Rainier Gondola from June to September. Climb 2,000 vertical feet to the summit of Crystal Mountain and take in sweeping views of Mt. Rainier, wildflower meadows and the Cascades. www.TenTrails.com 360-469-4043