Ron and Joan's Journey: Snowater, Glacier, WA

We're at this hidden gem of the Northwest and maybe even in the US! Who knew?

Townhouse units along the North Fork of the Nooksack River hidden among twenty acres of forests. We can even hear the roar of the river from our unit. Unbelievable place and just 2 1/2 hours north of Seattle.
We grabbed this as a bonus week from Platinum Interchange and were so wonderfully surprised. It is fabulous. We have a 1 br unit, but it has floor to- ceiling windows overlooking the Nooksack River and a small balcony that also is riverfront.

The driveway to the resort

We drove up from Seattle yesterday. The first indicator that it was going to be some place special was as we drove along the entrance driveway through woods. You then begin to see three-story townhouses among the trees. Checking in was easy even though we were early, and the front desk staff person, Lora, was very friendly. The resort is a combination of full-time ownerships and the timeshare owners, who each own four weeks a year, one in each of four seasons.

This timeshare opened in 1976 and although an older resort, it has been maintained well and upgraded and updated constantly, so it is very comfortable. Everything in our unit (1409) was in repair and clean. Most importantly, this year, they added WIFI and DirectTV with large flat screen TV’s (HD) above the fireplaces. There is still no cell phone service, but email and web service is readily available.

The kitchen is a typical galley kitchen but two people can work in there and even though we brought an electric griddle and blender, we still had enough counter space. The Jenn-air stove is large and we have never seen such good looking burners in a timeshare! (That’s why Ron likes to bring his own griddle.) The small microwave is placed rather awkwardly next to the stove under a cabinet, but it is adequate and better than on the counter.

The floor to ceiling windows overlooking the river open up the living area. One bedroom units have a bay window with a window seat. The small balcony seats only two but the chairs are better than most and with a small glass table. It was wonderful to sit out there, seeing and hearing the river. The mattress was very comfortable (Simons beauty-rest pillow-top) and the linens, sheets and towels, are obviously newer, as are the pots and pans, knife set, dishes, etc. There is service for six, although it only sleeps four. We found the layout of the unit very efficient, with the large entry, bedroom first, then the bathroom, then the kitchen, with the living area opening up to the woods and river view.

Bath is small but easy for 2

New flat screen HD TV's

Looking from the kitchen

Entrances to units

The grounds are beautiful with trees and paths everywhere. Great walking paths throughout the resort are next to the river and two - yes TWO - very large rec centers with lots of facilities in them and two large heated indoor pools to choose from. We can’t even say enough about all the paths available on site but you can see some in the photos here. The two very very large recreation centers (one called the Clubhouse) with large indoor pools were so unexpected: room after room and with many game and patio areas. An historic log cabin is also on the grounds and available for gatherings, as well as two picnic pavilions.

Lots of patios by rec centers

Fitness center

pool in one of the rec centers

Joan usually had this pool to herself

Lounge in rec center

Another lounge area in rec center

Several tennis courts on the property

Historic house, anther lounging area

Picnic pavilion, there are several

Units through the trees

But to see the surrounding area is the point. It is definitely a four-season resort. The Mt Baker Ski Area is one of the best in the nation for snowfall and we found summer views and hikes there unsurpassed. (Be careful driving up the road though: you’ll turn a corner and a mountain will hit you in the face – Mt Shuksan!)

Enjoy these views by the river and through the woods - right on property!