Ann Peterson Wark
Coldwell Banker Bain
Ann Peterson :: Call: 360-739-4601 :: ann@ann-peterson.com
Bellingham, Washington
On the shores of Bellingham Bay with Mount Baker as its backdrop, Bellingham is the last major city before the Washington coastline meets the Canadian border. Nestled between the mountains and the sea in the northwest corner of the state, Bellingham is a uniquely picturesque town offering a rich variety of recreational, cultural, educational and economic opportunities. Bellingham, Washington is about 90 miles north of Seattle, 21 miles south of the Canadian border and about 52 miles south of Vancouver, B.C. The City encompasses about 28 square miles, with north Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands to the west and snowcapped Mount Baker and the North Cascade mountains to the east. Bellingham residents are passionate about community life. Parks, trails and preserved open spaces offer recreational and respite, and help the community grow gracefully as the population increases. Numerous public/private partnerships support the growing arts and cultural district downtown. Bellingham’s active waterfront hosts a range of marine activities, with significant change on the horizon as area community leaders and residents consider options for development of the now vacant Georgia Pacific plant. Bellingham has 23 distinctly recognized neighborhoods, where active leaders work together to shape the future of their area and City as a whole. The City’s rich heritage and recent population growth are reflected in its diverse neighborhoods and housing styles, from regal Victorians, waterfront bungalows, university housing to elegent estates. Lynden, Washington
Washington’s Dutch heritage adds a unique touch to one of the jewels of Western Washington, ideally located between Mt. Baker and Puget Sound. The community of nearly 12,000 celebrates Holland Days each year, featuring costumed shopkeepers and Dutch klompen dancers, plus authentic Dutch delicacies. A standard city feature is a 72 foot high windmill featuring moving blades. The windmill is a backdrop for many pictures in downtown Lynden and is also the anchor for unique shops, an indoor canal, and the community theatre. Ferndale, Washington
Located in the northwest corner of Washington State near the Nooksack River, Ferndale was officially incorporated on March 19, 1907. Once called Jam because of its location next to a logjam on the river, the City was renamed Ferndale by a school teacher who admired ferns that once grew around the original school house. Today, Ferndale is a vibrant community of over 10,800 people (April 2008), located on the Interstate 5 corridor, approximately 6 miles north of Bellingham and 13 miles south of the Canadian Border. There are many nearby attractions including Mount Baker, the San Juan Islands, numerous lakes and the Nooksack River. Mt Baker & surrounding areas
The Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest is huge. It stretches across the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, from the Canadian border and North Cascades National Park to the northern boundary of Mount Ranier National Park. Surprisingly near Seattle, the landscape is harsh, dramatic, and rugged. It was cut out by the ancestors of the vast 10,000 acre glaciers that sprawl in the northern part of the forest. Mountain peaks over 10,000 feet plunge quickly into valleys at sea level. On top of all this, there is Mount Baker itself, which is still and active volcano. Sherman Crater emits steam and sulphur gasses. Glacier is a gateway community for the Mount Baker area an is the last outpost on the Mount Baker Highway before entering the national forest. The community caters to summer hikers and river rafters, and winter skiers and snowboarders. Birch Bay
The fastest growing area in Whatcom County, Birch Bay’s claim to fame is a large tide flat of sand several square miles in size that bares itself at low tide, and as the water creeps back in over the hot sand it warms to bath water temperatures in the summer. Located just 5 miles to the Canadian border between British Columbia and the USA, Birch Bay is perfect for a weekend getaway or a place to live.
