Sabrina H.
Yelp
When writing a review on Yelp, the question above the review box says:
Amazing! What went well?
In this case, I'd say everything.
I had rented one of the Jyubakos, what the describe as "micro cabins."
I had reserved two nights, but our foster pup needed help, so we postponed a night. I meant for us to drive out first thing in the morning, but with two teenage boys and tons to pack in, we didn't get going until 12:30.
We drove to snow peak (their lack of capitalization, not mine!) though Astoria, stopping for AMAZING fish and chips. I am glad we did that - the camp store was described as having a good amount of prepared food, but back to that later...
Driving in the first thing you see is the reception office. I'd love to describe more about the rich wood of the architecture and serene paths, but best you look at my pictures, or better yet, go to their site.
The campsites and cabins are behind the office, not accessible by car. They have a ton of carts you can use that are easy to roll and hold a lot, but for people who have too much gear or who can't comfortably haul their stuff, there is a long golf cart they willingly call up to shuttle guests.
Since we were only staying one night, and inside, to boot, we could easily get our belongings into one cart.
Our jyubako (or as the boys finally insisted, as I mispronounced their name again, we call Chewbacca, was the first one after the bridge leads to the inner circle of the campgrounds. We got inside using a digital key, sliding open the clear glass door to a beautiful little place. There was a snow peak brand bench and coffee table, a small bathroom that doubles as a shower room, and a tiny kitchen with a range. The bed is a lofted queen mattress with crisp white bedding, and a wool blanket for if needed. The main window slides open for access to a double deck with chairs. To the side is a fire pit with steel table that surrounds it (see photos).
We unloaded and all wandered the grounds. the circular path leads to all the other cabins in one area, with the Ofuro Spa, which has a hot pool, cold plunge, and sauna. After the spa, the accommodations transition to areas of their snow peak "suite" tents and camping areas for personal tents. Next you find what they refer to as the Camp Store. Outside snow peak brand benches, tables, and folding chairs are set up to relax on. Inside the store they have a pile of games and art supplies for campers to use. They have several cornhole sets out. You walk into the camp store and realize it is not your dinky little provisions place your used to at campgrounds. Here you can find the fanciest in chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers for s'more's, buy also gourmet chips, crackers, spreads, and dips. They have onigiri, pre made sandwiches, meat for grilling, and other dairy items and desserts. To drink they have canned boba teas and Japanese sodas, fancy sparkling waters, and an impressive array of local beers, ciders, and wine. The store also sells a curated selection of sake. At the counter you will find fresh coffee, wine by the glass, and pastries served by super nice people. This is also where you can buy snow peak's superior, and superiorly pricey, cookware, tents, camping supplies, clothing and accessories, and even furniture. As I always say, it's not the money I want, it's all the stuff...
The night we stayed they had a local market that set up in the evening and snow peak hosted a band, which set up in a mowed area near the camp store. My youngest and I sat at one of the benches with our books and drawing supplies, pulled out mancala from the store, covered the table in camp store snacks, and wiled away the afternoon and evening. The band started up around 5:30, which made our stay just about perfect. I got a glass of wine, my son a Japanese soda, and we played games, talked, read, drew, and enjoyed the sights and sounds. We did go through the market area, which seemed to be more of an afterthought and didn't draw in enough people.
We left around dusk and went home to our fire pit, which we fixed up using the provided tools and wood (you can buy more wood and ice even when the store closes at 9 pm. We made fancy s'mores (see description of supplies above); then settled in for a great sleep.
I'm not sure we could get in these days, but I recommend you give it a try. A real sanctuary and calming haven.