Mount Vernon

We’ll stop to have a light breakfast on our way to the Skagit Valley.Take a quick jaunt south to the town of Mount Vernon. The historic community sits at the juncture of several rivers and sloughs, an irresistible attraction for an assortment of bird species — have those binoculars handy! The riverfront and adjacent downtown are ideal for exploring on foot and is featured on the National Register of Historic Places. Mount Vernon is also home to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which draws guests from around the world each spring! Continue driving deeper into the Skagit River Valley, where fields are dotted with quaint farmhouses and a plethora of heritage barns. The Skagit Valley is home to the largest commercial flower bulb industry outside of Holland. Beginning in March and continuing through May, the entire valley is one huge carpet of blooms, with a backdrop of dramatic views of 10,781-foot Mount Baker and the North Cascades.

Peace Arch State Park

The International Peace Arch is a 67-foot dramatic white arch that rises from the green lawns and flowering gardens on the U.S.-Canada border at Blaine. It is the iconic feature of this Washington Historical State Park, which is devoted to peace and serenity. Peace Arch is unique among parks because it consists of two parks in two countries. The southern half of the park is owned by Washington State Parks and the northern half is owned by British Columbia Parks. The arch, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was constructed to honor the centennial of the treaties resulting from the War of 1812. These agreements between the U.S. and Britain established a peaceful, undefended border between the U.S. and Canada. Take a stroll through the lush gardens, stand on the lawn and take in the view of Point Roberts and Vancouver Island and enjoy seasonal bursts of color from rhododendrons, azaleas, dahlias, hybrid tea roses and annual blooms.