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Washington
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Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
North Cascades Region
Peace Arch State Park
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PEACE ARCH STATE PARK
Peace Arch State Park is a 20-acre day-use park commemorating treaties and agreements that arose from the war of 1812. The park celebrates the unguarded United States/Canadian border that stretches from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. The park features horticultural exhibitions and the giant, commemorative, concrete arch that straddles the border of the two nations. The countries co-maintain the monument.
History of the Area
The 67-foot Peace Arch is jointly maintained by the United States and Canada. The concrete structure was the inspiration of Sam Hill, railroad builder and industrialist. Construction (begun in 1920) completed Sept. 6, 1921. The Arch commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ghent in 1814 and the Rush-Bagot Agreement in 1817. Entered into by the king of England and President Monroe, these treaties provided for an unguarded United States/Canadian border from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Bay of Funday. Both treaties resulted from the War of 1812 with Great Britain.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park has no camping.


Location
Peace Arch State Park is located near Bellingham, Blaine and Ferndale

Picnicking
Peace Arch State Park offers picnic tables and grassy areas for picnicking with views of the arch and gardens.
Trails
1. International Boundary Trail: This is a 0.8-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Peace Arch monument and surrounding gardens, with interpretive signs along the way explaining its historical significance.

2. Beach Access Trail: A short but steep path leading down to Semiahmoo Bay's sandy beach where visitors can enjoy bird watching or simply relax by the water.

3. Blaine Marine Park Pathway: An easy walking route connecting Peace Arch State Park to nearby Blaine Marine Park, offering stunning coastal vistas and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

4. Centennial Grove Loop: A peaceful woodland walk through mature forest groves featuring native Pacific Northwest flora such as Douglas fir trees and sword ferns; this trail also includes several picnic spots perfect for family outings.

5. Boundary Vista Point Walkway: Short paved pathway leading up to an elevated viewpoint overlooking both American & Canadian sides of park plus panoramic view over Drayton Harbor towards White Rock in Canada.

6. Peace Portal Drive Sidewalk: Paved sidewalk running parallel alongside main road into state park providing safe pedestrian access from local neighborhoods.

7. Park Perimeter Walking Route: Unofficial footpath tracing around outer edges of entire parkland area giving hikers chance explore less visited sections while enjoying varied scenery including meadows, wetlands & old growth forests.

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Area Campgrounds
The Cedars RV Resort
6336 Portal Way
Ferndale, WA
360-384-2622
Sun Retreats Birch Bay
5001 Bay Road
Blaine, WA
360-371-5006
Thousand Trails Birch Bay
8418 Harborview Road
Blaine, WA
360-371-7432
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Located 21 miles north of Bellingham, Wash., in the city of Blaine, Wash., on the Canadian border.

From I-5: Traveling north on I-5, take exit #276, the last exit before crossing into Canada. Follow signs.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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