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The Pierce College District is located in Pierce County, Washington, approximately 30 miles south of Seattle. The Pierce District has colleges in Lakewood and Puyallup, about 10 miles southwest and southeast of Tacoma, respectively. Both colleges command views of Mount Rainier.
Members of the International Club enjoy bowling, among other American activities.
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is located on 140 acres in the City of Lakewood, 10 miles southwest of Tacoma. The campus is next to Fort Steilacoom Park, 342 acres on Waughhop Lake, with walking and horse trails, play areas, and fields. It is just one mile from the waters of the Puget Sound with snow-covered mountain ranges visible in both directions.
Pierce College Puyallup is located in the City of Puyallup, 10 miles southeast of Tacoma, home of the largest fair in Washington state. The Puyallup campus is on 85 wooded acres in the South Hill area of Puyallup.
The Pacific Northwest
Our region is renowned for its mild climate. Temperatures range from 5-10 degrees Celsius in winter to low-20s (C) in summer. Winter weather is generally rainy, with rare snow, except in the mountains, where conditions are excellent for skiing. Summers are drier, sunnier, and quite mild.
The moderate climate, along with nearby mountains, forests, rivers, and the Puget Sound ensure that there are lots of outdoor activities: hiking, skiing and kayaking are all popular.
The major cities of our region are Seattle, WA and Portland, OR. Seattle is approximately an hour north of Pierce College by bus or car; Portland is a trip of several hours by car, bus or train. Both cities have rich cultures and many notable attractions, including museums, sporting events, and shopping. Also nearby is the state capitol, Olympia, WA.
Many activities for international students are organized through the International Club.
In Pierce County...
- Mount Rainier National Park, home of the tallest mountain in Washington state
- The Puyallup Fair, one of the largest fairs in the region, featuring concerts, rides, and local cultural attractions
- Museums, including the Washington State History Museum and the International Museum of Glass
- Lakewold Gardens Estate, 10 acres of gardens including one of the largest rhododendron collections in the Northwest
- Northwest Trek, a 635-acre wildlife park
- Many state, city and county parks
- Shopping centers, including the South Hill and Tacoma Malls and Lakewood Towne Center
