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group of students sitting outside with guitar

Life in Washington State

The Pierce College District is located in Pierce County, Washington, approximately 30 miles south of Seattle. The district has two college campuses, both attractively landscaped and featuring handsome architecture and modern facilities.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is located on 140 acres in the city of Lakewood, which is 10 miles southwest of Tacoma. The campus is adjacent to Fort Steilacoom Park, which boasts 342 acres on Waughop Lake with walking and horse trails, play areas and fields. The campus is just one mile from the waters of the Puget Sound, with mountain ranges visible in both directions.

Pierce College Puyallup is located in the city of Puyallup, which is 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and home to the largest fair in the state. The Puyallup campus is on 85 wooded acres in the South Hill area of Puyallup. It is within walking distance of restaurants and shopping.

Washington is renowned for its mild climate. Temperatures range from 5–10 degrees Celsius in the winter to the high-20s degrees Celsius in the summer. Winter is the rainy season. Snow is rare, except in the mountains, where conditions are excellent for skiing and snowboarding. Summers are drier and quite sunny and mild. Popular summertime activities include hiking and kayaking.

The major cities of the Pacific Northwest region are Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon. By bus, light rail or car, Seattle is about 45 minutes north of Pierce College. Portland is about two and a half hours south by bus, car or train. Both cities offer many notable attractions, including theatre, music, museums, sporting events and shopping.

The International Club plans many activities throughout the local area for international students.

Pierce County Attractions

You need not travel far to find something fun to do in Pierce County. Here's a brief list of some of the most popular attractions: