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Local Area Information

Madigan Army Medical Center

MAMC, is ideally located just south of Tacoma in western Washington's scenic Puget Sound basin. Seattle is just 40 miles to the north. Ferries ply the waters of Puget Sound for short excursions or more extended trips up into Canada. The Seattle-Tacoma area provides a wide assortment and unique combination of delectable dining, professional sports, theater, museums, and other cultural activities. Outdoor recreational activities include skiing, hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, sailing, biking, and mountain climbing. Glacier-capped Mount Rainier is less than 50 miles away.

When it comes to culture, Tacoma is in a league of its own. Known for its world-renowned glass art, the city's vibrant urban core is alive with creativity. Whether dining, shopping, or strolling through downtown, you'll immerse yourself in a unique blend of old and new. Tacoma's love for classic cars is evident, and stepping into its historic theaters is like stepping into a world of performing arts.The city's many districts abound with culture. Stroll the museum district to explore art, glass, and history. Wander among the eclectic mix of upbeat restaurants and music venues on Sixth Avenue. Shop the unique boutiques in the historic Proctor and Stadium districts, which bustle with foot traffic. Rooted in the arts, Tacoma is the place to be.Tacoma is ideally situated along the saltwater banks of Puget Sound. Boasting stunning natural surroundings, you don't need to pack hiking boots to enjoy the mesmerizing outdoors. Explore the parks, gardens, and wildlife that make Tacoma a nature wonderland. Or enjoy the view of one of the many waterfront restaurants.  The nature in Tacoma extends beyond just land. Comb the beaches of the water's edge and test the open waters in a kayak or boat—Experience Tacoma's nature—rain or shine. There's plenty for you to do, both indoors and out.

About Joint Base Lewis McChord

Tucked between Mt. Rainier and the Puget Sound, JBLM is named after CPT Meriwether Lewis of the Corps of Discovery Expedition and is the 4th largest Army base by population. Our patients are dependents of the full spectrum of service members. Among others, the base has brigade combat teams, an aviation brigade, engineering brigade, field artillery brigade, military police brigade, a Ranger Regiment, and a Special Forces Group. Additionally, JBLM is home to the 7th Infantry Division as well as I Corps, America’s Corps.

About Tacoma, Washington

  • Waterfront city with views of Mt. Rainier
  • Endless outdoor activities - 3 nearby National Parks, hiking/backpacking, road and mountain biking, kayaking, SCUBA diving, skiing/snowshoeing, and more.
  • 45min drive to Seattle, WA
  • 1hr drive to Washington wine country (Woodinville)
  •  Local and professional sports teams- Tacoma Rainiers baseball (AAA), Tacoma Defiance and Reign soccer; Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), and Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Art Culture

  • Tacoma Museum of Glass
  • Tacoma Art Museum
  • American Car Museum
  • Children’s Museum of Tacoma

Sports

  • Tacoma Rainiers
  • Seattle Mariners
  • Seattle Seahawks
  • Seattle Sounders
  • OL Reign
  • Portland Timbers
  • Seattle Kraken
  • Portland Trailblazers

Live Music

  • The Gorge Amphitheater
  • The Tacoma Dome
  • Lumen Field
  • Paramount Theater
  • Climate Pledge Arena
  • Seattle Symphony
  • Pacific Northwest Ballet
  • Seattle Opera

Food Culture

  • Pike Place Market
  • Proctor Farmer’s Market
  • Point Ruston Farmer’s Market
  • Steilacoom Farmer’s Market
  • Olympia Farmer’s Market
  • World class dining in Seattle, Tacoma, Portland

The Great Outdoors

  • Hiking: endless trails, alpine lakes, waterfalls
  • National Parks: Mt Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park
  • Puget Sound: ferry access to San Juan Islands and British Columbia
  • Washing coast: less than 2 hours to the Pacific Ocean

Winter Activities

  • Skiing and snowboarding: Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, Summit at Snoqualmie, Whistler, BC
  • Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
  • Backcountry snow sports
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