Get Outdoors Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Get Outdoors Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord

If you're stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, you've found yourself in an outdoor lover's paradise! JBLM is one of the most popular duty stations in the military, and part of that reason is all the opportunities to get outside.

Whether you're setting out to a nearby destination or planning a day trip to explore the Pacific Northwest area, take a look at a few ideas for your next outdoor adventure.

Family-Friendly Outings Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Point Defiance Park

Host to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, Point Defiance Park also offers miles of trails, lake access, and boat rentals.

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a pit spot for many species of migratory birds. On its nature trails, you can spy 200 different bird species, along with otters, mink, beavers, deer, and Pacific Tree Frogs.

Wildwood Park

You'll find a playground, trails, a historic reservoir and more in the 80 acres of beautiful landscape of Wildwood Park.

Learn more about these destinations and many others in our post 11 Military Family-Friendly Outings Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

JBLM Cascade Mountains Image from Canva

Explore the PNW With JBLM's Outdoor Rec Center

JBLM's MWR makes it easy to take advantage of all the Puget Sound area offers. If you're interested in any of the following activities and more, check out the JBLM Outdoor Rec calendar for more info and to register.

Hiking

Explore Wallace Falls, the Green River, and other destinations in the Cascades with guided hikes. Transportation, parking fees, and trip leader support are included! Explore beautiful forests, waterfalls, and mountains.

Rock Climbing

JBLM's Outdoor Rec offers a comprehensive introduction to top rope climbing. They provide instruction, equipment, and a rock-climbing wall.

Mountain Biking

The trails of Swan Creek make an ideal location to learn more about mountain biking. You'll get a full day of learning, whether you're a beginner or want to practice more advanced maneuvers.

You'll find so many reasons to get outside while you're stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord!

Get even more ideas:

Moving to Joint Base Lewis-McChord? Download our FREE guide to the area!

Author

Jen McDonald

Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, where she manages the team of in-house and guest writers and creates resources that help military families navigate PCS moves, homeownership, renting, and military life. Originally trained as a registered nurse, she transitioned into publishing in 2008 and joined MilitaryByOwner in 2014. She also holds professional editing and marketing certifications, including credentials from the Poynter Institute, ACES (American Copy Editors Society), and HubSpot.

As an Air Force spouse for over 30 years, Jen has spent much of her adult life moving between duty stations, managing deployments, and raising four children around the globe. She draws on those experiences to encourage and inform military families through her writing and speaking.

Jen is the award-winning author of You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse and Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories. She also produced and hosted the Milspouse Matters podcast for five years, sharing stories and resources with military spouses worldwide. Her writing has earned numerous honors, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES.

Now settled in Texas, Jen is writing her debut cozy mystery series, enjoying time with her grandchildren, and appreciating a season of life that doesn't involve unpacking moving boxes every few years. Connect with Jen at jen-mcdonald.com and on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.