The Seattle-Tacoma area provides a wealth of opportunities for recreation. Shopping, dining, and medical facilities are easily accessible in both cities. Music, theater, and other arts activities are also available, with opportunities for attendance as well as participation. Nearby outdoor recreational opportunities include skiing, boating, fishing, clamming, hiking, and mountain climbing. Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens are approximately 70 and 130 miles from Tacoma, respectively. The Canadian border and the city of Vancouver, British Columbia are within a three-hour drive, and the city of Portland, Oregon is just over two hours away.
The maritime climate is moderate, with temperatures rarely reaching more than 90° in the summer or less than 25° in the winter. Institutions of higher learning in the area include the University of Washington, Seattle Pacific University, Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle University, University of Puget Sound, and several community colleges, including Pierce College, which is located adjacent to Western State Hospital.
