It’s funny how perspective can change so drastically from one duty station to the next.
At both Fort Hood and Fort Bragg, we dreaded the long summers — endless humidity, relentless heat waves and bugs of every imaginable kind. But now, far from the South and stationed in the Pacific Northwest at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, we don’t just enjoy the summer months; we live for them.
As I sit down to write this piece, the windows are wide open, the air cool and bug-free. A faint trace of sunblock still lingers from our afternoon at the lake, where we snacked on cold grapes and chips and I watched my three children swim the day away. As we begin our third summer here at JBLM, I’ve realized something: this is the season when I come back to life.
It’s not that I disappear during the other half of the year, but some part of me goes dormant through the long, dark, gloomy months that seem to stretch endlessly on. It’s as if I lost a bit of color, just as the world seems to fade around me. Of course, we make it through — helped along by the cheer and warmth of the holidays and the community that endures the gray skies beside us — but it isn’t always easy.
And yet, what they say about Pacific Northwest summers is absolutely true: they cannot be beat. They are glorious.
I still remember how quickly I fell in love after moving here — the towering, crooked evergreens; flowers bursting with color in every direction, and water seemingly everywhere you turn. Lakes perfect for swimming, beaches made for tide pooling, and endless opportunities to spot wildlife somehow make the region feel both adventurous and peaceful all at once.
After three summers here, I’ve learned something else: if you’re stationed at JBLM, summer is not the time to stay inside. Whether you’re brand new to the area or counting down the days until PCS season, there are certain experiences that simply make summer in the Pacific Northwest unforgettable.
Here are my must-do summer activities at or near JBLM:
- Lake days at American Lake. This is by far our favorite thing to do in the summer. Our house is on post, located in North Lewis, and we are just five minutes from the lake. We love to swim at Summer Cove, a family-friendly swimming access point with a sandy beach looking out onto the lake with views of Mount Rainier and an almost guaranteed spotting of at least one bald eagle every time we visit. We bring floaties, towels, snacks and sand toys, and my kids can easily stay here for the entire day. There are also a splash pad and playground in the same vicinity, which can be a fun alternative on the not-so-hot days.
- Tide pooling at local beaches. There are several local beaches — many are state parks — off the Puget Sound, which are just a short 20-40 minutes from base. We like to explore during low tide, when my kids can hunt for sand dollars, crabs and clams. The warm, shallow tide pools are perfect for young children on those hot summer days and offer endless exploration. A favorite of ours is Tolmie State Park, located in Lacey, WA.
- Wildflower hikes. Late spring and early summer are prime time for wildflower hikes. Many of these hikes are located on Mount Rainier or throughout the Olympic Peninsula, but if you are willing to go even farther — there are more in the Cascades and all over the state of Oregon. There is something special about hiking in wildflowers. It’s as though you’re walking through a fairy tale. I hope our kids remember these hikes in the same magical way that we will.
- Pick berries and flowers. Strawberries in June. Blueberries in July. Blackberries in August. We pick berries all summer long. There are also many flower fields where you can pick fresh tulips, sunflowers, lavender and others. There are many places right around JBLM (in fact, blackberries can be found all over post!), but we also love to drive down to Hood River, Oregon, and make stops along the Fruit Loop, a scenic 35-mile drive that includes a collection of on-the-farm fruit stands, wineries, breweries, cideries and fields of flowers.
- Camping. The camping simply cannot be beat here. From the misty beaches of the Olympic Peninsula to mountain views near Mount Rainier and quiet lakes tucked into the forest, summer in Washington feels made for sleeping under the stars. Most would agree, as it is the unfortunate reality that campsites must be booked six months ahead if you want any hope of securing a spot — especially at popular state parks. Some of our fondest memories leaving here will certainly include those weekends of tent sleeping, sticky s’more fingers and exploring nature together as a family.
- Whale watching or observing wildlife. There is something magical about the wildlife in the Pacific Northwest, and whale watching feels like one of those “you have to do it at least once” experiences while living here. We got lucky and saw a pod of orcas once while beachcombing at a nearby beach park. You can also book tours from ferries or coastal overlooks — spotting orcas, gray whales, seals and bald eagles. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you JBLM isn’t just another duty station — it’s access to something truly special.
The truth is, JBLM summers have a way of sneaking up on you. After months of gray skies and spitting rain, suddenly the mountains are out, the lakes are blue and everyone seems to come alive again. Whether your summer here is filled with simple days picnicking and swimming at the lake, picking berries, or more adventurous outings like camping trips, ferry rides or hikes deep in the mountains, don’t let it pass you by. PCS orders eventually come and seasons change — but summer in the Pacific Northwest is one of those things you’ll be missing long after you leave.
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