Fort Lewis, WA

Fort Lewis makes up the sprawling Army side of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, nestled in the evergreen woods of the Pacific Northwest between Tacoma and Olympia. Established during World War I on the Nisqually Plain, the installation quickly grew from a temporary training camp into a major Pacific Northwest fixture. Today, it serves as a central hub for military families and civilian staff, with clear days offering stunning views of Mount Rainier.

ATTRWalter Siegmund (talk) / CC BY-SA 3.0

In 2010, Fort Lewis merged with neighboring McChord Air Force Base to form JBLM, creating one of the largest and most active military communities in the country. Daily life here moves to the steady rhythm of military operations, complete with C-17 transport planes flying overhead and troops heading out for field exercises. The Fort Lewis section keeps a distinct Army identity, defined by historic brick buildings, quiet parade grounds, and a welcoming neighborhood feel.

ATTRThe U.S. Army / Public domain

Living on or near Fort Lewis feels a lot like living in a self-contained town surrounded by deep forests. The area is packed with family housing, neighborhood schools, community centers, and major medical facilities spread across thousands of wooded acres. Because the base is so vast, getting around depends heavily on access gates and Interstate 5, with residents regularly driving into nearby spots like DuPont, Lakewood, and Lacey for shopping, dinner, and weekend getaways.