Urban or Wilderness?

There’s nothing quite like the Pacific Northwest. It is a special place to live and learn – and PLU is committed to making sure that you will get to experience all of it. Through PLU Outdoor Rec you can go on adventures around the Pacific Northwest, from exploring the rugged Olympic National Park coastline to climbing Oregon’s Smith Rock. During your time at PLU, you’ll be sure to go on plenty of independent journeys and spur-of-the-moment group outings – the Pacific Northwest is made for it.

In PLU’s Parkland neighborhood, you’ll hardly have to step foot off campus to eat at some of Tacoma’s best restaurants, including great Italian food at Marzano, or grab a quick bite at Farrelli’s Wood Fired Gourmet Pizza or PLU’s own 208 Garfield.

PLU is also just minutes away from downtown Tacoma and the world famous Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. The short drive to Seattle means you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy big-city entertainment like the Museum of Pop Culture or major league ballgames at beautiful T-Mobile Park. And given that the Seattle-Tacoma area is situated on the vibrant and culturally diverse Pacific Rim, there is no shortage of opportunities – from tracking down Asian cuisine and cultural delights to starting an internship at a global trading company. It’s all here for you.

My tribal journey

One student’s experience in Neah Bay, and how courses outside the classroom changed how he sees the world.

Start exploring!

Outdoor Rec is PLU’s wilderness adventure club and they can help you explore the many scenic places around the Pacific Northwest.