Spanaway Christian Center is located approximately nine miles south of the city limits of Tacoma, in Spanaway, Washington. The mid-county region (of which Spanaway is a part) is approximately forty miles south of Seattle, and is bordered by Puget Sound on the west, and the Cascade Mountains on the east.

Spanaway (Pierce County), Washington

Though still rather rural in character, the greater mid-county region offers a unique mix of open spaces, new residential living areas, historic older homes and farms, and business expansion areas that reflect a community which is aware of its historical roots and natural beauty, yet welcoming to those who would like to come and share in its charm and potential for growth.  

  
Highway 509 Bridge and Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, WA

Historically, Spanaway has been called the Gateway to Mount Rainier.  Located about an hours drive southeast of Spanaway, Mount Rainier is one of the highest and most majestic peaks in the continental United States.  Standing 14,410 feet above sea level, its slopes and meadows are a destination of choice for climbers, snow-shoers, hikers and sightseers of all ages and abilities.  Being a dormant volcano, it is believed the mountain at one time was a full 500 feet higher than its current recorded height.  

 
Commencement Bay (foreground), Tacoma and Mount Rainier (background)

Being deficient in no area of natural beauty, western Washington is home to not only Mount Rainer National Park, but the Olympic National Park, the Olympic National Forest, the San Juan Islands and numerous Pacific Ocean beaches - any of which is less than a three hour drive.  The Cascade mountain range (which extends from British Columbia to Northern California), is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world.  And, with nearly a dozen ski locations within a three hour drive, there is truly something for everyone.  

 
A spectacular view of the Washington coast

The South Sound region is home to a number of military installations, including Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Madigan Army Medical Center, and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.  Being a long-standing military community, the greater Puget Sound region is proud of the men and women in uniform who live, work and worship in our area, and who proudly serve our country around the world.  We support and pray for them and their families.  

 
 The C-17's are stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord

Historically, the first european settlers in the Puget Sound were English fur traders of the 1820's.  But the growing number of American settlers which followed the early trappers, soon established the region as an American Territory.  Fort Steilacoom (just west of what is now the city of Lakewood), was established in 1847.  And with the U.S. military came stability, protection, law and roads which connected all areas of what is now Washington state.  In the 1850s it was true, "All roads in Washington Territory eventually led to Fort Steilacoom."  And, with the first school in the Spanaway area built in 1855, and the old Naches Trail transversing the mid-county, this area shares in the regions earliest history.   

 
Quarters 4 & Cannon shed at historic Fort Steilacoom

In short, the Lord has blessed the South Sound and central county area with both natural beauty and people who are friendly and welcoming. It's a great place to call home!