The Top Pacific Northwest Elopement Locations
20 Epic Places to Elope in the Pacific Northwest: Washington and Oregon
I am definitely biased but the Pacific Northwest is the best place to plan an epic elopement. With five National parks and countless state parks ranging from red desert style rocks to glacial mountains to sandy beaches, there is no shortage of options in Washington or Oregon. Here is a quick list of the most epic pacific northwest elopement locations, according to an adventure elopement photographer.
I recommend searching All Trails for specific trail information and options ranging in accessibility, privacy and activity level. Click on the location name for a link to the specific website or trail.
Western Washington Elopement Locations
Olympic National Park, Washington: Majestic mountains, lush rainforests, and rugged coastline
Ruby Beach: Dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn shores. It’s cold but magical!
Hoh Rainforest: Ancient trees draped in moss and lush forests lined with ferns about 40 minutes from Ruby Beach
Hurricane Ridge: A truly unbeatable view of the Olympics on the north side of the park.
Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington: Lush forests, beautiful waterfalls and crazy mountain views, easily accessible to the Seattle area
Gold Creek Pond: A breathtaking mountain view with a perfect lake reflection. This super easy hike surrounds the entire lake.
Snoqualmie Falls: The nationally known, epic waterfall towering over 268 feet.
Franklin Falls: A short hike to a picturesque, slightly more private waterfall.
Twin Falls: Two waterfalls into a mossy canyon, perfectly secluded.
Rattlesnake Ridge, North Bend: A moderate 5.3 mile hike with beautiful views of the mountain range, rattlesnake lake and the wilderness area. See my Rattlesnake Ridge elopement post here.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington: Known for it’s wildflowers, glacial mountain view and serene lakes.
Paradise, Mount Rainier: Wildflower meadows and an easily accessible view of the mountain. For an epic viewpoint, Skyline Trail is gorgeous. For a shorter hike, try the Nisqually Vista Loop, which also provides beautiful views of the mountain and Nisqually Glacier.
Sunrise Point: It’s namesake, this is the perfect view of the mountain at Sunrise. The Sunrise Rim Trail is an easy hike that starts from the Sunrise Visitor Center and leads to amazing overlooks of the Emmons Glacier and surrounding peaks.
Tipsoo Lake: The perfect lake to reflect views of Mount Rainier. The Tipsoo Lake Loop Trail is an easy, family-friendly hike that circles the lake.
Other Areas in Washington
San Juan Islands: These idyllic islands offer beautiful views and a fun adventure by ferry boat. Roche Harbor is a perfect little beachside town if you are hoping to find a tiny chapel overlooking the water.
North Cascades National Park: Remote alpine lakes, rugged peaks, and views for miles. Sahale, artists point and picture lake are all famous areas for elopements.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington: Waterfalls, cliffs, and scenic overlooks all along the gorge.
Deception Pass State Park: Rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge.
Enchantments, Leavenworth: Rugged mountain peaks, alpine lakes near a picturesque little German-inspired town.
Oregon Elopement Locations
Oregon Coast Elopement Locations (In order down the coast)
Hug Point, Arch Cape: A few minutes from Cannon beach with beautiful rock formations, a waterfall and perfect sunset views.
Manzanita: Tall grasses, sweeping beach views and a charming beach town and camping spot.
Cape Kiwanda, Pacific City: Panoramic views, towering sand dunes and that iconic red rock look. For a truly perfect elopement weekend, spend a couple nights at the Headlands lodge and elope on the sand dune hike.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse Beach: I have a special secret spot- ask me! Otherwise, views of the Lighthouse are gorgeous from the Northside or the lighthouse natural area itself.
Agate Beach: Protected beach to the North from wind with views of the Yaquina cliff.
Seal Rock, Waldport: A giant rock to one side and ocean views with several rock formations on the other.
Bandon Beach, Bandon: Beautiful rock formations and cliffs and home to Nationally recongnized Bandon Dunes golf resort.
Natural Bridges: The iconic elopement spot on the coast with crazy tree-lined rock formations and literal natural bridges.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Silver Falls State Park: Lush forest and waterfalls with a 360 degree waterfall trail.
Fitton Green Natural Area, Corvallis: An easily accessible hike in Corvallis with beautiful views of the hills in the distance.
Mount Pisgah Arboretum: 200 acres of forests, wildflower meadows, and riverside trails with views of Mount Pisgah and the Willamette River.
Sahalie Falls: Secluded and picture perfect falls along the McKenzie River valley.
Central Oregon Elopement Locations
Smith Rock State Park: Towering rock formations, beautiful river and perfect central Oregon desert landscape.
Deschutes National Forest – Sparks Lake: Alpine lake beneath the towering peaks of the Cascade Range with views of South Sister and Broken Top.
Newberry National Volcanic Monument – Paulina Lake: Located within the Newberry Caldera, Paulina Lake is surrounded by volcanic landscapes and ancient forests.
Tumalo Falls: Cascading over 90 feet into a scenic canyon, the most iconic waterfall in central Oregon.
Sisters Wilderness: An expansive area with hundreds of elopement location opportunities. Contact me for trail recommendations. The most requested is Green Lakes under South Sister.
Mt. Hood Trails for Elopements
Trillium Lake: An easy 2-mile loop trail that circles the picturesque Trillium Lake, offering stunning views of Mount Hood reflected in the water.
Mirror Lake: A moderate 4.2-mile out-and-back trail leading to Mirror Lake, which provides a perfect reflection of Mount Hood on calm days, creating a magical scene.
Tom Dick and Harry Mountain: A moderate 4.9-mile loop trail offering panoramic views of Mount Hood, Mirror Lake, and the surrounding forests from the summit.
Lost Lake: An easy 3.2-mile loop trail encircling Lost Lake, offering stunning views of Mount Hood rising above the lake’s pristine waters.
Top Spur Timberline Loop: A moderate to challenging 2.2 loop trail with amazing views of Mount Hood and the Hood wilderness area.
There is truly no shortage of beautiful pacific northwest elopement locations. For a step by step guide to eloping and planning the perfect elopement, see my How to Elope blog post. I am always down for an epic adventure elopement and would absolutely love to help you plan your special day. Contact me for a welcome and investment guide.