Olympic National Park Elopement Guide

Olympic National Park is seriously one of the most incredible places on the planet (at least in my opinion). This place has it all – rugged coastlines, towering waterfalls, lakes, and ancient rainforests. It’s the perfect destination for couples who want an adventurous elopement experience. In this guide, we dive into all the top elopement locations within the park, share tips on the best times of year to visit, and give you all the logistical info you need to plan your dream Olympic National Park elopement or intimate wedding. Whether you envision saying your vows on a remote beach, in the middle of a lush rainforest, or with a stunning mountain backdrop, this park has something to lock in every couple.

Best Olympic National Park Elopement Locations

Lakeside Spots

  • Lake Cushman – a large, clear lake located at the southeast corner of Olympic National Park, offering a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
  • Lake Crescent – a deep, glacier-carved lake known for its crystal-clear blue waters.
  • Lake Quinault – a large, glacially-carved lake located in the southwest corner of Olympic National Park, surrounded by the Quinault Rainforest and well-maintained trails along its southern shore.

Dramatic Coastlines

  • Kalaloch Beach – a popular coastal destination within the park, known for its dramatic sea stacks, tide pools with marine life, and easy access from Highway 101 along the park’s southern coastline.
  • Rialto Beach – a popular and accessible sandy beach known for its sea stacks, tide pools, driftwood, and easy drive-up access along the Pacific coastline.
  • Ruby Beach – a popular and picturesque coastal destination known for its reddish-hued sand that may contain garnets.
  • La Push Beach – a series of three scenic beaches popular for surfing, hiking, and wildlife.
  • Shi Shi Beach – a remote and scenic coastal destination with a forested trail leading to the beach.
  • Cape Flattery – not actually located within Olympic National Park, but on the Makah Indian Reservation just outside the park’s boundaries, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and opportunities to spot whales and other marine life.

Cascading Waterfalls

  • Madison Falls – featuring a horsetail-shaped cascade that flows into a small pool along the Elwha River valley.
  • Marymere Falls – a stunning 90-foot waterfall near the shores of Lake Crescent, accessible via a well-maintained 0.9-mile trail through an old-growth forest and featuring both lower and upper viewpoints.
  • Sol Duc Falls – a 48-foot waterfall accessible via a short and easy 0.8-mile trail through an old-growth forest offering multiple viewpoints.

Hoh Rainforest

The Hoh Rainforest is a significant part of Olympic National Park, as it is one of the largest and most intact temperate rainforests in the United States. It’s classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve due to its biodiversity and importance.

Mountainous Vistas

  • Hurricane Ridge – offers stunning mountain vistas, many hiking trails ranging from easy to strenuous, and opportunities to spot wildlife like Roosevelt elk and marmots.
  • Mount Storm King – a challenging hike within the park that offers stunning panoramic views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains. The strenuous 3.8-mile trail with 2,000 feet of elevation gain is only recommended for experienced hikers.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Olympic National Park

Okay, let’s talk about the best time of year for an Olympic National Park elopement. This is a crucial piece of the planning puzzle because the weather and crowds can make or break your experience. Now, the great thing about Olympic is the fairly diverse climate, so there’s really not a bad time to visit. But some seasons are a little more ideal than others.

In the summer, you’ll get those long, sunny days and mild temperatures – perfect for exploring the park’s epic coastlines and hiking to waterfalls. But you’ll also have to deal with bigger crowds, especially at the most popular spots. On the flip side, the winter months can be a bit more unpredictable, with the potential for rain, snow, and stormy weather. But you’ll have way fewer people to contend with, and you might even get lucky with some moody, dramatic skies for your elopement photos. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are also great options. The weather is usually mild and pleasant, and you’ll miss the peak crowds. Plus, you might get to see some cool seasonal changes, like the spring greenery or the vibrant fall foliage.

So when it comes down to it, there’s no one “best” time – it just depends on the vibe you’re going for and what you hope to experience on your elopement day.

Logistics & Planning

Permits

Permits and planning are HUGE when navigating any national park elopement, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered. First up, permits and licenses. Eloping in a national park requires a bit of paperwork, but it’s totally doable. You’ll need to apply for a special use permit from the park service, and there may be some other local licenses or permissions you’ll need to look into as well. But don’t stress, your photographer or wedding planner can help you navigate that.

Vendors

Next, let’s talk vendors. When you’re getting married in a remote, rugged place like Olympic, you’ll want to work with local experts who know the area inside and out. That could mean a photographer who’s shot tons of elopements in the park, a florist who can source blooms from nearby farms, or a guide who can lead you on epic hikes to the perfect ceremony spot. These pros will be invaluable in making your day run smoothly.

Travel

As for travel and accommodations, you’ve got plenty of options, from cozy cabins to luxury resorts. Just remember that the park is huge, so you’ll want to choose a home base that puts you close to the locations you’re most excited about. And speaking of locations, accessibility is key. Some of the most stunning spots require a bit of hiking, so make sure you and your partner are up for the adventure. Are you planning an adventurous elopement? Be ready for the unexpected! This blog has all the tips you need to pivot your plans like a pro and handle any surprises that come your way on your big day!

At the end of the day, planning an Olympic elopement takes some work, but it’s SO worth it. With the right team of vendors and a little planning, you can pull off an unforgettable celebration in one of the most breathtaking places!

Olympic National Park is the perfect place to elope, hands down. There are so many incredible options for your ceremony – seriously… can you even begin to imagine a ceremony in a lush rainforest? If you’re in the midst of your elopement planning and you’re still searching for your dream photographer, I’d love to join in on your adventure and assist with the logistics and creating a seamless experience. Reach out to me here!

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