They don’t call Oregon the Iceland of the United States for nothing, and you’re going to experience it all. Start off inland on a desert playa that you could confuse for Death Valley — except here you’re allowed to drive your vehicle across it, as well as stay out under the stars (which is exactly what you plan to do). Experience the feeling of driving with no road lines, and with a road that stretches deceptively far into the distance.
After your sunset ceremony, where the skies turn pink and purple, you plan to have a night soak in the local hot springs and wait until the skies darken enough for astrophotography. Head back out onto the playa and gaze up at a Milky Way that you could almost touch.
The next day, check out the peaks of the mountains that line the west side of the playa. Keep your eye out for the wild mustangs that roam this area, descended from Spanish horses. Finish with a drive toward the Cascades, heading to your final destination: the Oregon Coast.
On Day 3, witness historic lighthouses, resident gray whales (they’re here from April-November!), rugged sea cliffs, and try your hand at agate hunting. We’ll spend the late afternoon hiking along the cliffs, and end with a sunset on the beach as you keep an eye out for sand dollars, seals, sea lions, and other treasures that have washed up. A perfect and relaxing way to end your elopement adventure in Oregon.
