Why Olympic National Park is Special
1. Incredible Variety
One of the few places where you can experience mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, and coastline all within a single day.
“Speaking of, trails are versatile. Anything from no walking required at all, to a full blown, all day adventure. And there’s every single type of scenery you can imagine. Mountains, waterfalls, lakes, coast – multiple of which you can visit in a single day!”
2. Beautiful Every Season
- Spring → dramatic waterfalls
- Summer → alpine adventures
- Fall → colorful forests and beautiful sunsets
- Winter → quiet trails and moody “Twilight” atmosphere
“It’s an all year round location option. Spring and fall are my favorite, but truly, you can elope here any time of year. Winter can be particularly special because the trails are quieter and it has the full ‘Twilight’ vibe. Spring waterfalls are full and dramatic. Fall colors are stunning, and autumn also has incredible light with beautiful sunsets.”
3. Adventures for Everyone
Whether you’re looking for a simple roadside ceremony or an all-day hiking adventure, Olympic National Park has options for every couple and guest count.
“While the National Park makes up a big chunk of the peninsula, it’s actually bordered pretty much all the way around by the National Forest. And while both land managers tend to have similar requirements in regards to things like permits, there are some differences that are great to note, like the fact you can bring your dog to most of the National Forest spots (they aren’t allowed in most of the National Park)!”
Local Planning Tips
Permits
💡 Permits are generally straightforward, and park staff are known for being friendly and helpful throughout the application process.
Hidden Gems
💡 There’s some wonderful lesser known spots to consider that are near to better known spots (or far away from them, if you prefer). This makes it easy to have a really accessible ceremony with any guests, and then easily transition to more of a hike/adventure just the two of you. And because the Olympic Peninsula is pretty remote in general, even the more popular locations (like the Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge) can be quieter and more intimate during shoulder and off-seasons!
Local Expert Planning Tip
💡 Don’t overlook the quieter corners of the Olympic Peninsula. While iconic spots like Hurricane Ridge and the Hoh Rain Forest are incredible, there are many lesser-known locations nearby that offer the same stunning scenery with more privacy. You can also plan a ceremony in an easily accessible location before heading out for a more adventurous portrait session, giving you the best of both worlds.
