How to decide: Hanging Food vs Bear Canisters
When it comes to keeping bears at a safe distance from camp and food rations, there a two primary options: hanging your food or using a bear canister. Here are the details on each.
Dog-Friendly Elopement Locations
If you’re anything like us, your dogs are your children and having them a part of your big day means a lot to you. Dogs are typically not allowed in National Parks so in general, it’s best to stay away from those trails if you want your fur babies to be included. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite dog friendly elopement locations in Washington and listed under each location, you will also find a few lodging options that are located in the nearest town closest to the trailhead all of which are pet friendly!
Artist Point
Roundtrip: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 150 feet
Location: North Cascades, Mt Baker
Pass Required: None
Artist Point might have one of the best lookouts in the state– this trail is accessible year around but is covered in snow typically from November to June. In the winter, it becomes a popular snowshoe destination and snowshoes are definitely required. It sits at 4200 feet so keep in mind the avalanche risk while going during the winter month. This trail is best used for elopements during the weekdays– you will park at Heather Meadows during the winter months which is a shared parking lot for Mt Baker Ski Resort so it gets BUSY.
Lodging: Snowglobe Chalet Mt baker ski/bike/hike palace for four
Winchester Mountain Lookout
Roundtrip: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 1300 feet
Location: North Cascades, Mt Baker
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Once you reach the top of this trail, you will be at 6500 feet with 360 degree views. Four wheel drive is recommended to reach this trailhead but a high clearance vehicle is required. If you do not have a high clearance vehicle, you can still access this trailhead by parking on the shoulder and adding a 2.5 mile walk keeping in mind the road is only one lane wide so be cautious.
Gold Creek Pond
Roundtrip: 1.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 20 feet
Location: Snoqualmie Region
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass or SnoPark Pass
Gold Creek Pond is a great location for the whole family, including dogs! It’s easily accessible and is a quick walk to the pond that will give you a great backdrop for your ceremony. There’s also a 1 mile loop that takes you around the pond. This destination has grown increasingly popular over the years so is best used for elopements during the weekdays.
Lodging: Holiday Chalet on The Slopes
Maple Pass Loop
Roundtrip: 7.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2000 feet
Location: North Cascades Region
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
This trail gives you views of wildflowers, mountain ridges and lakes. Since this trail is a loop, you can decide whether to hike clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you decide to hike clockwise, you will get the steep part out of the way first but going counter-clockwise will give you better views of Black Peak and North Cascades National Park. You can’t go wrong either way as the views are amazing regardless! This trail closes for the season mid November.
Lodging: Cozy Yurt
Mount Pilchuck Lookout
Roundtrip: 5.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2300 feet
Location: North Cascades, Mountain Loop Highway
Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Mt Pilchuck is not an easy hike– you will ascend 2300 feet over about 2.5 miles but the views are WORTH IT. At the top of the trail is a shelter that can be used on a first come, first serve basis to stay the night in and is perfect for a sunset and/or sunrise ceremony. This trail is accessible all year around and sees a lot of hikers, it is best used for elopement ceremonies during the weekdays.
Palouse Falls
Roundtrip: 1 miles
Highest Point: 803 feet
Location: Eastern Washington
Pass Required: Discover Pass
You can’t go wrong with a sunset ceremony at Palouse Falls– golden hour here is MAGICAL. This waterfall is easily accessible with a gravel path leading from the parking lot directly to the falls. Palouse Falls is located in a 105 acre park that has 11 tent spaces including an ADA compliant space.
Lodging (walla-walla): The Oasis 3BR Luxury Downtown Craftsman with pool
Stephanie Keegan
I’m an adventure elopement and wedding photographer based in Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. I focus on capturing love in beautiful places while sharing a passion for the outdoors. Rock climbing, backpacking, hiking – I love it all!
Hey! I'm Stephanie.
I'm an adventure elopement photographer based in the Pacific Northwest. My job is to help couples craft and document their dream day in the outdoors.
Elopement Resources
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If you’re like me, you just want to get to the good part of this whole thing where you can actually start taking photos for clients. But before you do that, there are some crucial steps you need to take in order to set yourself up properly and be a legitimate business.
Tips for Writing Your Own Vows
After years of guiding couples on how to make their special day memorable, these are my tips for writing your own vows for your elopement.
