Hikes to Enjoy on Your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest

If your ideal elopement celebration includes lacing up your hiking boots, this is for you! Here are my favorite hikes to enjoy on your elopement day in the Pacific Northwest.

Not everyone’s picture-perfect wedding ceremony looks like high heels, a dry-cleaned suit, or wedding bells. In fact, I found that some of the most romantic love stories in the world don’t take place on manicured lawns or fancy churches at all. They take place in the profound power of nature.

If you and your partner are considering integrating a hike into your elopement celebration, then this is for you. While the PNW boasts thousands of pristine hiking trails, here are some of my favorite hikes to enjoy on your elopement day in the Pacific Northwest.

Considering Hiking on Your Elopement Day? Read This First.

While adding a hike to your elopement day can be an elegant addition to any marriage celebration, it does require some planning. Here are a few things to consider when choosing hikes to enjoy on your elopement day in the Pacific Northwest:

The Region for Your Elopement Hike

One of my favorite things about the PNW is the wide variety of natural features available. Determine whether you want your hike in the vibrant greens of the rainforest, amongst mountain peaks, or somewhere entirely different! Knowing the setting you want to hike in will help you determine the best hiking location for you.

The Length of Your Elopement Hike

There are all types of elopement hikers out there; some who envision a long and challenging hike to an epic lookout point, those who imagine a short and simple hike to a ceremonial location, and others who want something in between. No matter which category you fall into, ensuring you are physically fit for your elopement hike will make your special day that much more enjoyable.

How to Use This Blog Post

This post is broken down first into regions of hikes to enjoy on your wedding day in the Pacific Northwest, and then into difficulty level. You will also see the distance, elevation gain, and type of hike listed for each, so you can find the hike that matches your needs perfectly. Not sure which hike is the best fit for you? Reach out and ask! I pride myself on knowing the PNW trails like the back of my hand and would love to offer my insight.

Elopement Hikes in Snoqualmie Valley

Snoqualmie Valley is known for its majestic waterfalls, stunning fall colors, and easy access to Seattle. Here are a few hikes to consider for your adventure elopement in this region:

EASY Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Snoqualmie Valley

Little Si

• 3.6 miles
• 1,151 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back hike

Twin Falls

• 2.5 miles
• 616 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

MODERATE Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Snoqualmie Valley

Rattlesnake Ledge

• 5.3 miles
• 1,459 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Poo Poo Point

• 6.6 miles
• 1,794 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back

DIFFICULT Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Snoqualmie Valley

Snow Lake

• 6.7 miles
• 1,699 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Mount Si

• 7.9 miles
• 3,395 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Elopement Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

You would be hard-pressed to find a more romantic location for an elopement day hike than Mountain Rainier National Park. The shocking majesty of the mountain, paired with hikes in all shapes and sizes makes this one of my favorite areas for elopement hikes.

MODERATE Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Mount Rainier National Park

Pinnacle Peak

• 2.9 miles
• 1,584 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Dege Peak

• 2.8 miles
• 807 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Tolmie Peak

• 5.6 miles
• 1,555 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Mount Fremont

• 5.7 miles
• 1,108 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Tipsoo Lake to Dewey Lake Loop

• 6.7 miles
• 1,404 feet elevation gain
• Loop

DIFFICULT Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Mount Rainier National Park

Burroughs Mountain

• 9.5 miles
• 2,601 feet elevation gain
• Loop

Elopement Hikes in Mount Baker Wilderness

If a fairytale hike and backdrop is what you had in mind for your elopement day, then Mount Baker Wilderness may be for you! While longer and more difficult hikes are available within this area, being able to access the wonder of nature within a short distance is definitely a pro of this outdoor space.

EASY Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Mount Baker Wilderness

Huntoon Point via Artist Point Trail

• 1.5 miles
• 269 feet elevation gain
• Loop

Fire and Ice Trail

• 0.6 miles
• 65 feet elevation gain
• Loop

MODERATE Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Mount Baker Wilderness

Chain Lakes Loop

• 6.2 miles
• 1,794 feet elevation gain
• Loop

Anderson and Watson Lake

• 5.6 miles
• 1,578 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

DIFFICULT Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Mount Baker Wilderness

Ptarmigan Ridge

• 11.8 miles
• 2,424 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Lake Ann

• 8.6 miles
• 2,047 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Elopement Hikes in Olympic National Park

I try not to play favorites when it comes to outdoor locations, but I must say that the hikes and elopements in Olympic National Park are hard to beat. This place truly has it all: beaches, forests, lakes, and adorable places to honeymoon when your elopement has come to an end. Here are a few of my favorite hikes in Olympic National Park:

EASY Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Olympic National Park

Hoh Rainforest/Hall of Mosses Trail

• 1.1 miles
• 82 feet elevation gain
• Loop Hike

Quinault Rain Forest

• 0.9 miles
• 111 feet elevation gain
• Loop Hike

Sol Duc Falls

• 1.6 miles
• 226 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Cape Flattery

• 1.2 miles
• 229 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Marymere Falls

• 1.7 miles
• 314 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

MODERATE Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Olympic National Park

Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge

• 3.4 miles
• 826 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Elk Mountain Trail

• 4.5 miles
• 1,374 feet elevation gain
• LoopHike

Hoh River Trail

• Up to 35 miles
• Up to 5,633 feet
• Out and Back Hike
• *NOTE: Most couples hike a mile or two on the Hoh River Trail and not the entire trail.

Shi Shi Beach

• 8.8 miles
• 561 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Elopement Hikes along the Columbia River Gorge

For all of my waterfall junkies out there: this is for you. Columbia River Gorge is chock full of hikes of all lengths, many of them accompanied by stunning water features. (Pro tip: Want to make your elopement photos pop? Consider eloping in the autumn months for a bold pop of fall leaf color within the Gorge!)

EASY Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Columbia River Gorge

Panther Creek Falls

• 0.3 miles
• 114 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Wahclella Falls

• 1.9 miles
• 308 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Rowena Crest/McCall Point Trails

• 4.8 miles
• 1,322 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

MODERATE Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Columbia River Gorge

Silver Falls SP

• 2.9 miles
• 521 feet elevation gain
• Loop Hike

Latourell Falls

• 2 miles
• 639 feet elevation gain
• Loop

Dry Creek Falls

• 4.4 miles
• 898 feet elevation gain
• Out and Back Hike

Elopement Hikes in the Stevens Pass Area

Stevens Pass may be best known for its exquisite ski resort, but the year-round hikes within this region make for some of the most epic photos. If you are considering a magical winter elopement, I would recommend you check out this region as this place is nothing short of a winter wonderland.  Here are my favorite hikes in this region:

MODERATE Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Stevens Pass Area

Wallace Falls

• 4.9 miles
• 1,469 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Lake Valhalla

• 6.3 miles
• 1,364 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

Heybrook Ridge

• 3.2 miles
• 830 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike

DIFFICULT Hikes to Enjoy on your Elopement Day in the Pacific Northwest – Stevens Pass Area/Leavenworth

Colchuck Lake

• 10 miles
• 2342 feet elevation gain
• Out and back hike
• Can be a through hike as part of The Enchantments hike, but need a permit

Determining the Best Hikes to enjoy on your elopement day in the Pacific Northwest… For YOU

Whether you are a beginner hiker who is craving the thrill of outdoor adventure or a seasoned outdoors enthusiast who can’t wait to cover miles on your special day, there is truly no better place to hike during your elopement than the Pacific Northwest. The range of natural features, the breathtaking beauty, and the ability to access seclusion and serenity are just a few of the reasons why hiking on your elopement day may be one of the best decisions you make to celebrate your love.

If you have questions about the distance, location, or logistics of planning your hiking elopement, please feel free to reach out at any time! Together, we can find the ideal mileage, ensure you have all of the gear (and fun accessories!), and find the best hikes to enjoy on your elopement day in the Pacific Northwest. Happy Trails!