Elopement Locations in North Cascades National Park Vs Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
There are two sides to the mountain range that make ideal elopement locations in the North Cascades. There’s the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest on the west side of the range, and the North Cascades National Park side on the east side. Each area is part of the same mountain range, just located on opposite sides of the park. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is on Wasthington State land while the North Cascades national park is on federal land, meaning permits and fee structures are different between the two parks. Keep this in mind as you plan your elopement and hiking locations in the Cascades.
To drive between the two sides of the range takes about 3 hours, so it’s only possible to do one side of the park during your elopement day. If you want to explore both sides (and it’s well worth it!) a multi-day elopement is best.
General Tips and Important Notices for Eloping the the Cascades
There is no cell service. Make sure you are prepared for this with offline maps, and letting people know where you intend to be going and when you plan to be back.
Be bear aware. Bears are common in the backcountry here, so take precautions to avoid encounters. Store and carry food in airtight containers, as well as things like deodorant, medicines and toothpaste. While hiking, bring a dog with you, and talk loudly. Noise will scare a bear away, and a surprised bear is a deadly bear.
You need a discover pass to park in the national forest (state land), but there is no fee or pass required to enter or park in the North Cascades National Park (federal land).
To read more about the fees and passes needed for different activities within the North Cascades National Park, click here.
NOTE: this is a popular area, so the further you hike, the more privacy you’ll have. The easiest to access locations and most popular hikes will be busy, so plan to get to trailheads early for parking.
Permits Needed to Elope in the North Cascades National Park
From the USDA Forest Service website:
“A recreation pass is required to use many trailheads, picnic areas, boat launches and interpretive sites on national forests throughout Oregon and Washington. Signs are posted at sites where recreation passes are required. The Discover Pass is required to park at Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resources lands and Department of Fish and Wildlife trailheads and "NOT" US Forest Service trailheads.”
– Source, USDA.gov
Basically, you’ll need permits for some hikes, locations and activities in the North Cascades National Park and Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. For hikes that begin on National Forest land, a discover pass is needed to park, even if you’re hiking into the National Park from there.
For a quick guide on how to choose the right recreational permit, go here.
Generally, you also need a special use permit for wedding and elopement photography in the parks. The form for commercial still photography in the North Cascades National Park can be found here.
When to elope in North Cascades
The best month to elope in the north cascades is late July-August. Enough snow has melted by these months to access Artist Point, the weather is beautiful and wildflowers are abundant. I would recommend eloping before mid September at the latest, as that is when weather starts to become unpredictable!
SEE MORE: Mt Rainier Couples Adventure Portraits
The 7 Best Elopement Locations in the North Cascades
When choosing your elopement location in the North Cascades or Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, consider each location and its accessibility. Some places require hiking, and depending on your level of fitness, may or may not make for a fun and stress free experience. Be honest about how much activity you want to do on your day, and realistic about how much ground you can gain within an 8 hour time frame.
Here are some of the best locations in the Cascades for an elopement ceremony:
Fire Look-outs
There are several fire look-outs that make for uniquely beautiful elopement locations. You can even camp in one for your elopement, or just use it during the day. Portraits and a picnic in the fire look-out anyone?
Washington Pass Overlook - Easy Accessibility
An easy walk from the parking lot with impressive views of the cascades. Great for people who want views but no hiking!
Picture Lake - Easy Accessibility
Gorgeous lake that requires no hiking to access. On calm days, the lake reflects the nearby peaks onto the water for a surreal panorama.
Bagley Lakes - Easy to Medium Accessibility
Views of two lakes and mountains. You can choose an easy access ceremony location by using the rocky area at the beginning of the trail, or hike down to the base of the lakes to be lower in the valley.
Artist Point - Medium Accessibility
This is the most popular view of the north cascades. While you can access jaw dropping views right from the parking lot, a short 1-2 mile hike will reward you with 360 degree views and mesmerizing natural reflection pools. To access the trailhead at Artist point, you will need a valid Recreation Pass.
Table Mountain - Difficult Accessibility, hiking required
A steep and rocky 3 mile loop hike. It will take you to a rocky mountain top with impressive views of Mt. Baker. There are no dogs allowed on this trail, however, so keep that in mind if you want them along for your elopement day.
Maple Pass - Difficult Accessibility, hiking required
Maple Pass is an all time favorite hike of mine in the national park section. This is a 7-8 mile loop but is stunning every step of the way. You gain quite a bit of elevation as well, and snow can hang around until mid July. A great hiking guide can be found here, so see for yourself if this hike suits your fitness levels!
TAKE THE QUIZ: What’s the Perfect Location for Your Adventure Elopement?
SUMMARY - Elopement Locations in the North Cascades
Overall, the North Cascades and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie parks are ideal locations for a classic Pacific Northwest mountain elopement. However, while selecting your elopement location in the North Cascades, be realistic about how much you want to hike, and take care that you have the right parking and recreation permits for the area.
If you are sure the North Cascades are your dream elopement location but aren’t sure where to start, send me an email. I help couples navigate the tricky location and permit planning for the area.
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The content on this blog was written and curated by Mariah Arianna, copywriter and content blogger for photographers