The 10 Best Places To Elope on Mt Hood, Oregon
Fair warning, if you don’t already live in Oregon, this post will make you want to drop everything and move like yesterday! I traded city life for cabin living in 2020 in search of a quieter life in Welches, Oregon and found it at the foot of Mt Hood. While 2020 had its ups and downs, I was lucky enough to get to know the mountain and share it with my couples! Whether they were eloping because Covid changed their plans, or because they always wanted an adventurous day, Oregon has countless opportunities for all outdoor lovers! Now I get to share my favorite spots with you as a mountain resident native! Keep reading to learn all about the 10 Best Places to Elope on Mt Hood!
NO. 1
Zig Zag Canyon
This one requires some hiking, but dang these sunrise views are worth it! If you don’t mind getting a little dirty you will be rewarded with epic mountain views on Mt. Hood’s alpine south side. Stark grey canyon walls iced with white snow makes a gorgeous backdrop for couples who prefer slightly less green views during the winter with all the glory of the mountaintops! Also, there are a TON of wildflowers here in the summer!
NO. 2
Tamanawas Falls
Literally over the river and through the woods this short out and back hike pays off, making it one of the best places to elope on Mt. Hood! Tamanawas Falls spills over a 110-foot lava cliff near the eastern base of Mt. Hood creating a stunning cascade! Surrounded by Spruce, Cedar and Fir, Oregon’s gorgeous views are on full display leading to moss covered rocks and misty goodness. To note - snow and ice are common early in the fall. The best time to elope here is late summer!
NO. 3
White River West Sno Park
With some of the most accessible and scenic views of Mt. Hood, White River West Sno Park packs the back-country beauty! This rocky riverbed becomes a popular snowshoeing field in the winter with no shortage of picture perfect scenery and STUNNING sunsets. Like, some of the best I’ve ever seen. Whether covered in snow or surrounded by evergreens - this spot is spot on, and perfect if you’re looking for woodsy places to elope on Mt Hood!
NO. 4
The Old Salmon River Trail
Dreaming of forest magic for your elopement? I have the perfect location for you! Tall moss covered branches, fields of ferns, and light pouring through the treetops makes this trail as magical as it sounds! Old Salmon River Trail is fairly flat and easily accessible in the Mount Hood National Forest. It stays largely below the snow line at a lower elevation making it an easy trip in the summer or winter, and one of the best places to elope on Mt Hood. Fun fact: the trail is within walking distance from my house which makes it a personal favorite!
NO. 5
Bald Mountain
Starting at Top Spurr in an old growth forest before joining the Pacific Crest Trail, Bald Mountain delivered the most rewarding views I’ve ever experienced! It’s a lightly trafficked trail and provides mountain top privacy with awe inspiring views of Mt. Hood! The path is quite narrow, so you’ll want to go at sunrise to make sure you have the trail to yourself. Passing through crazy tall trees and lush greenery, the summit opens up wide for a majestic backdrop. Can you imagine saying “I Do” surrounded by views like these? I mean, pure magic.
NO. 6
Paradise Park Trail
Summer is paradise on the Paradise Park Trail! The trail starts at Timberline Lodge, and we’ll wander through some of the most expansive and picturesque areas on Mt. Hood. Surrounded by colorful wildflowers, Cedars, Firs, and gorgeous light, this location is beyond stunning! Definitely one of the best places to elope on Mt Hood. June and July is the ideal time to elope here if you’re hoping for lots of blooming wildflowers!
NO. 7
Trillium Lake
Incredible waterfront views of Mt. Hood with a mirror-like surface - what more could you ask for? With emerald green forest lining the shores, Trillium Lake is an Oregon icon and one of the most popular spots for summer! You can drive right to the lake in the warmer months, but you’ll have a two mile hike, snowshoe or cross country ski in the fall through early spring to reach this jaw dropping backdrop. Many people enjoy swimming here in the summer, so if you’re aiming for a private and more intimate ceremony the lake is best at sunrise when it’s not crowded!
NO. 8
Highway 26
Yes, even the highways provide captivating views in the foothills of Mt. Hood! I love bringing my couples here for portraits because literally the side of the road is beautiful and you can practically pull over anywhere! Concrete barriers and winding roads are a fun contrast to the lush and moody woods of the Oregon forests.
NO. 9
Trillium Lake Trail, but winter!
Trillium Lake is so truly epic, it deserved two spots on the list! Remember when I mentioned the two mile trek down to the lake in the winter? It’s totally worth it. In our snowy months you’ll be treated to magical snow that coats the evergreen branches of sky high trees! It’s a winter wonderland with mountain views! You’ll definitely want to have snow shoes, which you can rent at Next Adventure in Sandy or Portland on your way up.
NO. 10
Mirror Lake
A little adventure crossing creeks and a forest of trees leads to those picture perfect lake views! Easily accessible with serene lakeside mountain views rising up above the water, this beautiful trail is super popular - and for a good reason! It's a perfect mix of dense woods and open spaces. The lake is extra crowded on weekends and in peak season so aim for weekdays for a little more peaceful privacy.
Ready to plan your elopement and needing a photographer to capture it all? Reach out, I’d love to hear from you!
