Top 10 Washington Adventure Engagement Session Locations
I have been so lucky to have lived my whole life in this beautiful place. As a kid, we lived on a 5 acre protected wetland, chasing frogs and building treehouses. One of the first family vacations we went on was to the Olympic National Rainforest, and I fell in love with the giant old-growth trees and their mossy beards. As I grew up, gazing at the Cascades to my right and the Olympic mountains to my left, I always felt safe in the misty wonderland I call home.
Washington has blessed my adult life too. I now get to run around, photographing couples madly in love, in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here are some of my favorite spots to adventure with my amazing clients:
North Cascades National Park:
Sweeping views of the Skagit river, this place is beautiful - when you can get to it. It’s often socked in half the year, but when you make it up there - wowee! One thing I love about North Cascades is its perfect for those who want to full Washington experience, without the arduous hike.
2. Olympic National Park
Cue my Stefon voice - this park has EVERYTHING. Lakes. Waterfalls. Rivers. Forests. An old man under a bridge that asks you a riddle (just kidding). This particular photo comes from a hike that is also not super strenuous; it’s about two miles round trip. Its a low-impact location with high-impact results.
3. Washington Coast
I feel like for all the love the Oregon coast gets, the Washington coast deserves just as much. Okay so there’s a 90% chance you get rained on (like we did at this session), but its WORTH IT! Look at that golden sunset! The rock formations! My little geology-loving heart leaps at the metamorphic magic. If I was a mermaid, you’d definitely find me here.
4. Rattlesnake Lake/Rattlesnake Ledge
This place gets so much love from photographers and hikers that it’s been nicknamed “instagram ledge”. I avoid this place like the plague on a busy weekend, but midweek, it can be all ours. It features these groovy little stumps, a half sunken tree, and some amazing views of the Cascade mountains. The hike is about four miles round trip, so come prepared!
5. Snoqualmie Falls
One of Washington’s absolute finest. This big boy was REALLY flowing the day this photo was taken - the river was closed for a flood watch the next day. Another shortie hike, but one with literally inches of pure mud for over a mile. DO NOT show up to this hike without hiking boots or climbing shoes. I can’t emphasize the mud situation more. This location is perfect for a day-after session for couples who get married at Salish Lodge - you can see it peeking at the top of the cliff! Even if you’re not getting married, a little massage at the Salish spa after the hike wouldn’t hurt :)
6. Olympic Peninsula
Another place with cool big old stumps. These are in the bottom of a dry lakebed, with rolling hills full of giant trees all around. During the session below, we experienced sun, rain, hail, and snow, all within an hour. The weather can change so fast up there! It seems to me like the light in this area is always a little eerie and mysterious in the most romantic way.
7. Mount Baker Wilderness
Views. For. Days. Views for years?? The Mount Baker Wilderness has views for a lifetime. This place features what some photographers fondly call “alpenglow” - that last little golden light that tinges the tips of the mountains right before sunset. This place is gorgeous and COLD! But its perfect for hikers of all levels - you can shoot right from the parking lot, or take yourself on up to an 8 mile hike toward some stunning alpine lakes. Its also a perfect place to elope if you’re looking for some very dramatic scenery.
8. Mount Rainier National Park
If you live anywhere other than Puyallup or Orting, this one can be a bit of a challenge to drive to, but man oh man is it worth it. Glorious views of the mountain and forests, sprinkled with wildflowers, or sometimes snow! If you want the quintessential Washington destination photography, this is the place for you.
9. Franklin Falls
In the spring and summer, Franklin Falls is at the end of a quaint two mile hike through a magical forest. In the winter, there’s an 8 mile hike from the milepost through the ice - so bring your micro spikes! In warm weather, you can get a sunny, golden day like the one below, but in winter, it’s full white-witch-Narnia, which is even more dramatic. It almost looks like Iceland! This hike can be another busy one, so mid-week is best to avoid the crowds.
10. Gold Creek Pond Trail
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, this hike is absolutely stunning. Its another shortie, less than two miles to the pond. It can still be a challenge in winter, and I always tell my couples to be prepared to fall in a snow hole. If you have snow shoes, all the better! This pond is cradled in the peaks of the mid-Cascade range, with gorgeous views in every direction. The parking lot is a battle, and you do need a Northwest Forest pass, so come prepared, because it’s so worth it! Look at these happy campers frolicking! I actually got a terrible sunburn this day because of the snow reflecting back. But I wouldn’t change it, because the photos from Gold Creek Pond are always worth it :)
Do you have a favorite hike in Washington that would be perfect for a photo session? Comment below so we can compare notes!