Lake Valhalla Elopement
Lake Valhalla, tucked away in Washington's Cascade Mountains and nestled in the vast Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, is like a secret spot for couples wanting to elope. Surrounded by tall pines and crystal-clear waters that reflect the sky, it's the perfect place for love stories to unfold. It feels like Mother Nature went all out to make a cozy, romantic spot here, with birds singing for the couple and leaves rustling as if they're clapping for them. Now, let's jump right into Lexi & Ernest's elopement at Lake Valhalla.
The couple that hiked to Lake Valhalla to get married
Lexi and Ernest's wedding day kicked off in their charming Airbnb tucked amidst the mossy forest, signaling the start of an enchanting journey. With the scent of breakfast wafting through the air, they dove into a culinary escapade together, whipping up a hearty meal to energize them for the day ahead. Amidst bites of French toast, they reminisce fondly, spinning tales of their journey as a couple.
As the morning unfolded, it was time to slip into their wedding attire, and with mutual support and affection, Lexi and Ernest helped each other into their special attire. With Ernest eagerly holding the dress bag, Lexi revealed her whimsical gown, a true reflection of her daring spirit. With Ernest's gentle aid, she adorned herself in the dress, ready to set off on their epic escapade.
The scenic drive to the hiking trail marked the beginning of their grand journey, each mile building anticipation for the experiences awaiting them. Upon arrival, they joyfully signed the trail logbook, officially kicking off their wilderness exploration. Undeterred by the rugged terrain, Lexi fearlessly trekked the trail in her wedding dress, embodying the thrill of discovery and romance.
As the sun bathed the forest in a golden glow, they reached their destination: the serene shores of the lake, a tranquil oasis amidst nature's embrace. With a breathtaking backdrop, they savored a leisurely picnic, soaking in moments of intimacy amidst the wild.
With a quick change into her second wedding dress, Lexi exudes elegance as they move into the next phase of their journey. A stunning first look by the shimmering lake set the stage for a ceremony infused with love and stunning vistas.
Yet, nature had a surprise in store as they ascended to the mountaintop for their sunset ceremony—thousands of mosquitoes joined the party, eager for a taste of the festivities. Despite the amusing interruption, Lexi and Ernest exchanged vows amid laughter, crafting memories to cherish for a lifetime.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, they bid adieu to mosquito paradise and began their descent, guided by the soft moonlight. With hearts brimming with love and excitement, they set off on the journey back, illuminated by the promise of shared experiences under the starlit sky.
Hiking Lake Valhalla
Lake Valhalla Trail is a 6.3-mile hike near Leavenworth, Washington. The hike starts out with numerous switchbacks into the forest, but after a few miles, it opens up to reveal some of the surrounding mountains. Just 0.5 miles before reaching your destination, you’ll need to hike down to reach Lake Valhalla.
If you're up for additional elevation gain, you can also venture to Mount McCausland, as Lexi and Ernest did on their wedding day. After visiting the lake, they backtracked around 0.5 miles to find a hidden passage to Mount McCausland. There aren't many trail signs, so ensure you have downloaded maps, as locating the trailhead for Mount McCausland can be quite challenging. It will add an extra mile to your hike and it will be all elevation gain.
Places to stay near Lake Valhalla
Skykomish and Leavenworth are the closest towns near the Lake Valhalla hike and offer plenty of fun things to do and see. On top of that, both areas offer stunning Airbnb options for your elopement.
Best places to stay near Leavenworth
Scandinavian Escape Brick Treehouse Suite
Best places to stay in Skykomish
Best time of year to plan an hiking elopement in Washington State
Washington State boasts stunning natural beauty throughout the year, but accessing its high-elevation trails can be challenging until early July due to lingering snow. However, once summer arrives, the landscape transforms into a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and couples seeking memorable elopements.
The months of July, August, and September mark the peak of activity for elopements in Washington State. During this period, the snow has melted, opening up a plethora of hiking trails and picturesque locations for intimate ceremonies. The weather during these months is typically more favorable compared to the variable conditions of spring, fall, or winter.
Not afraid of a bit of rain and Washington's famous moodiness? Spring and mid-fall still offer beautiful mid-to-high elevation hikes with fewer crowds.
Interested in learning more about how to elope in Washington? We've crafted a helpful guide to assist you in planning your elopement in this evergreen state.
Are you also thinking about planning a more challenging hiking elopement? Reach out to learn more about the logistics of hiking elopements.