The Best Mt. Hood, Oregon Elopement Locations

 

 

 

If you’re considering eloping in Oregon, the Mt. Hood Wilderness offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. From cascading waterfalls to soaring mountain peaks, this region is an ideal location for an intimate and unforgettable adventure elopement. 

 

As the highest mountain peak in Oregon, Mt. Hood stands an impressive 12,000 feet tall and is recognized as one of the state’s seven wonders. With colorful fields of wildflowers in the summer and snow-covered mountains in the winter, you really can’t go wrong eloping in Mt. Hood no matter what the season.

 

One of the best reasons for eloping in Mt. Hood though—aside from its beauty? It’s just under a two hour drive from Portland, making it super accessible, whether you’re coming from in or out of state.

 

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite elopement and small wedding locations in Mt. Hood, Oregon, plus some tips on the best time to elope!

 

The Best Places to Elope in Mt. Hood, Oregon

Trillium Lake

Located at the base of Mt. Hood, this stunning alpine lake offers a picture-perfect setting for a romantic elopement. Its crystal-clear waters and stunning views of the mountain are hard to beat. The area has several scenic spots for the ceremony, including the lake shore, the dock, or the trails around the lake.

 

Tamanawas Falls

This stunning waterfall is situated on the east side of Mt. Hood in a lush forest. The gushing waterfall cascades over a lava cliff onto the moss-covered rocks below, making for a beautiful and romantic elopement spot. Getting there requires a three-mile round trip hike past babbling creeks and old growth forests.

 

Lolo Pass

Lolo Pass is located in Mt. Hood National Forest, about 50 miles east of Portland, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and streams. The scenery in Lolo Pass is breathtaking, with incredible mountain vistas including amazing views of Mt. Hood. Hiking Lolo Pass requires a moderate 6.7 mile round trip hike. One bonus, dogs are welcome on the trail!

 

Lost Lake

Lost Lake is a serene alpine lake located in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Sitting at the foot of Mt. Hood, the lake offers stunning views of the mountain peak and is surrounded by pristine wilderness. The area has several beautiful spots for an elopement ceremony, including the lake shore, the picnic area, or the nearby meadow. To get there, you’ll take a three-mile round trip hike through dense forest and wetlands.

 

Silcox Hut

Sitting on the edge of Mt. Hood at 7,000 feet lies a little rustic bunkhouse. Situated above the treeline, Silcox Hut boasts unbeatable panoramic views of Mt. Hood and the surrounding forest. In the winter, the hut is surrounded by a blanket of snow and only accessible via a snowcat or chairlift. You can even stay overnight!

 

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is another stunning alpine lake located in Mt. Hood National Forest. The lake gets its name from the reflection of Mt. Hood that can be seen in its crystal-clear waters. Mirror Lake is a popular hiking destination, but it also provides a stunning location for an elopement ceremony. The lakeshore, the rocky outcroppings, and the nearby meadows all offer breathtaking backdrops for your special day. Getting there requires a moderate four-mile hike to the top of a small mountain.

 

Timberline Lodge

Located on the south slope of Mt. Hood, Timberline Lodge is a historic mountain resort offering a variety of stunning indoor and outdoor locations for your elopement ceremony. Whether you choose to exchange vows in front of the stone fireplace in the main lobby or on the outdoor terrace overlooking the mountain, Timberline Lodge provides a truly magical setting for your special day.

 

Little ZigZag Falls

Little Zigzag Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Mt. Hood National Forest. This secluded spot offers a peaceful and serene setting for an intimate elopement ceremony. The waterfall creates a beautiful backdrop, and the surrounding forest provides a natural and peaceful atmosphere.

 

Tilly Jane A-Frame

Driving up to Tilly Jane is an adventure in itself! It’s a long winding, gravel road taking you through lush forest and opening up towards the top with incredible views of Mt. Hood. There are two ways to get to the Tilly Jane cabin. You can drive through the Columbia River Gorge scenic area and enjoy the river and endless waterfalls and take a pit stop in Hood River. Or you can head around the southern side of the mountain driving thought Mt. Hood Village and Government Camp. It’s kinda hard to choose between both, so if you have time I recommend creating a road trip to experience the entire circle!

 

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Mt. Hood

Spring

Spring is a great time to elope in Mt. Hood as the weather begins to warm up and hiking trails start to open up for the season. At higher elevations, you can still enjoy the last snow before it melts. The weather can still be unpredictable, with snow, rain, and occasional sunny days.

 

Summer

Summer is the most popular time to visit Mt. Hood, as the weather is generally sunny and warm. In July and August, daytime temperatures reach the low 80s. This is the best time to hike, mountain bike, fish, and explore the many lakes and rivers in the area. Wildflowers are also in bloom during this time, making for beautiful scenery. However, popular trails and attractions can be crowded.

 

Fall

Fall is a great time to elope in Mt. Hood if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. The autumn colors offer a stunning display of vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves. Some facilities may close for the season, and the weather can be unpredictable at times with rain and sometimes even snow.

 

Winter

If you love snow and don’t mind the colder weather, winter is the perfect time to elope in Mt. Hood. This snowy, winter wonderland is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. However, the weather can occasionally cause roads to close due to snow and ice.

 

Getting to Mt. Hood, Oregon

If you’re not local, the best way to get to Mt. Hood is to fly into Portland International Airport (PDX). From there, it’s only an hour and a half drive to Mt. Hood. On your way, you can drive the Mount Hood Scenic Byway, an incredible drive that takes you around the outskirts of the mountain.

 

 

Book Your Mt. Hood Oregon Elopement Photographer

Mt. Hood Wilderness offers some of the most picturesque and unforgettable elopement locations in Oregon. Whether you choose a tranquil alpine lake, a historic mountain lodge, or a scenic waterfall, Mt. Hood is the perfect destination for your intimate elopement or small wedding ceremony.

 

If you’re ready to escape to the Oregon wilderness to elope but still searching for the perfect elopement adventure buddy and photographer, I’d love to hear from you! Contact me! I’d be happy to photograph your Mt. Hood elopement and help you in any way I can!

 

Looking for more planning tips for your Mt. Hood elopement? Check out my post on how to get married in Mt. Hood, Oregon.