Springtime Hoh Rainforest Elopement

A misty morning hiking elopement through the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park

Marissa & Josh flew all the way from Oklahoma for their Hoh Rainforest hiking elopement. They were planning a wedding for November of 2023, but fate had another plan for them — an addition to their family! So, they decided to put Marissa’s beautiful wedding dress to use and have an adventure in one of the most magical places in Olympic National Park: the Hoh Rainforest.

A serene & intimate rainforest elopement in Washington

When Marissa & Josh were picking their elopement location, they knew they wanted someplace picturesque and earthy, with lots of greenery for the two of them to explore. They love nature and the outdoors, and wanted something forested with a magical vibe. Josh had been to Washington and loved it, and Marissa had always wanted to go — so of course a Hoh Rainforest elopement was the perfect choice for their adventurous celebration!

Hiking Through the Hall of Mosses

Marissa & Josh took their time exploring the mossy groves of hemlocks and big leaf maples, marveling at the vibrant greenery, and enjoying the still of the May morning. They found the perfect place to exchange their vows: in front of the remains of a nurse log, providing life and stability to other beautiful trees growing from it.

After sharing this magical moment, they celebrated by dancing among the mossy trees and enjoying the rest of their time among the morning dew-covered leaves. Near the end of their adventure, the rain started to pick up, so we made the most of it and pulled out the clear umbrellas!

Best Trails for Your Hoh Rainforest Elopement

Hall of Mosses – 0.8 miles round-trip, 100′ elevation gain
This short loop through the area closest to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center is a great introduction to the area. It’s also an easily accessible trail for guests of varying ability levels! This is one of the most popular trails in the area, so it’s best to plan your visit closer to sunrise or sunset.

Spruce Nature Trail – 1.2 miles round-trip, 230′ elevation gain
Another easy loop through the forest near the Visitor Center, this trail has tons of variety and gives you a peek at the Hoh River through the mossy trees. Pair this with the Hall of Mosses to extend your adventure!

Hoh River Trail – Choose Your Own Adventure!
Escape the crowds by following the Hoh River Trail away from the main area and onto an otherworldly adventure. This is an out & back trail with many suitable turnaround spots, so you can hike as little or as much as you’d like! Make it all the way to Five Mile Island at 10.6 miles round-trip for the chance to glimpse a majestic Roosevelt Elk. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, turn it into a multi-day trip and climb all the way up to Blue Glacier at 37 miles round-trip to get up close and personal with the icy blue flanks of Mount Olympus.

What to Know about Planning a Hoh Rainforest Elopement

The Hoh Rainforest (pronounced “hoe”, like the gardening tool!) is one of the most popular destinations in Olympic National Park. Consider visiting in the off-season or shoulder season, at sunrise or sunset, to maximize your chances of having privacy in this area. The busiest time of year at this location is typically June-October.

If the total group size at your elopement is 5 or less people (including yourselves and any vendors), then congrats — no permit is needed to elope in the park! If you have more than 5 people total, you’ll need to apply for a special use permit with Olympic National Park. The application fee is $50, and must be submitted no later than 4 weeks before your elopement date (although I recommend applying much sooner!). This information is current as of March 2024, but it’s always best to double check the current policies regarding permits with the park directly to ensure your information is up-to-date.

Curious about even more Olympic National Park elopement locations? Check out my blog of the top elopement locations in Washington by vibe, where the Olympic Peninsula is featured heavily!