Matt & Rachel’s North Cascades Sunrise Hiking Elopement in Washington

Why is Heather Maple loop pass a great location for your North Cascades Hiking Elopement? This stunning North Cascades sunrise elopement really tells it all, but there is some planning involved! Let’s get in to it!

When Matt and Rachel reached out to me to shoot and help plan their North Cascades Sunrise Elopement, they were consistently brought back to this hike- one that they had done together a few years back and couldn’t stop thinking about.

Heather Maple Loop Pass is well known and for good reason. It’s nestled in a beautiful, relatively remote part of the Pacific Northwest, making it an incredible location for couples seeking a more intimate, nature-filled experience without the crowds. Here are some specific reasons why it’s ideal:

1. Incredible Scenic Views

The area boasts breathtaking panoramic views of mountains, forests, lakes and valleys. You will likely feel like you are on top of one of the highest peaks in the North Cascades without having to climb it! This hike circumnavigates Ann Lake and takes you along one of the most beautiful ridgelines.

2. Accessibility

While it’s somewhat off the beaten path, the trail or area around Heather Maple Loop Pass is accessible for most hikers, even those not looking for something too strenuous. You don’t need to be an expert hiker to access it, which is great if you want a little adventure without being too far from civilization.

3. Seclusion and Privacy

Elopements are all about intimacy, and the Heather Maple Loop Pass in the North Cascades offers just that. The more remote setting means fewer tourists or other hikers, giving you and your partner a peaceful and private space to exchange vows.

4. Seasonal Beauty

The location changes dramatically with the seasons. In the summer, it’s lush and vibrant, while in the fall, it’s rich with colors as the leaves change. This is an incredible hike to see larches! Even in the spring and winter, the landscape has a unique charm—whether it’s wildflowers in bloom or snow-capped peaks. For this particular North Cascades elopement in July, the wildflowers were booming.

5. Wildlife and Nature

If you’re into nature and wildlife, this spot is a wonderful place to be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the wilderness. You might spot animals like deer, birds, and maybe even mountain goats in the distance, adding a unique touch to the experience. Some people say if you spot a deer early in the morning that it’s good luck! These two had a deer pass by as they were getting ready and confirmed our good luck.

A few key details about eloping at Heather Maple Loop Pass in the North Cascades:

• Length: The loop is about 7.2 miles (11.5 km) long.
• Elevation Gain: Roughly 2,000 feet (610 meters) of elevation gain.
• Difficulty: It’s considered moderate to strenuous due to the elevation gain and some steeper sections, especially as you near the passes.
• Season: The trail is typically open mid-June to September, with snow often lingering on the higher parts of the trail in early summer.
• Highlights:
  • Heather Pass offers amazing views of the surrounding peaks, including Liberty Bell Mountain and the rugged terrain of the North Cascades.
  • Maple Pass provides equally stunning vistas and is known for its striking views of alpine lakes and distant snow-capped peaks.
  • The hike is especially known for wildflowers in the summer and the beautiful fall colors and larches around Maple Pass in September and October.
• Access: The trailhead for the Heather Maple Loop Pass is located at the Rainy Pass parking area, right along Highway 20, which is the scenic byway through the North Cascades National Park. From here, you can begin the hike up toward Heather Pass, then loop around to Maple Pass.
  • If you’re planning to elope here, be sure to check trail conditions in advance, as snow and weather can impact accessibility in the early season. For us there was still a little bit of snow coverage, but it was manageable. I had some time the day before to check out the conditions of the trail and we all felt much better knowing what to expect. It’s always a good idea to bring microspikes just to be safe in the snow.

Must Do’s for your Sunrise Elopement in the North Cascades

Have a picnic!

A picnic at the top of a mountain for your elopement is a simple yet amazing way to make the day feel truly extra special. It’s just the two of you, surrounded by stunning views and the quiet beauty of nature. Without the stress of a traditional wedding, you can enjoy the moment together, share a meal, and take in the scenery at your own pace. You have worked hard for that breakfast, so definitely be sure to grab your favorite breakfast items or find an awesome photographer who is willing to do all the shopping for you so you don’t have to worry about a thing! I love treating my couples and it’s really beautiful to sit back and watch couple’s take it all in!

Must Haves for your North Cascades Elopement

Special Use Permits for your Ceremony

To get a wedding ceremony permit for Heather Maple Loop Pass, you’ll likely need to go through the land management agency that oversees the area. The pass is part of the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). Here’s how you can go about getting the necessary permit:

1. Contact the U.S. Forest Service

• Call or Email: Start by reaching out to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest district office. They can give you specific details about the permitting process, requirements, and fees.
• Website: Check the official Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest website for contact information, details about permits, and any seasonal restrictions.

It’s good to get in touch with them early since permits can take time to process, and certain areas might have limited availability depending on the season or other factors like weather or fire restrictions. I help all my couple’s with this process, so no worries if this process seems complicated!

2. Permit Type

The U.S. Forest Service typically issues permits for weddings and other events under a Special Use Permit. This covers a range of activities, including ceremonies, events, or commercial activities in national forests. You will need to specify that it’s a wedding ceremony and provide details about the location and date.

3. Provide Necessary Details

Be ready to provide information like:

• Date and Time of your wedding ceremony.
• Number of Guests (this will influence whether you need a special permit for a larger group or if you need to comply with group size limits).
• Wedding Setup Details (for example, any decorations, chairs, or tents you plan to use—these are sometimes subject to additional rules to protect the environment).
• Location: Exact coordinates or a map of the ceremony location.

You may also need to clarify whether you’ll be hiring vendors (photographers, officiants, etc.) or having a completely DIY ceremony, as vendors often require their own permits.

4. Application and Fees

• You’ll need to fill out the application for a special use permit. This can usually be done online or via mail, depending on the Forest Service office.
• Fees: There may be a fee for the permit, and the amount will vary depending on factors like the size of the event and the specific location.

5. Plan for Leave No Trace

The U.S. Forest Service emphasizes Leave No Trace principles, so be prepared to show that your ceremony and any other activities (like photography or guest gatherings) will not disturb or damage the natural surroundings. This includes:

• Ensuring guests don’t leave trash behind.
• Using minimal decorations that won’t harm the area.
• Following any restrictions related to campfires or fires in general (especially in summer months when fire risk is high).

6. Follow Seasonal and Access Restrictions

Depending on the time of year, there might be seasonal access restrictions (due to snow, wildlife protection, or fire danger), so be sure to check these well in advance.

7. Vendor Permits (If Applicable)

If you plan to have vendors like florists, or caterers, they may need their own permits to operate on federal land. You can check with the Forest Service to see if this applies to your vendors and make sure they follow the correct procedures.

Other Must Have’s for your Washington elopement

A Washington Marriage License

Follow this link for step by step directions on how to obtain marriage license in Washington state. It is super easy and straight forward. However, if you’re coming from out of state or last minute, I would give the licensing office a call just to make sure you get everything ready and signed in time!

Make sure to find an officiant (hi, that’s me!) for your ceremony!

While I will be mainly focusing on taking photos throughout your beautiful day, I am also available to officiate wedding ceremonies in the state of Washington! If you truly want to elope alone, just you two, it is a really great option to hire a photographer who does both. There will likely be other hikers who can be your 2 witnesses and sign your marriage license. SO easy!

If you decide to have a friend or family member officiate, applying the Universal Life Church is a super quick process and they can be ordained in minutes!

Well, there you have it! Everything you need for your stunning North Cascades sunrise elopement at Heather Maple Loop Pass! While this is the most basic info you need in order to elope here, there is still so much more that goes in to planning an elopement. I’ve created an elopement guide for couple’s looking to elope in Washington for this reason alone! It is definitely a process, but it’s always good to remind yourselves that this is your day and it can look how ever you want it to!

In Conclusion:

• Heather Maple Loop Pass is in a remote part of the Pacific Northwest, making it an incredible location for couples seeking a more intimate, nature-filled experience without the crowds.
• The views here cannot be beat for how accessible the trail is.
• This trail is best from mid June-September
• It’s 7.2 miles round trip with 2000 feet of elevation gain
• You will need a special use permit to elope here
• Apply for your Washington marriage license ahead of time
• Find your officiant and other vendors
• Plan the most perfect day, just for you!

Ready to book your North Cascades Elopement?