If you’re planning a proposal in Olympic National Park, first of all, excellent choice! You truly cannot go wrong here.

From alpine ridgelines to moss-covered forests to wild, rugged beaches, Olympic National Park offers some of the most romantic backdrops in the Pacific Northwest. As a local photographer who hikes and explores this region year-round, I’ve photographed proposals in just about every corner of the park, and these five locations consistently rise to the top.

Whether you want epic views, quiet forest intimacy, or dramatic coastal energy, here are my favorite places to pop the question.

1. Lake Crescent

If you’re dreaming of calm, romantic, cinematic vibes, Lake Crescent is it.

The water is this unreal turquoise blue, especially in summer and early fall. The surrounding peaks reflect off the lake at sunrise, and there are quiet shoreline pull-offs, hidden beaches, and docks that feel incredibly intimate.

Why it’s perfect for a proposal:

• Easy access (great if you want to keep things simple)
• Incredible sunrise light
• Quiet corners away from crowds
• Works year-round

It’s ideal if you want something peaceful, emotional, and deeply connected without needing a long hike.

2. Hurricane Ridge

If you want jaw-dropping, “how is this real?” mountain views, Hurricane Ridge delivers.

On clear days, you get sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains stretching endlessly behind you. In summer, wildflowers bloom across the hillsides. In winter, it turns into a snow-dusted wonderland.

Why it’s perfect:

• Epic panoramic mountain views
• Short hikes to scenic overlooks
• Accessible but still adventurous
• Incredible at golden hour

This is for couples who love big views and that high-elevation, wind-in-your-hair kind of moment.

3. Ruby & Rialto Beaches

Moody. Dramatic. Unforgettable.

Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach embody some of the most iconic coastal locations in Olympic National Park with sea stacks rising out of the ocean, driftwood scattered across the shore, and waves crashing in the background.

Why it’s perfect:

• Iconic Pacific Northwest coastline
• Incredible sunset colors
• Dramatic, cinematic atmosphere
• Feels adventurous and wild

This is for couples who love the ocean, want something bold and romantic, and don’t mind a little wind in their hair.

4. Salt Creek Recreation Area

Salt Creek is a local favorite and one of the most underrated proposal spots near Port Angeles.

With rugged cliffs, tide pools, dramatic rock formations, and views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Canada, it offers variety and texture you won’t find everywhere else.

Why it’s perfect:

• Gorgeous sunsets
• Fewer crowds than some national park hotspots
• Easy access with dramatic scenery
• Tide pools + cliffs + beach all in one

If you want something coastal but a little more off-the-beaten-path, Salt Creek is such a good choice.

5. The Forest of Olympic National Park

(Hoh Rain Forest • Sol Duc • Elwha River • Lake Crescent forests)

There is something deeply intimate about proposing in the forest.

Moss-covered trees, filtered light, ferns underfoot, the sound of a river nearby – it feels sacred and grounding. The Hoh Rain Forest is iconic and lush. Sol Duc offers waterfalls and quiet trails. The Elwha River has beautiful forested paths and river views.

Why it’s perfect:

• Private and quiet
• Feels intimate and emotional
• Beautiful in all seasons
• Perfect for couples who love hiking

If your relationship is rooted in adventure, growth, and shared time outdoors, a forest proposal feels incredibly meaningful.

How to Choose the Right Spot

The “best” location depends on:

• Your partner’s personality (big views or quiet forest?)
• Time of year
• Accessibility needs
• Crowd tolerance
• Sunrise vs sunset preference

One of the biggest benefits of working with a local photographer is knowing when and where to go, like which pull-offs are empty at sunrise, which beaches are best at low tide, which forest trails feel private even in peak season.

Olympic National Park truly is for everyone. Whether you want a short walk to an epic viewpoint or a longer hike into something more secluded, I help couples create proposal experiences that feel natural, intentional, and completely personal.

Planning your Olympic National Park Proposal

If you’re planning to propose in Olympic National Park, I’d love to help you:

• Choose the perfect location
• Plan timing around light + crowds
• Coordinate logistics quietly
• Capture the moment candidly
• Celebrate afterward with portraits you’ll treasure forever

Proposals only happen once and they deserve to feel effortless, meaningful, and unforgettable.

If you’re ready to start planning, reach out here and tell me what you’re envisioning. You can find more information on engagement and proposal service HERE. I can’t wait to hear your story.