Fernando + Danielle’s adorable Olympic National Park proposal
Planning a good surprise proposal is a lot of work… but definitely worth it.
Fernando contacted me just a couple weeks before their trip from Texas to the PNW. Luckily, they were traveling in February— schedules are less packed and tourist traffic in National Parks is down.
At my first conversation with him, I could tell he is a warm, thoughtful person. The way he spoke about Danielle just made me smile and I was so excited to help him.
The last minute-ness of the event meant I had to squeeze in a lot of location scouting. That happened to be my favorite part of the job, so that was a-okay with me.
While we didn’t know exactly where to go for the proposal, we did know the Olympic National Park was going to be the setting. Olympic NP happens to be the country’s most diverse national park, and the different locations are widespread around the Olympic Peninsula.
There’s glaciated peaks at places like Hurricane Ridge. Plus a bonus species of endemic* marmot!
* ”Endemic” means that a species is found nowhere else in the world.
Towering sea stacks and beaches full of colorful rocks at Rialto and Ruby Beach.
Mosses so lush you’ll want to shove your face into it and live there forever (well, I did) in the Hoh Rainforest.
And we can’t forget the gorgeous, sprawling Crescent Lake, lined with layers of mountains that plunge into the water… because this is the place we chose for The Question.
Specifically, a unique spot along the shore known as the Devil’s Punchbowl. This part of the lakeshore is sheer rock, but with a small bay that they’ve built a footbridge across. You can look down into the blue blue waters of the punchbowl, and out to the gently snow-dusted peaks. (It was the middle of February.)
Planning a surprise proposal in a remote location
… is no small feat, to say the least. It takes specific, meticulous planning to make sure that the moment is captured.
Below are some considerations to make when planning—
Where and when, obviously– at the risk of sounding patronizing, this is the bare minimum for a plan…
Hike length & difficulty– knowing how long it actually takes to get to the proposal site from the trailhead is a huge factor in the “when and where” part of the plan. The difficulty should be considered as well, because people have different abilities, conditions change, etc.
For example, when Fernando and I were first deciding, we thought Marymere Falls would make a great spot. There was a natural spot to pause for a moment and view the falls, a perfect spot for a photographer to be and get the best angle, and it is not suspicious to find a person with a camera at a waterfall, so the surprise element is still intact.
When I went to scout it, however, the trail was basically a bobsled track. Completely coated in ice, folks were using the railings to hand-over-hand themselves down, while their feet just slid down the ice slide… it was hilarious to watch, but very difficult to manage. I made it to the falls, but ultimately decided it was too risky to plan the proposal there… what if it’s too difficult and someone decides they want to turn around? You wouldn’t to push them beyond their limits… that’s no way to start a marriage… haha!
Cell service– If it is a longer hike or a more difficult trail, cell service is helpful to keep track of each other. If there’s no service, however, it’s still possible to plan a surprise proposal.
My strategy is to send a TON of videos of the location with EXTREMELY specific instructions and directions. I have been known to send a crudely drawn map or two… Watching a ton of videos is trickier to manage for the person doing the proposing, as you must be discrete about it, unless you want to spoil the proposal.
If there’s a place to hide/stand inconspicuously– That’s more of MY problem then yours… But it’s something I like to communicate about because no one wants the surprise to be ruined.
Signals– It is pretty simple, but easy to overlook. Making sure to communicate about the type of body language to look for so that the photographer can be prepared will ensure that the moment isn’t missed.
The Surprise Proposal at Crescent Lake
After visiting Marymere Falls, Crescent Lake Lodge, Rialto Beach and attempting the Hoh Rainforest (but it was closed due to a washout, none of these spots seemed like they’d be the ticket… the top choice of those locations was Rialto Beach, but I had some concerns– finding each other might be tricky with no service, a large beach and enormous logs in enormous piles creating more visual barriers, and unpredictable weather (winter in the PNW just be like that…).
Texting frenzies ensued, and Fernando mentioned Devils Punchbowl. After googling it, we decided that was the right move. I woke up early the next day to scout the trail and after seeing it in person was SO EXCITED. It really was a perfect spot, and it was somewhere they’d been together before.
I went back to my car, grabbed my cameras and hit the trail to get into position. The best part of this spot was there’s a cozy little rock nook right around the corner where I could wait, with a gorgeous view.
While waiting, it rained a gentle rain, and I watched the ripples on the lake. Eagles soared by, and I had a merry time photographing the scenery.
When Fernando and Danielle arrived, I got giddy, and listened for my cue. I popped around the corner, pretending to be a surprised hiker for just a moment, and then Fernando dropped to his knee.
Danielle’s reaction did not disappoint.
Watching people fall more deeply in love and make a commitment to one another in such a beautiful setting is something I’ll never ever get sick of.
On our way back, we visited several lovely spots for cute engagement photos. The lake shore and the forest are both perfect snap shots of what the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Pacific Northwest Engagement Photographer
If you’re looking to propose in the PNW, or just arrange a more adventurous engagement shoot, I’d be honored to be considered to capture it.
No matter where you’re headed—crunching through pine needles in the Cascades, chasing waterfalls in the Gorge, or catching salty breezes on the Coast—I’m here to help you craft a day that’s meaningful, beautiful, and totally you.
Before I started my business leading folks on adventure engagements and elopements in the PNW, I was leading folks through the wilderness as an outdoor educator and guide. I absolutely love connecting folks with nature on a deep level, and I am honored to continue that work in conjunction with people’s epic love stories.
From scouting locations and building a custom timeline to helping navigate permits and logistics, I’ve got your back every step of the way.
Get in touch here to get started.
