Hurricane Ridge Engagement Photos

Hurricane Ridge Engagement Photos: Capturing Love in Olympic National Park

If you’re dreaming of engagement photos that capture your love against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty, look no further than Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. This iconic location offers some of the most dramatic mountain views in the Pacific Northwest, making it a perfect choice for couples who want stunning, adventurous photos that truly reflect their relationship. I recently had the privilege of photographing one of my 2025 wedding couples at Hurricane Ridge, and I’m excited to share why this spot is one of the best places for engagement photos!

T & K

Tierra and Kevin are actually one of my 2025 wedding couples so we immediately started talking about engagement photos once they booked! They’re both local to the area and were so torn on whether or not to do photos here or at Lake Crescent. We ultimately decided on this spot because it’s such an unbeatable beauty and they have views of Mt Rainier at their wedding venue so why not have the Olympics in their engagement photos?! We spent the afternoon walking around on the trails close to the parking lot, chatting about wedding planning, what they like to do for fun, reality tv shows (I’m a Bravo girlie and so is T!) and just getting to know each other. It was an afternoon of laughing, taking in the crazy beauty of Hurricane Ridge, and I walked away feeling like I’d just made two new friends.

Why Choose Hurricane Ridge for Engagement Photos?

Olympic National Park is full of awe-inspiring locations, but Hurricane Ridge stands out as one of the most accessible and visually striking spots for Hurricane Ridge engagement photos. Situated at an elevation of over 5,200 feet, the ridge offers sweeping panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, lush valleys, and distant coastlines. Whether you’re planning an engagement session in summer or winter, the location offers something magical year-round.

In the summer, wildflowers burst into bloom, adding vibrant colors to your photos. In winter, the snow-dusted peaks and frosty landscapes create a serene, almost mystical atmosphere. No matter the season, Hurricane Ridge engagement photos will feel timeless, with the beauty of Olympic National Park as the perfect backdrop.

A Day of Magic

When I first arrived at Hurricane Ridge with my clients, the views were nothing short of spectacular. Every curve on my way up I was going “WOW WOW WOW”! The mountains stretched out in every direction, and the crisp air was filled with the scent of pine and earth. The couple is local to the area but hadn’t been there in years, and as a photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect environment to capture their love.

The day was filled with golden hour light, which made for soft, glowing images. As we explored different vantage points on the ridge, we captured a mix of wide-angle shots with the couple surrounded by the sweeping views, as well as close-up, intimate moments that showed the depth of their connection. The natural beauty of the area, combined with their genuine emotions, made for a truly memorable session. Hurricane Ridge engagement photos are perfect for couples who want a balance of adventure and romance in their engagement portraits. There is a hike for those wanting to go a little off the beaten path for views of the Olympics without cars in the foreground, or staying near the parking lot where the visitor center once stood still provides ample opportunities for photos! I’m down to get as adventurous as you to make your dream session come to life!

Why You Need Hurricane Ridge Engagement Photos:

Hurricane Ridge offers several advantages that make it a top choice for engagement sessions:

1. Accessible Yet Remote: While Hurricane Ridge is easily reachable by car (the road is open year-round, though conditions may vary in winter so make sure to check the NPS website to confirm!), it still feels remote and untouched. This makes it an ideal spot for couples who want stunning engagement photos without having to hike too much! This is a popular location so going for golden hour times (near sunrise or sunset) is a good way to avoid crowds!
2. Breathtaking Views: The panoramic vistas of the Olympic Mountains, valleys, and even the Strait of Juan de Fuca provide an incredibly dramatic and beautiful setting for Hurricane Ridge engagement photos. The combination of rugged peaks and sweeping meadows adds depth to your photos, making them stand out. This webcam will show you what it currently looks like up there!
3. Diverse Landscapes: Whether you’re drawn to the alpine meadows or want the more rugged mountain scenes, Hurricane Ridge has a variety of landscapes that allow for a range of styles in your photos. From wide shots to intimate close-ups, the location provides countless opportunities for unique and stunning compositions. If you’re open to staying later in the evening, we can even incorporate the stars!
4. Wildlife: If you’re lucky, you may even encounter some wildlife during your Hurricane Ridge engagement photos. From deer grazing in the meadows to birds soaring above the ridgelines, these animals add a layer of charm and authenticity to your shoot, truly capturing the spirit of Olympic National Park. We saw marmots and deer galore during this session! The couple also saw a mama bear with two cubs on their drive up to the parking lot! Always follow Leave No Trace principles and don’t feed wildlife or try to pet the deer, this severely harms them and often leads to accidents!

Final Thoughts: An Engagement to Remember at Hurricane Ridge

A Hurricane Ridge engagement photo session is more than just about the pictures—it’s a total experience. The time spent surrounded by the natural beauty of Olympic National Park will create lasting memories that go beyond your photos. Whether you’re hiking the trails or simply soaking in the view, every moment will be a part of your love story that I just so happen to capture for you to remember.

If you’re looking for an engagement session that’s both adventurous and intimate, Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park offers the perfect setting. It’s a place where nature, love, and photography come together to create something truly unforgettable! And if you’re up for making something super unique, then consider staying after sunset for crazy cool star photos!

Ready to start planning your Hurricane Ridge engagement photos? Then let’s connect and start planning your dream session in one of the most beautiful locations in the Pacific Northwest! If you want some other Olympic National Park inspiration, then check out this wedding at Lake Quinault Lodge! Or if you’re interested in eloping, learn how to do so in some of my favorite National Parks!