Paige Kleckner Paige Kleckner

Lake Angeles Trail

Spur of the moment hike up the Lake Angeles trail in Olympic National Park

brown Lake Angeles Trailhead sign in front of green moss covered trees
Moss covered tree roots on the Lake Angeles trail in Olympic National Park
Orange @Hikefootwear hiking shoes stepping over moss covered logs

Sometimes you head out with a specific intentions. Take today for example, I had plans to get 30 minutes of leisure walking on my typical hiking trail on Hurricane Ridge. It recently snowed on the mountain, the road to Hurricane Hill was closed. On a whim we decided to swing into the Lake Angeles trailhead since we had to flip around at the ranger station anyway. Quite the uphill incline, it will get your heart rate pumping for sure. Not undoable. Just 15 minutes to a pretty cool boulder to serve as a rest stop or photo op, although this is a semi narrow trail, the entire way up is picturesque enough for a snap or two at any point you want. Especially the first little stream crossing. Moss covered logs and babbling water shallow enough to tip toe through (depending on the time of year and rainfall.)

Moss covered trMoss covered logs over a stream on the Lake Angeles trail in Olympic National Park
Man in a blue jacket crossing a stream in Olympic National Park

Pushing through those inclines are 10/10 worth it. The magic of these trees will envelope you in a soft mossy hug. A little chilly and damp after a rainfall makes the air crisp to breath at this altitude, but the air is so pure it only invigorates you.

a row of white mushrooms in front of mossy trees
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How To Elope in Olympic National Park, Eloping Paige Kleckner How To Elope in Olympic National Park, Eloping Paige Kleckner

10 WAYS TO APPROACH ELOPING

Theres no one right way to eloping. Rules are, there are no rules. Don’t take it from me, I’ve compiled quotes from real couples that have eloped. Everyone has their own approach.

Real feedback from actual human couples on elopement.

ELOPING + MAKING OTHER THINGS HAPPEN IN NONTRADITIONAL WAYS.You can hire a videographer to capture some traditional moments like your first look, the first kiss, and the “I do’s” to share with family as well as for you to rewatch time + time again during the marriage.

STEPPING AWAY FROM TRADITIONS CAN BE HARD AND THAT’S OKAY. It was everything and more I could have hoped for because I mourned what I couldn't have and instead built something that was truly what we wanted. Take the time to be sad you can't have what you always hoped, then think about how you can create your special moments with those that are important to you.

STILL SECRETLY WENT DRESS SHOPPING.

WE DECIDED TO HAVE A PARTY AFTERWARDS. We just hired a speakeasy and my Dad gave a quick speech before we went straight to cocktails and canapés (I got to wear my dress twice).

IT COST US EASILY HALF OF A TRADITIONAL WEDDING. We got a videographer, photographer, cake, flowers, dress and a helicopter in New Zealand.

NOT EVERYONE WILL BE SUPPORTIVE. Family kind of put us in a position that eloping might be the only stress free option. Also weddings nowadays are not cheap. Were going to do a courthouse wedding then do a small reception dinner for about 10 people, including our parents and closest friends. Then leave a few days later for epic honeymoon.

DOESN’T HAVE TO BE JUST 1 DAY. I'm still celebrating 3 months later.

YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT. We had a honeymoon.

TIMING IS IN YOUR CONTROL. The first two weeks of being married only my husband and I knew..
then we told family...
Then we told friends.
Then we had our "cocktail reception" one month afterwards.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Just elope somewhere beautiful and have a little cocktail hour after for close family and friends.

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