Inspiration Glamping Elopement in the Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

I’ve known Nina and Derek for several years, and captured their elopement in Scotland on the Isle of Skye in 2024. When I had an inspiration elopement shoot in mind to show folks exactly what an elopement in the Umpqua National Forest could look like, both of them were down to adventure.

My proverbial backyard, the Umpqua, is full of secrets, hidden gems, and natural wonders fit to rival many national parks. One bonus of that is the solitude. I’ve lived here most of my life and one pleasure I take is showing people around to places that are near and dear to my heart.

If you want a private elopement, a bit of adventure, and to experience a truly unique day separate from other elopements, eloping in the Umpqua National Forest is a top way to go.

Getting Ready for an Umpqua National Forest Elopement

There few locations along the Umpqua National Forest Highway 138 for lodging. Nina and Derek stayed the night at Umpqua’s Last Resort in one of my favorite glamping tents. A local makeup artist from Roseburg (and a close colleague of mine) made the trip out to pamper Nina with a little pro makeup application.

Waterfalls of the Umpqua National Forest

Highway 138 is also known as the Highway of Waterfalls—yes, there are more than you realize. There are some on AllTrails, several that are along the road splashing your car after a big snowpack, and some that are only known to locals (no official AllTrails link, no Google pin, just local knowledge).

Our first stop on their 8-hour mock elopement day was another favorite: the third-tallest waterfall in Oregon and nearly a dead ringer for Multnomah Falls. Whenever I get inquiries for Multnomah Falls, I always make sure to share the realities of eloping in some place so crowded. Then I suggest Southern Oregon’s thundering falls as a quieter alternative.

A relatively short hike (with some mild to moderate elevation gain) and you’re standing at the base of this waterfall, feeling the spray tickle your skin. It’s especially refreshing in the height of summer, when we visited around the solstice. Because of the mist, the ground near the base of the falls is often wet, so Nina rinsed out her skirt in the stream and it was practically brand new!

Sunset on a Mountaintop in the Cascades

After a late lunch/early dinner back at their glamping tent (we opted for casual grub from the nearby Dry Creek Store, where some basic hot comfort food is available), we ascended in elevation until everyone had to jump in my Toyota 4Runner due to the terrain. The last bit of “road” (many would consider it some level of offroading) to our location requires 4WD and high clearance; a perfect way to ensure privacy!

Taking in the silence around us, we got to experience that phenomenon where you feel like you’re in a vacuum due to the lack of noise.

From our vantage point, we could see peaks like Mt. Bailey, Mt. Scott in Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Peak, and on a very clear day, Middle and South Sister 😱.

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for the juiciest light!

A Quiet Glamping Evening Dance

After the sun set below the horizon, we made the drive back to their glamping accommodations along Highway 138 for a brief dance under the Edison lights before turning in for the night.

A relaxed, uncomplicated day complete with forest, waterfall, as well as the most pristine front row seat for sunset: this is just one day that’s possible for an elopement in the Umpqua National Forest, just a stone’s throw from Crater Lake National Park.

Sound like your type of connected elopement day? Let’s go; I’m ready when you are.

If you’re dreaming of a day like this, full of intention and connection with a splash of “epic” thrown in, reach out, and let’s co-create an adventure together reflective of you…