An Engagement Session at Lake 22
If you’re dreaming of an adventurous engagement session in Washington, Lake 22 is one of the most breathtaking places you can choose. This alpine lake sits along the Mountain Loop Highway in the North Cascades, surrounded by old-growth forest, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear water that reflects the mountains like a mirror.
The hike gains steady elevation, but you’re rewarded with lush greenery, dramatic forest views, creeks, and boardwalks along the way. When you reach the top, the trail opens up to a peaceful alpine lake with a loop trail that circles the shoreline. This loop is what makes it such a standout location for engagement sessions because the scenery changes every few minutes.
The North Cascades offer some of the most photogenic and diverse landscapes in Washington. Lake 22, in particular, is stunning for engagement photos because of its alpine lake, beautiful Evergreen forests and mountain-backdrop viewpoints. Photographing love in a place like this feels incredibly natural. The scenery is breathtaking and adds to the story in a way only the Pacific Northwest can.
One of my favorite parts of doing these sessions is the time spent hiking together. It creates space for conversation and connection, and by the time we reach the main photography location, everyone feels relaxed and comfortable. Not to mention, you usually get the most stunning views the PNW has to offer.
Once we reached the top, they did a quick outfit change and we took our time exploring the loop around the lake. Each section of the trail offered something different whether it be the winding trail tracing the lakeshore, the massive rocky peaks and stunning lakeshore.
Every few minutes, we’d stop to capture a new angle or lighting moment. This variety makes Lake 22 especially great for couples who want an adventurous gallery with lots of visual diversity.
After we finished shooting around the lake, we hiked down together as the forest shifted into soft evening light. It was the perfect, peaceful ending to a day filled with connection, conversation, and incredible scenery.
Some sessions stick with you because of the photos. Others stay with you because of the experience. This Lake 22 engagement session was both.
For this engagement session, I used a mix of film and digital to create a layered, artistic feel.
Film brings out the greens and shadows of the North Cascades beautifully, while digital allowed me to capture movement and quick candid moments. Together, they create a gallery that feels nostalgic, timeless, and true to the atmosphere of Lake 22.
If you’re thinking about booking your own engagement session at Lake 22 or elsewhere in the North Cascades, I’d love to help you plan something unforgettable.
Whether you want a sunrise adventure, a sunset hike, or a session that incorporates film photography, Lake 22 is truly one of Washington’s most beautiful locations for engagement photos.
