Hiking to McLeod Lake
McLeod Lake Elopement, Mammoth Lakes, CA
I first made the short 1 mile hike up to McLeod Lake in the early summer of 2019 and discovered it’s true beauty. McLeod Lake is nestled perfectly in the mountains surrounding Mammoth Lakes, the place that I fortunately get to call home.
It more than inspired me, it sparked a deep passion.
I was sitting at the water’s edge, this gorgeous emerald blue water before me that you would only see in magazines or the internet, reflecting the sun. My eyes wandered up the majestic Mammoth Crest that so perfectly towers over the lake. You could hear wind rustling the tall pine branches and the birds singing. I could hear my heart beating in my chest from the short (but decently steep) hike up. In that moment I felt this rush of inspiration and my soul screamed; “YES, I wanna shoot someone’s elopement here”. However, no one was inquiring to get married at this very specific location so I figured I might as well set up a shoot and let my inspiration run wild.
![McLeod Lake Trail Sign](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-217-1024x683.jpg)
![View of McLeod Lake with Mammoth Crest above it](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-219-1024x683.jpg)
Planning the Elopement
So the planning began. When it came time for finding the perfect couple, it was a no brainer. Tyler and Haylee. I shot their intimate wedding earlier in the year and it was stunning, but also raining and freezing (which kind of puts a damper on photos when it’s an outdoor wedding). Needless to say we made the most of the day and spirits were high. However, because of the weather, their couple’s session got cut short. So after I started dreaming up the McLeod Lake elopement and I found out that Tyler and Haylee were going to be camping at June Lake area (which is about a 30 minute drive from Mammoth Lakes) I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to have a little “redo” on their day. And of course, they were all about it.
![girl and guy sitting in a truck in a mountain campsite](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-1-1024x683.jpg)
The Big Day
After much planning and some much needed help from the wonderful Elise Smith (who was a massive life saver and also a brilliant mastermind when it comes to anything styled) the day arrived.
The excitement was high and I couldn’t wait to start shooting. We all set up camp at the Silver Lake Campground. Elise and I did some flat lays of their insanely gorgeous wedding rings, bouquets and boutonnieres while Haylee got ready in the truck and Tyler dressed at the back.
![Haylee uses the driver's sun visor mirror to put her elopement makeup on!](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-2-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee sits in the front seat of the truck putting her makeup on, bare feet hanging out the door.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-5-1.jpg?ssl=1)
![A bouquet of pink, white and orange flowers sit next to a wedding ring and boutonniere.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-30-4-1024x683.jpg)
![Tyler and Haylee's rings sit on little white crystals on a small square gold plate.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-14-2.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee's emerald ring sits between the boutonniere and bouquet](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-21-2.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee's emerald green wedding ring with little diamonds around it sits in a round ring box.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-20-3-1024x683.jpg)
![Haylee's emerald and diamond ring sits in a white round ring box atop a round gold dish.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-27-3.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler's blush, white and green boutonniere rests atop a rectangular gold plate.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-28-3.jpg?ssl=1)
![emerald green wedding ring next to a bouquet](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-31-3-1024x683.jpg)
First Look
They wanted to do a first look, so we made it happen. Tyler hopped in the front seat of my car while Haylee sat in the back. Tyler stood out at the end of the Silver Lake dock and Haylee walked out to him in the most stunning Lace and Liberty gown and some epic white Crocs.
Killer.
Honestly, it’s your day. I’m a firm believer in doing what most represents you, especially on your wedding day. If you want to rock some Crocs at your first look then I will FULLY support you in that!
Tyler and Haylee took a moment at the edge of the dock to soak each other in. There were quite a few onlookers who were soaking Tyler and Haylee’s moment in, as well.
![Tyler waits at the end of the Silver Lake dock for Haylee](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-57.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee walks in her white crocs and wedding dress to go see Tyler for the first time on their elopement day.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-73.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee walks out to Tyler on the Silver Lake Dock for their first look.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-60.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler laughs for joy as Haylee sees him for the first time on their elopement day. They are standing together on the end of the Silver Lake dock.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-64.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee hold each other laughing at Silver Lake](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-71.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee stand hugging at the end of the Silver Lake dock on their elopement day.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-69.jpg?ssl=1)
Hiking to the Trailhead
We did a short drive up to Horseshoe Lake where the McLeod Lake Trailhead starts. We slipped on our hiking shoes and off we went.
![Tyler helps Haylee by tying her hiking boots while she sits with her elopement wedding dress on. They are getting ready to hike up to McLeod Lake.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-74.jpg?ssl=1)
![Before they start their hike to McLeod Lake, Tyler ties Haylee's hiking boots they look at each other and start laughing.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-76.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee admires her emerald wedding ring as she links arms with Tyler on their adventurous elopement day.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-84-1024x683.jpg)
![Tyler and Haylee hold each other close while laughing as they enjoy their adventure elopement and hike to McLeod Lake](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-78.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee kiss sweetly as they soak in the sun of Eastern Sierra.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-79.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee kiss sweetly as they hike to McLeod Lake.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-87-683x1024.jpg)
You could feel the love radiating off of Tyler and Haylee. They were in their natural habitat. Love in the outdoors.
We then made the ascent to the lakeside and continued our adventure.
![Tyler kisses Haylee gently on the cheek as the stand on the side of McLeod Lake.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-121-1024x683.jpg)
![Tyler and Haylee stand in the pine trees next to McLeod lake about to share a sweet kiss.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-113.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee hugs Tyler from behind as they look stand next to McLeod Lake.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-122.jpg?ssl=1)
The sun was setting behind the ridge creating that perfect soft light that just made them glow.
We cruised around the lake making sure to be mindful of nature and LNT principles. ALWAYS respect the earth. We only have one.
We goofed off.
Tyler swung from some trees.
They danced by the waters edge (and a little in the water too).
They whispered sweet nothings as they held each other close and kissed like it was the first time.
My heart exploded with joy. I don’t think I have ever felt more alive than in those moments.
Being humbled by the mountains above you, the vibrant colors of the water beside you and the love radiating in front of you.
![Tyler holds Haylee's face as he goes in for a gentle kiss while Haylee sits on a fallen tree next to McLeod Lake.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-143-1024x683.jpg)
![Tyler and Haylee share a kiss as they lean against a fallen tree.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-138.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee holds her dress and hat as her and Tyler hike through the Inyo National Forest.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-144.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler swings playfully from a tree branch while Haylee sits on a fallen log next to McLeod Lake](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-136.jpg?ssl=1)
![A close up of Tyler and Haylee's hiking boots walking closely by the edge McLeod Lake](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-146.jpg?ssl=1)
![A brride and groom standing and hugging at the edge of McLeod Lake](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-154-683x1024.jpg)
![Tyler holds Haylee from behind while he kisses her gently on the cheek. They share this special moment on their adventure elopement wedding day.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-161.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler holds Haylee from behind while he kisses her gently on the cheek. They share this special moment on their adventure elopement wedding day.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-165.jpg?ssl=1)
![On their hike up to McLeod Lake, Tyler kisses Haylee gently on the forehead.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-163.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee touch foreheads as they share a laugh on their adventurous wedding day.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-168.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler leads Haylee on their adventure wedding day near the water of McLeod Lake.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-172.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee holds Tyler's hand as they walk next to the water of McLeod Lake.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-173.jpg?ssl=1)
![A bride and groom walk closely to the edge of McLeod in Mammoth Lakes. They are facing the tall Mammoth Crest ridge with the sun setting on them to their right.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-174.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee kiss passionately as they celebrate their adventure elopement.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-182.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee sweetly touch foreheads. Tyler's hand is gently holding Haylee's face.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-188.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee holds up her wedding dress as her and Tyler walk alongside McLeod Lake.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-196.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler kisses Haylee on the forehead as she rests her head on his chest. They're standing on rocks overlooking the Mammoth Valley.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-205.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee share a kiss on their adventure elopement overlooking the Inyo National Forest.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-207.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler kisses Haylee on the side of the head as she hugs him. This is just one of the many incredible moments shared on their adventurous day.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-203.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee hold hands and go in for a kiss.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-216.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee cross a creek on their hike from McLeod Lake in Mammoth.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-197-1024x683.jpg)
We continued on.
As the sun got closer to fully setting we jetted back down to Horseshoe Lake and had some fun on the dead tree stumps that dotted the lake. The sky turned a soft pink that dusted everything around us. We soaked in the last few moments of brilliant color and then called it a successful day.
![Haylee follows Elise down the McLeod Lake trail. Elise is carrying a backpacking backpack that holds the wedding boquet.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-221.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee share a kiss amidst dead trees by Horseshoe Lake.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-224.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee stand on a dead stump next to Horseshoe Lake. Haylee holds her beautiful boquete by her side.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-231-683x1024.jpg)
![A Bride kisses the groom's forehead standing on a stump next to Horseshoe Lake.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-229-1024x683.jpg)
![Tyler and Haylee stand on top of a dead stump next to Horseshoe Lake. They share a sweet moment on their adventure wedding day.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-237.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler helps lift Haylee off of a dead stump at Horseshoe Lake.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-240.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler pulls Haylee close to kiss her on the side of her head on their adventurous elopement day at Mammoth Lakes.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-235.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee kiss in front of fallen tree at Horseshoe Lake.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-242.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee and Tyler stand at the edge of Horseshoe Lake enjoying each other's company on their wedding day.](https://i0.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-243.jpg?ssl=1)
![A bride and groom hold each other close as they share a laugh at Horseshoe Lake.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-246.jpg?ssl=1)
![Haylee stands on a stump holding her wedding dress up so you can see her hiking shoes at Horseshoe Lake.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-252-1024x683.jpg)
![Tyler and Haylee hold hands and finish their hike from McLeod Lake. They wear headlamps so that they can light the path in front of them.](https://i1.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-264.jpg?ssl=1)
![Tyler and Haylee share a kiss at night while the light from the headlamps they are wearing light up their faces.](https://i2.wp.com/kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-265.jpg?ssl=1)
![Bride and groom wearing headlamps walking through the forest holding hands.](https://kaylaplouffe.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/McLeod-Lake-Elopement-267-1024x683.jpg)
That’s a Wrap
So we headed back at Silver Lake Campground we cracked open a few Pacificos by the campfire and reminisced on the day and their few months as a married couple.
It’s like a whole door of opportunities opened to me on that day. Something deep inside me took a sigh of relief as if I had gotten home from a long day. Sparks flew. And for the first time, I realized I wasn’t fully exhausted after an entire day of shooting. My soul had found its purpose.
Like!! Great article post.Really thank you! Really Cool.
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Thanks for finally writing about > McLeod Lake Elopement, Mammoth Lakes,
CA – < Loved it!
I absolutely adore this. How did you guys go about the wedding or photography permit? Was it a fairly empty trail? And I noticed you posted this in Feb– is this hike doable during those winter months?
Thank you!! You have to go through the forest service for permits 🙂 It’s a fairly well trafficked trail especially during the summer. If you have ski gear you can make it back there in the winter but the road that makes it accessible closes during the winter months!
Awesome article.
Great post! Are you a photographer in the mammoth area interested in shooting another wedding? Also, what permits did you need? The forest service site is quite daunting.
Thank you! Yes, I am a full time elopement photographer based in Mammoth! I help all my couples with the permit process, it’s actually not as daunting as you would think 🙂 You can fill out my Contact page if you would like some more information.