In the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park flows the Ohanapecosh River, a main headwater tributary of the Cowlitz River. The Ohanapecosh River is named for a Native American habitation site along the river, meaning “standing at the edge-place.” A Washington Place Names reference says the name could also mean “clear stream…deep blue…or deep blue holes”.
The spring snowmelt in Mount Rainier National Park provides for months of strong flows of water through the valley and canyons. Along its journey through the national park, the river travels through boulder-strewn flats and takes multiple plunges over cliffs creating beautiful waterfalls along its path.
On a trip in June, I was able to capture an intimate landscape photograph of the river as it begins its descent from a calm section of the river through a rocky, narrow channel. The white water provides a stark contrast to the low evening light cast upon the dark boulders and forests surrounding the banks of the river.
EXIF: Nikon Z7, Nikkor Z 24-70/4 S lens, ISO 64, 29 mm, ƒ8, 0.6 seconds.
