Mt. Tahoma whispers the stories of rivers, forests, and the women who stand in her light. - Seattle Women Empowerment Photographer

The Original Name of Mt. Rainier Tahoma, Tacobet, Tacobeh, or Takhoma

Long before it was called “Mt. Rainier,” this towering volcano in Washington State was—and to many, still is—Tahoma (also spelled Tacobet, Tacobeh, Takhoma, among other variations).In the languages of the Puyallup, Nisqually, and other Coast Salish peoples, Tahoma roughly translates to “the mountain that was god” or “the mother of waters.”

The name speaks to the mountain’s spiritual significance—it’s the source of many major rivers, including the Puyallup, Nisqually, and Cowlitz, which nourish the lands, salmon runs, and people downstream.

To these Indigenous nations, Tahoma was not just a landmark—it was a living, sacred being. It was the home of spirits, the bringer of water, a protector, and a place of origin stories. Certain parts of the mountain were visited for ceremonial purposes, but its summit was considered too sacred for casual climbing.

Kind of makes you think does it not? What a magical place and we are grateful to step foot here!

This lady and I set out on a friendship adventure, and I told her I wanted to check out Snow Lake. I would reccomend this location for a Senior photoshoot, or a women empowerment session, but maybe not a family session. There was nowhere to stand to get the water shot, but in the water- and it is allowed in this lake. The bank was tiny, and the mosquitos were many and hungry.

The hike was short and beautiful. And both spots we stopped were absolutely magical. We got to this location right before sunset, so we didn’t have a lot of time to shoot. What we did make was unforgettable though(we think:) Thank you to all of the little deer who popped out to say hello.

Mt. Rainier / Tahoma is the highest peak in Washington at 14,411 feet and is a stratovolcano in the Cascade Range. It’s heavily glaciated, holding more than 25 named glaciers, and is one of the most prominent peaks in North America.

For the Native peoples of the region—Puyallup, Nisqually, Cowlitz, Yakama, Squaxin Island, and others—Tahoma was woven into life through

creation stories that connect the mountain to other peaks like Mount Adams (Pahto) and Mount St. Helens (Loowit).

Ceremonial practices in alpine meadows and along its glacial rivers.

Subsistence and survival, as snowmelt waters sustained salmon runs and fertile valleys.

I LOVE the colors we chose for this fun little session. See how they compliment nature?

“To stand before Tahoma is to stand in the presence of something eternal—a keeper of stories, a witness to lifetimes, a crown of ice above the forests.

And if you listen closely, she still speaks.”