Near the base of Mount Rainier in Washington State lies Narada Falls. It’s an easy hike off the main road—so short that one barely has time to prepare for the beauty of it all.

High above the trail’s end, the Paradise River drops 160 feet straight down a volcanic rock cliff wall, gathering in a pool before making a second drop and continuing the river’s run.

While it is beautiful in summer, during the winter the upper falls freeze over, creating an amazing sight to behold, massive vertical sheets of ice surrounded by dense evergreens and dark stone.

This remarkable juxtaposition of the natural elements was the inspiration for Narada.