As we were getting ready to leave the Hoh Rainforest, we ran into another hiker loitering outside of the visitors’ center. She told us that she had just come from the Sol Duc Salmon Cascades and the salmon were jumping. That was all we needed to hear to add a stop onto our return drive to Port Angeles.

Just off the main road through the rainforest is a quick little dirt trail down to a viewing platform over a roiling section of the Sol Duc River. Our new friend told us that there weren’t many salmon – maybe one leap every minute or so – but if we were patient, we’d see them.

And we did.

It was truly incredible. I was vaguely aware of the salmon run (I thought I’d seen the sign, but not really registered it, on our way into the rainforest) but never really thought I’d actually find myself leaning over a wooden railing, watching coho salmon fly through the air on their way up a waterfall.

I mean. Really.

It was definitely one of the most memorable experiences of my life.

Next week: hiking to the spectacular Sol Duc Falls.