Deschutes River Salmon Run: Tumwater's Fall Spectacle

Each fall, Chinook salmon push up the Deschutes River and stack at the base of Tumwater Falls, attempting to leap the 82-foot drop. It's one of the most reliable salmon-viewing spectacles in the South Sound.

Peak activity typically runs from mid-September through early November, with the strongest viewing on overcast, drizzly afternoons (which Tumwater has no shortage of).

The lower falls viewing platform and the footbridge at Tumwater Falls Park are the two best spots. Bring a rain shell, polarized sunglasses if you have them, and give yourself an hour — the longer you watch, the more you see.