Hiking in a rain forest in Alaska can get exciting - fast. I was out exploring along the edge of a stream in Alaska on a lightly traveled hiking trail. The stream was filled with spawning salmon and who is attracted by that? Bears.

Visibility was limited as the stream curved and I could only see about 20 yards to my left or right. The bank was overgrown with vegetation on both sides of the stream: it was the middle of summer and this being a rain forest, was extremely lush. I realized that in some sections it was pretty much impossible to see anything - even as big as a bear - until it was very close.

As I hiked along, I made sure to be loud but I think the fast running stream was drowning out any noises I made, plus bears aren't especially known for their excellent hearing capacities. Movement in the bushes across the stream, about 10 yards away. A black bear appeared out of the ferns. I looked at him, he looked at me. "Hey bear, it's me, I'm here", I said in a calm voice. Judging by the look on his face, he was as surprised to see me as I was.

A few seconds later, his attention turned to why he came to the stream: salmon! Bear pepper spray in hand, I snapped a few pictures in the beautiful setting and went on my way.