The Elwha River, nestled in the heart of Washington's Olympic Peninsula, flows approximately 45 miles from its headwaters in the Olympic Mountains through pristine wilderness before emptying into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This remarkable river underwent a historic transformation with the removal of two dams between 2011 and 2014, representing the largest dam removal in U.S. history. Once renowned for its abundant salmon runs, the Elwha is now in a period of ecological recovery, with fish populations slowly rebuilding and reclaiming their ancestral spawning grounds. The river's clear waters wind through diverse habitats, from mountain forests to lowland valleys, offering anglers breathtaking scenery and a connection to one of America's most significant river restoration stories.