We had an unexpected encounter with a deer on our hike.

A meeting or confrontation, often unexpected.
The encounter was brief but memorable.
It was a strange encounter.
Their first encounter was awkward.
chance encounter
unexpected encounter
brief encounter
meeting
confrontation
rendezvous
The hikers had to encounter a sudden storm on their journey.

to face or experience a challenge or difficulty
We might encounter problems.
She will encounter resistance.
They encountered delays.
encounter difficulties
encounter resistance
encounter problems
meet
face
experience