The Chinook people are a prominent indigenous group native to the Washington State region, particularly near the Columbia River.

The Chinook people are an indigenous group historically residing in the Pacific Northwest, primarily along the Columbia River in present-day Washington and Oregon. They were known for their fishing, trading, and canoe-building expertise, especially focusing on salmon from the river. The Chinook spoke Chinookan languages and played a crucial role in the region's trade network, developing a trade language called Chinook Jargon. This group, along with other indigenous tribes such as the Salish and Makah, holds significant cultural and historical importance in Washington. While the Chinook were federally recognized in the past, their recognition status has seen legal challenges over time.