The Columbia River played multiple essential roles for Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest, including as a trading route, a water source for crops, and a sacred religious site.

The Columbia River was a vital resource for the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest, particularly for the Chinook, Yakama, Nez Perce, and other tribes. As a trading route, it facilitated the exchange of goods between tribes and helped establish the river as a central hub for communication and commerce. It also served as a water source for crops, enabling tribes to grow food along its banks. Additionally, the river had significant spiritual and cultural meaning, often viewed as a sacred place tied to religious practices, ceremonies, and storytelling. The river remains integral to Native American identity and tradition in the region.