The Columbia River, originating in Canada and flowing through Washington and Oregon, empties into the Pacific Ocean as one of the longest U.S. rivers.

The Columbia River is one of the longest rivers in the United States, flowing 1,243 miles from its source in British Columbia, Canada, through Washington and Oregon, before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. Known for its powerful flow and extensive hydroelectric network, the Columbia supports the largest electricity-producing river system in North America. Its basin, rich in biodiversity, sustains vital ecosystems and a variety of fish species, including the famous salmon. While other rivers like the Missouri and Mississippi are longer, they do not flow into the Pacific, making the Columbia River unique among the major rivers of the U.S.