Columbia River, largest river flowing into the Pacific Ocean from North America. The Columbia is one of the world’s greatest sources of hydroelectric power and, with its tributaries, represents a third of the potential hydropower of the United States. It is 1,240 miles (2,000 km) long.

Learn about the Columbia River, the seventh-longest river in the US and the largest in the Pacific Northwest. Discover its source, tributaries, climate, fish species, and human impact.

The Columbia River Basin covers 258,000 square miles and includes parts of seven states and one Canadian province. In its 1,200 mile course to the ocean, the river flows through four mountain ranges and drains more water to the Pacific Ocean than any other river in North or South America.

Explore the stunning scenery, waterfalls, trails and activities of the Columbia River Gorge, a National Scenic Area. Find trip ideas, weather, tasty detours and more in this guide.

Just 30 miles (48 km) east of Portland sits the Columbia River Gorge — a rugged canyon on the broad Columbia River and home to more than 90 waterfalls, countless hiking trails, plenty of water sports and several charming communities.

Learn about the Columbia River, the most important and intensively used part of Oregon's natural landscape. Explore its origin, flow, tributaries, gorge, fish, and human interactions from ancient times to the present.

The Columbia River: The Columbia River and its tributaries form the dominant water system in the Pacific Northwest. The mainstem of the Columbia rises in Columbia Lake in British Columbia, Canada. After flowing a path for 1,270 miles, the Columbia joins the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon.

Learn about the Columbia River, the fourth-largest in North America, and its origins, features, and wildlife. Explore the mythic and scientific stories of its creation and discovery, and the challenges and opportunities for its future.

How did the Columbia River gets its current name? We’d like to tell you a captivating story filled with mystery and intrigue – but we can’t. The story is straightforward and it began on May 12, 1792, when American captain Robert Gray’s ship crossed the western river’s treacherous bar.