zoom_in Click to enlarge

Columbia

▲ ▼

description Columbia Overview

The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest, rising in British Columbia and flowing about 2,000 kilometers through Washington and along the Washington-Oregon border to the Pacific Ocean. Its basin contains numerous dams, including the Grand Coulee and Bonneville facilities, making the river central to regional hydropower, irrigation, navigation, and flood control. The system also supports salmon fisheries and communities and Indigenous nations in the basin.

help Columbia FAQ

Where does the Columbia River begin and where does it end?

The Columbia rises in British Columbia, Canada, and flows for about 2,000 kilometers through Washington and along the Washington-Oregon border. It eventually reaches the Pacific Ocean.

Why are Grand Coulee Dam and Bonneville Dam important on the Columbia?

Both are major Columbia River dams used for hydropower, water management, and navigation. Grand Coulee is in Washington, while Bonneville is farther downstream near the Oregon-Washington border.

Does the Columbia River flow through Oregon?

The river forms much of the border between Washington and Oregon rather than running through the interior of Oregon. It passes through the Columbia River Gorge before reaching the Pacific.

What is the Columbia River Gorge?

It is a deep river canyon and scenic corridor cut by the Columbia between Washington and Oregon. The gorge lies downstream of major cities such as Portland and is part of the river's lower course.

swap_horiz

Looking for Columbia alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward