The Snake River is one of the most important rivers in the western United States. Stretching more than 1,000 miles, it flows from the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before joining the Columbia River. Along the way, it carves deep canyons and provides water for farms, towns, and wildlife.
The river’s name may have come from early explorers who saw Native American hand signs that looked like a snake moving. For many Native peoples, the river has always been a source of food, transportation, and culture. Salmon once traveled the Snake River in huge numbers to spawn in mountain streams. Today, dams and other changes have reduced their runs, but efforts continue to restore them.
The Snake River is famous for Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. Here, the river has cut down more than a mile into solid rock. The canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon in some places and draws visitors for rafting, fishing, and hiking. Powerful rapids challenge even experienced boaters.
In modern times, the Snake River helps generate electricity through dams that produce hydroelectric power. These dams also supply water for irrigation, turning dry lands into farmland. Still, balancing human needs with protecting fish and ecosystems remains an important challenge for the region.
1. About how long is the Snake River?
2. Which river does the Snake River join?
3. Where does the Snake River begin?
4. Why is the Snake River important to Native peoples?
5. What is Hells Canyon known for?
6. What modern use of the Snake River is mentioned?
7. What challenge is described in the passage?