Snake River

Snake River, large branch of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest, made up of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Snake rivers. Each one has many tributaries. The river has great importance as a generator of hydroelectric power, and its tributaries are used for irrigation. Streams of the Upper Snake River sink beneath the ground to form a huge subterranean reservoir. The river is navigable and is used as a trade link between the Pacific Ocean and inland areas.