Columbia Flowing from the Mountains of the Northern United States and Southern Canada, through the basin and range desert, and into the Pacific Ocean, this international river is not only important to the plants and animals that share its waters, but also to the human communities that use its resources. Humans use its water for watering crops, generating electricity, transporting materials, and recreating. On any given day, barges may be seen traveling next to windsurfers and fishermen. The Columbia watershed is at the heart of life in the Northwestern United States. Link to Columbia Educators Guide Link to Columbia KIDS Activity Booklet Link to "On the Trail of Lewis and Clark" KIDS Activity Booklet