The Snake River, winding its way through the vast landscapes of the Pacific Northwest carries a name as intriguing as the river itself. The story of how the Snake River got its name is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the region’s Indigenous peoples, and the  earlier European explorer.

Long before European settlers arrived, the river was known by various names among the Native American tribes who lived along its banks. One of the prominent tribes, "the Shoshone, referred to it as the yampee which loosely  translate the ‘stream’.” Other tribes have their own name for the river, reflecting its significance in their daily life and spiritual beliefs.

The name ‘Snake River’ is believed to have originated from a misunderstanding  when earlier European explorer and fur trappers, such as those from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, encountered the Shoshone people, they saw the Shoshone making a serpentine hand gesture. This was sign representing the river’s sinuous, winding course.

This name was further cemented by explorers and settlers who followed and it appeared on maps and in journals. The name captured the imagination of many, evoking images of wild, untamed landscape.

In modern time, the Snake River is recognized not only its picturesque beauty but also  its historical significance. It stretches over 1000 miles, cutting through diverse terrains and ecosystems, from the Rocky Mountain to the Columbia River.

Thus the Snake River’s name, born from a simple hand gesture and a misunderstanding, has become an enduring symbol of the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the American Northwest.