Wetlands near Golden, BC
The Columbia Basin covers 671,200 km² in BC, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming.
Only 15 per cent of the Basin is in Canada. However, the Canadian portion contributes about 40 per cent of average river flows and about 40 per cent of runoff for the entire Basin. High peaks, steep valleys and snowpack from four mountain ranges contribute to the power of the Columbia River system.
The Basin’s waterways and mountains create a wide range of ecosystems, including grasslands, dry pine forests, interior rainforests, alpine meadows and glaciers. The region is home to over 700 species of birds, mammals, fish and reptiles.
Click on the tiles below to learn more about the Basin’s major rivers and mountain ranges.
