Natural World

Ecological context for the Northwest Discovery Water Trail — the plants, animals, and geological forces that shape the Clearwater, Snake, and Columbia corridor. Originally published on ndwt.org; reused with permission from the Washington Water Trails Association.

1. Flora & FaunaEndangered species, salmon life cycle, and the wildlife refuges along the Northwest Discovery Water Trail corridor.
2. GeologyColumbia River Plateau basalts, Glacial Lake Missoula, and the Ice Age Floods that carved the corridor.
3. Invasive SpeciesWhy invasives matter, the zebra-mussel threat, and Clean / Drain / Dry steps every boater should follow between waters.