Columbia Gorge Overlook and the Wanapum Indian Tribe
Until recent times, the Wanapum Indians inhabited the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State from Beverly Gap to Pasco, about 75 miles south. The Wanapums were a very religious and peaceful people, living on venison, berries, roots, and fish…expertly caught using nets, spears and woven willow traps. Yet today, the Wanapums are virtually extinct. What happened to the tribe that once numbered in the thousands, and what’s left of their culture?