Snake River stretches 1,038 miles (1,670 kilometers) from the eastern side of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming to Washington State's Columbia River. Shown here curving past the jagged peaks of the Teton mountain range, the Snake is the quintessential river of the Rocky Mountains.

Snake River has historically been the predominant supplier of salmon and steelhead to the U.S. Northwest. During spawning season the fish can be seen fighting their way upstream in their migration from the sea to mountain streams. However, controversial dams in the river have led to a decline in both salmon and steelhead populations.

Snake River is also vital to human existence in the region, as a source of water for drinking and irrigation. (Related news: "Idaho, U.S. Battle Over Nuclear Waste Dump" [April 2002].)

• More Photos in the News
• Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"