The Snake River is one of the biggest rivers in the Pacific Northwest.  It travels 1,078 miles through Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington before joining the Columbia River and emptying into the Pacific Ocean.  Several hundred miles of the Snake River are protected by federal law as a Wild and Scenic River, part of a national park, or included in a wilderness area. Around 12 million years ago, the volcanic hot spot beneath Yellowstone National Park was highly active.  As tectonic plates moved over this area, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes led to the formation of the Snake River and surrounding area.  As further geologic activity continued over the next several million years, the river really began to take shape.  The famous Hells Canyon region was formed six million years after the Snake River's headwaters in Yellowstone. Extensive glacier activity and floods shaped the mountains and river valleys around the Snake River, giving the area a wide range of terrain types.  This diversity led to the abundance of different plants and animals in the region today. Thanks to the many protected areas of the Snake River, people can enjoy the beautiful scenery and recreation opportunities without disturbing the balance of nature.