Life Lessons from the Snake River

This summer, I embarked on a long-awaited road trip from Seattle, Washington, to Yellowstone, Wyoming, and back. The day before I set off, I had wrapped up an annual project document review with my leadership team, but something inside me stirred — I felt an undeniable urge to hit the open road. As I journeyed through breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife, I encountered a captivating sight that would unexpectedly shape my thoughts: the Snake River.

It all began in Grand Teton National Park. Standing at the famed Snake River lookout — marked as number 8 on the park map — I initially dismissed it. The late summer sun revealed a landscape where the majestic snow of the Cascades had long melted away. I moved on, but the river had other plans.

As I traveled through charming towns, I stumbled upon the Snake River again, this time pausing at a chilly riverbank in Yellowstone. I dipped my fingers into the icy water, feeling the current surge beneath my touch. The sign read “Snake River,” and I could feel its history whispering around me. My adventure continued through Montana and Idaho, and to my surprise, I encountered the river once more near a dam back in eastern Washington—each time, it had transformed.

Starting as a mere trickle in the rugged peaks of Wyoming, the Snake River spans 1,078 miles across six states — Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, and Nevada — fed by over 20 major tributaries. It navigates through 15 dams, adapting its course, gaining strength, and ultimately merging with the mighty Columbia River. (Forgive me — once an Amazonian, always data-driven!)

What Snake River Taught Me:

1. Set High Goals: The Snake River begins at lofty elevations in the Rocky Mountains, over ?10,000 feet high. Just like the river, we must aim for the heights in our own endeavors, striving for greatness.

2. Growth Takes Time: From its humble beginnings in Wyoming, the river gradually widens and deepens, becoming a powerful force by the time it reaches Idaho and Washington. Our own growth mirrors this journey; we often start small, but through collaboration and perseverance, we can create meaningful impact.

3. Flexibility Matters: The Snake River deftly navigates numerous dams and obstacles, sometimes slow, sometimes rushing, but never halting. Life, too, is filled with unexpected roadblocks and detours. Embracing flexibility enables us to keep moving forward—progress, however slow, is still progress.

4. Embrace the Dirt: At Little Goose Dam, I observed the river’s muddy waters juxtaposed against dry, dusty land. As the river flows, the sediment settles, and clarity emerges. We all accumulate "dirt"—mistakes, failures, hard experiences—but by learning from these moments, we can let go and advance on our journey.

5. Stay Humble: Eventually, the Snake River merges with the Columbia, becoming part of a greater whole. Similarly, our contributions may fade into the background over time, but their impact lingers. Recognizing that we’re part of something larger helps us appreciate our roles, even if they go unrecognized.

Initially burdened by stress and the weight of life’s challenges, I returned from this trip feeling lighter, calmer, and more confident. The Snake River reminded me that we’re all part of a grander tapestry, mere specks in the vast universe. Like the river, we keep flowing, adapting, and learning from the natural world around us. It has endured long before our time and will continue long after we’re gone.

If the Snake River can persist through its winding journey, then so can we — after all, we don’t have to navigate 15 dams!

Ending Note: Wherever you are in your journey, remember to keep flowing. Mistakes will settle, obstacles will be overcome, and your contributions will always be part of a greater current. Flow on!