The Columbian white-tailed deer is named after the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington where it congregates.

It can also be found in brushy woodlots that contain cottonwood, willow, alder, spruce, and dogwood trees.

The Columbian white-tailed deer was federally listed as an endangered species in Washington and Oregon in 1967.

Efforts were carried out by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Bureau of Land Management.

In April, 2012, high river flow levels coupled with a collapsing dike, that keeps the Columbia River from flooding the Julia Butler Hansen Refuge, was reported to be a threat to the resident population of Columbian white-tailed deer.