Historically, the river served as an important travel corridor between the east and west sides of the Cascades, via Naches Pass, used by both Native Americans and settlers.

The Little Naches River basin includes the eastern portion of the Norse Peak Wilderness, northeast of Mount Rainier.

The Bumping River flows from headwaters near the southeastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park and the Lewis County line.

The American River has its source several forks near Chinook Pass and the eastern boundary of Mount Rainier National Park.

The Tieton River begins at Rimrock Lake, an artificial reservoir, which in turn is fed by several streams draining part of the Goat Rocks Wilderness.

The Pacific Crest Trail follows, approximately, the high water divide of the Cascades, along the headwaters of many of the streams of the Naches River basin.