The Methow River (pronounced like "met-tau") is a tributary of the Columbia River. in northern Washington in the United States. The river's watershed is 1,890 square miles, with a population of about 5,000 people. The Methow's watershed is characterized by relatively pristine habitats, with much of the river basin is located in national forests and wildernesses. Many tributaries drain the large Pasayten Wilderness. An earlier economy based on agriculture is giving way to one based on recreation and tourism.