Wishram is near Five Mile Rapids, at the far eastern reach of Chinookan lands, as archaeologists believe the site was occupied for about 10,000 years. The area was a common trading site for Indians in the surrounding tribes, from the Pacific Coast, and the Interior Northwest. Many tribes visited from nearby Yakamas, as well as the Nez Perce, who would come to trade fish, berries, skins, buffalo, amongst many other items.

Lewis and Clark visited during the westward journey and returnrd on eastward journey, estimated that there were about 600 people living at the site during October 1805 visit and around 1,000 during the April 1806 visit. Clark noted in his journals that there were about 20 wooden houses at the site, near a man-made earthen mound called Wakemup Mound.

The July 1841 United States Naval Exploring Expedition,under Lieutenant Charles Wilkes described the village as having forty lodges, and 400 inhabitants. Around 1860, residents of Wishram tribes began moving to the Yakama Indian Reservation, under treaties signed in 1855, but Indians continued to be allowed to use the site for fishing.