The North Platte River is a waterway that runs through the western United States. Its name derives from the Native American word "pahnee," which means "water," and "niobrara," which means "flat." Synonyms for the North Platte River include the Niobrara River, the Platte River, the North Branch of the Platte River, and the Laramie River. Its headwaters originate in the Rocky Mountains, and it flows through Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska, ultimately emptying into the Missouri River. The river is an important resource for agriculture, recreation, and wildlife in the region and is considered one of the most scenic waterways in the country.