The river was perhaps the most populated area. It afforded quick and easy access to both the coast and the mountains. The variety and richness of resources found by the river were unequaled. There were reeds, willows, oaks, rabbits, and other small mammals. There were plants such as agave and many medicinal plants. The rocks formed natural metates for grinding.

Basketry and Weaving. Baskets were used for storage, sifting trays, burden (carrying) baskets, parching trays, cooking, and as caps for the head. Baskets were usually decorated with simple geometric patterns. More elaborate patterns were added after European demand for Indian baskets increased. Women's clothing was made from weaving. They wore aprons made of shredded willow bark.

Pottery. The Kumeyaay along with the Cahuilla and other Colorado River tribes were among the few in California that used pottery. Pottery was used for storage of water and food. Kumeyaay used large ceramic vessels (pahátc) or ollas to store acorns, mesquite, maize, beans, squash seeds, processed agave, and other plant foods. The pots had small necks to prevent evaporation and make them easy to seal. Virtually waterproof and pest proof, the pots were left along the trail as supply stations for families who knew where to find them. Water ollas (kuLakur) were placed along major trails in the desert and kept filled. The Kumeyaays were adept enough to make a water olla that held 50 gallons of water and was over four feet tall.

Women made pottery and baskets. The pottery is considered among the best in the Southwest. It is light, thin-walled, and came in many shapes. Pottery was usually not painted but had swirling "fire clouds" instead which occur naturally during firing. Sometimes simple geometric patters were painted or incised into the pottery clay. Pottery also was used for sculpture, pipes, and miniature vessels.