S'abadeb-Seattle Art Museum Coast Salish groups upriver in the foothills of the Cascade and Coastal ranges exploited a somewhat different environment. While fishing was still very important, there was more reliance on plant resources such as edible roots and berries. Tightly coiled baskets allowed them to transport berries over long distances, packing them on their backs by means of a tumpline. The sturdy cedar-root construction of these baskets helped to preserve the berries until they could be dried or eaten. Coiled baskets are also watertight, so they were used as both water carriers and cooking vessels.