Since it is one of the few creeks in the region with reliable water, Spokane and Palouse Indians utilized the area along Crab Creek to gather roots and other food. A main Indian trail through the region followed the creek. Lt. Symons came past the mid-Crab Creek area while laying out the "Military Wagon Road" from Fort Walla Walla to Camp Chelan in 1879. The "Old Wagon Road" was established along the creek from Waterville, Washington to Ritzville, Washington in 1888.