The Coastal Indians had permanent shelters called long houses

They were usually made from cedar logs and were 40 to 100 feet in length. Several related families lived in one long house. They had a shed-like roof, no windows, a few doors, and a narrow opening in the ceiling to let out the smoke from their fires. The Costal Indians also lived in small A-framed houses, shed-like structures, and small temporary wood framed houses covered by woven mats. The most common way of transportation for the Coastal Indians were dugout canoes. They were excellent canoe builders. These canoes were used to transport people, trading goods, and supplies. They were also used to go fishing and whaling, and to go to war. One of their larger canoes may have been more than 30 feet long. The Coastal Indians decorated canoes that were used to go whaling and to war.