Green River was an influential Seattle punk rock/alternative rock band in the 1980s, named after the Green River Killer(not the CCR album, as is a common misunderstanding). They are considered one of the first grunge bands.

Green River had little impact outside of Seattle, but their influence within Seattle's music scene would eventually be felt around the world. Their influence reached to both of their contemporaries (Soundgarden, Melvins) and later Seattle bands (Nirvana, Alice in Chains) sharing the sub pop label. Green River's impact continued to live on through the bands who formed after their break-up: Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Love Battery, and Mudhoney.

They were possibly the first band in Seattle to mix metal, punk, and glam, leading to the sound known later as "grunge." Mark Arm, the group's singer, is widely credited as being the first person to use the term, although in a different manner that is widely used. He has since shown contempt for the label.

Green River had three official releases: Come On Down (1985), Dry As A Bone (1987), and Dry As A Bone/Rehab Doll (1990). They have also been included on nine compilations, spanning from the late 80's to the mid 90's.