The red-legged frog inhabits quiet pools of streams, marshes, and occasionally ponds. Uncommon in Sierra-Cascade portion of range, uncommon to common elsewhere.
Aquatic larvae are mostly herbivorous.
Prefers shorelines with extensive vegetation. May require rains for dispersal. Individuals have been found considerable distances from breeding sites on rainy nights. Occurs in the vicinity of quiet, permanent pools of streams, marshes, and occasionally ponds. Individuals are occasionally found on roads at night during winter and spring rains.