Meadows, rangelands, coniferous forest, and alpine ecosystems exist within a few mi. of the Station. Annual precipitation averages 15 in, most of which falls as lain and snow during late winter and spring. In winter, hundreds of mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep graze the bunchgrass benches across Big Creek. Mountain lions, black bears, bobcats, and coyotes are common. Migratory and resident riparian, forest and rangeland birds frequent the station and surroundings.
Big Creek is one of the best native cutthroat trout fisheries in Idaho.
Anadramous runs of chinook salmon and steelhead still use the spawning beds near the field station. The field station serves as a National Weather Service recording station and an atmospheric and meteorologic station provides long-term monitoring data Because it is often desirable to move camp gear to remote sites, the field station maintains a few pack animals. Packing services to support research can be arranged through the field station manager. Faculty and scientists from other research and teaching institutions are invited to develop research and educational programs supported by the field station. Participants are actively involved in ongoing research supported by the field station supplemented with lectures by distinguished wilderness scientists and managers.