Lithology and Stratigraphy. Soils include frigid and cryic Ochrepts, Boralfs, and Orthents. These soils are generally shallow to moderately deep, with loamy to sandy textures containing rock fragments. Some soils at higher elevations have been moderately influenced by volcanic ash deposits. Potential Natural Vegetation.
Foothills prairie with wheatgrasses, fescues, and needlegrass occurs in the drier valleys.
Principal tree species include Douglas-fir, hemlock, cedar, and grand fir. Birds are very similar to those in Section M333B, but with more high altitude species such as white-tailed ptarmigan, boreal owl, and American pipit. Birds of special note are the common loon, common and Barrow's goldeneyes, harlequin duck, varied thrush, Swainson's thrush, Townsend's warbler, and pine siskin. Species nearing the edge of their range include chestnut-backed and boreal chickadees and northern water thrush. Typical herbivores and carnivores include white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, bobcat, and cougar.