Ustolls, Ochrepts, and Ustalfs are the dominant soils in valleys and on lower mountain slopes. Ochrepts, Borolls, and Orthents are dominant on upper mountain slopes and crests. Orthents and areas of rock outcrop are extensive on steep mountain slopes, and Fluvents and Aquolls are in valleys. Grazing is the leading land use in the valleys and in the mountains, but lumbering is important in some of the forested mountain areas. Use of the land for recreation is important throughout this region.
Irrigation is practiced in some of the valleys and dryfarming in others.
Grain and forage for livestock are the main crops. Beans, sugar beets, peas, and seed crops are also grown in places where soils, climate, and markets are favorable. Most of the privately owned land is controlled by large commercial timber companies. All the forested areas are used as wildlife habitat, for recreation and watershed, and for timber production. Meadows on the upper mountain slopes and crests above timberline provide summer grazing for livestock and big game animals.