The view from the road is much different approaching from the north than from the south. The north side of Kamiak Butte supports primarily conifers, with cycling successions of Grand fir, Ponderosa pine, and larch occurring. The closed canopy associated with Grand fir inhibits growth of most vegetation. The open canopy associated with Ponderosa pine allows growth of bushes as well as Douglas fir. Between these areas and along the north face of the butte, shade and light tolerant forbes as well as ferns can be found.
Light plays a greater role in operational conditions here as compared to the south side.
Water is more abundant here than on the south side as snow accumulations melt slowly, trickling through the thin soil, then settling near the bottom of the slopes where bushes are found as well as black cottonwoods. The growth of ferns also points to increased moisture in the air. Evaporation by sun and wind are not as common as on the south face, so more water is available for a longer time. Soil ions are more plentiful here because of increased loess depths, but also due to the increased amount of duff and conifer needles present. The acidity of the soil is increased, breaking down organic material faster, and thereby releasing more ions into the soil.