Foraging takes place in litter piles, moss and burrows. Runway systems and burrows are well developed through their home range and through litter layer and shrubs. Breeding occurs in February through May with births of young in April through June. Breeding season depends on sun exposure and may start earlier or later than usual. They usually occur with S. vagrans and S. monticolus but are less dependent on water than these other shrews.
Major predators are owls, weasels, and pacific giant salamanders.