It is endemic to the Pacific Northwest and is the only frog in North America highly specialized for life in cold, clear mountain streams. Due to its specialized habitat requirements, it is vulnerable to habitat loss and alteration associated with logging. Logging impacts include stream exposure, increased silt, bank erosion and windfall, as well as reduced flow rates and substrate stability. It occurs in mountain streams, steep-walled valleys and coastal creeks. The tadpole stage may last two to four years depending on stream productivity and water temperature.
Metamorphosed individuals feed primarily on terrestrial insects.
Juvenile frogs may disperse to new streams before they reach sexual maturity at 7 or 8 years of age. Breeding occurs in early fall. Unlike most frogs, fertilization is internal. Adults are very philopatric remaining near one breeding site their entire lives. Dispersal abilities are likely poor due to their philopatric nature and presumed limited juvenile dispersal.