The Mission Mountains support a variety of raptors, water birds, upland game birds, shore birds, owls, hummingbirds, and song birds. The area has about 50 species. Less common to view are golden eagle, bald eagle, common loon, and pileated woodpecker. Most of the fishing is confined to the lakes. Dense brush and windfalls along major streams make stream fishing difficult.
Streams usually drop rapidly in elevation and, consequently, are poor fishing.
There are native cutthroat trout in many of the lakes. Other non-native fish species include rainbow trout, golden trout, hybrid trout, Dolly Varden, and mountain whitefish. The outstanding multi-colored displays of wildflowers in the alpine meadows and high basins will surprise you. The number of species has never been counted. They serve as a watershed and wildlife cover.