Many secondary ridges, often higher than the main ridge, extend north and south from the main crest. Much of the exposed rock is tinted a deep vermilion. Within the mountains are lovely alpine basins splashed with picturesque lakes and meadows. The fishing is excellent in the many lakes and streams, but overfishing has hurt some of the more popular areas. Rivers plunge from the basins into U-shaped canyons carved by glacial activity.
Waterways raging with spring runoff and melted snow can be dangerous to cross.
Snow usually lingers through June, and temperatures in the high country rarely top 70 degrees Fahrenheit. These mountains are the summer home to elk, mule deer, moose, and an occasional mountain sheep. It is not uncommon for visitors to see black bears. Many trails crisscross the Wilderness, which has trailheads on all four sides. All are easy to follow, and the lower pathways make excellent paths for horsepackers.