The tall mountain ranges intercept the clouds as they move in from the Pacific Ocean. As a result, there are forests even on the southern mountains amidst deserts and grasslands. Only in the cool North, where rainfall is abundant, are there dense forests in the valleys as well. On the mountain slopes, soils are generally shallow and composed of organic duff or peat. In the valleys, alluvial soils from the eroding mountains are deep and rich.
Wildlife abounds in the western forests, including elk, moose, bear, squirrels, and birds.
Campers are familiar with the thieving jays, often called camp robbers, who never pass up a handout. Gardeners in this region have cool summers - perfect for growing perennials. The coastal regions have mild winters as well and are a gardening paradise. The herbaceous border so admired in English gardening books, lush with plants from around the globe, is most attainable here. Each association has its unique assemblage of species, but trees such as Douglas fir and lodgepole pine are common across the entire province.