From the summit, much of the forest for which the Pine Forest Range is named, is visible. Whitebark and limber pine, along with quaking aspen are rare in northwestern Nevada, but are abundant in this relict forest. During wetter and cooler times when glaciers were present in a few Nevada mountains and the valleys below were covered by vast lakes, trees such as these extended over a much larger area. As the climate warmed and dried, the trees and the animals that depend on them were forced higher into the mountains. In most of northwestern Nevada the pine forests simply disappeared, leaving only this tiny remnant.
Wildlife is relatively common because of the favorable habitat.
Watch for deer, coyote, chukar, and sage grouse, as well as waterfowl near the lakes and reservoirs. Pronghorn, bighorn sheep, bobcat, mountain lion, beaver, badger and golden eagles are harder to spot. Also watch for birds such as the pine grosbeak and red crossbill not usually seen in this part of Nevada. .