Wildcat Mountain RNA

The Wildcat Mountain Research Natural Area (RNA) was designated to represent ecosystems common to the Pacific Silver Fir Zone. The original RNA includes slopes of a moderately high mountain ridge with rocky cliffs, meadows, and brush fields. The RNA was expanded in 1998 to include first, second and third order streams and associated wetlands.  Late-successional Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) forests, as well as cliff, talus, rock garden, and mesic meadow communities are also present in the expansion. The predominant tree species in the original section is noble fir (Abies procera). Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and mountain hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana) are also common. Successional trends indicate that Pacific silver fir (Abies amabilis) will likely replace most other tree species over time.  Sitka alder (Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata) is found in association with wetlands in the expanded section. The understory is comprised of queen's cup (Clintonia uniflora), vanilla leaf (Carphephorus odoratissimus), beargrass (Nolina), and big huckleberry (Vaccinium membranaceum).