The 254 ha Maitlen Creek RNA is located 4 miles south of the Sullivan Lake Ranger Station in Pend Orielle County, Washington. Exposure ranges from southwest to southeast, and topography is steep and rugged. Two small tributary streams lie within the area and Maitlen Creek forms the RNA's west boundary. Elevations range from 884 to 1639 m. Due to dry conditions there is not much variety in the overstory species; Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) are predominant. Important communities in the tract include Douglas fir/ninebark (Physocarpus), Douglas fir/pinegrass (Calamagrostis rubescens), grand fir (Abies grandis)/queen's cup (Clintonia uniflora), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)/twinflower (Linnaea), western hemlock/queen's cup, and western red cedar (Thuja plicata)/queen's cup. Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is also found in the RNA. A mid-elevation stream and riparian system, and shrub fields are also present. The community types form a mosaic that provides an opportunity to study the environmental gradient involved. The area provides winter range for deer and elk. Use is light to moderate.

Township/Range/Section:

Portions of secs 23, 24, 25 and 26, T38N, R43E.

Latitude:

Longitude:

Quad Map:

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Exotic Species Present:

Rocky Mountain big-horn sheep were introduced into a nearby area (Hall Mountain) and probably cross over into the RNA.

Plant Communities:

Cover types are: SAF 210 Douglas fir and SAF 212 western larch. Habitat types include: Douglas fir/ninebark, western hemlock/myrtle boxwood, grand fir/myrtle boxwood, Douglas fir/reedgrass, subalpine fir/myrtle boxwood, subalpine fir/fool's huckleberry, parkland, and alder.

Aquatic Features Present:

Two small tributary streams are within the area and Maitlen Creek forms the west boundary.

Soils:

Shallow soil.

Other Physical Features:

Past Disturbance History:

Portions of the area burned in 1920.

Other Comments: