The Round Top RNA encircles Round Top Mountain in the Selkirk Mountain Range, and is located in Pend Oreille County, WA, about 5 miles west of the Washington - Idaho state line. Elevations in the 84 ha natural area range from 1740 to 1940 m. Three plant communities dominate the area: green fescue (Festuca viridula) community, the subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa)/ beargrass (Nolina) community, and the Subalpine fir/Cascades azalea (Rhododendron albiflorum) community. The open parklands on the slopes of Round Top Mountain are dominated by green fescue, although bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata), Columbia brome (Bromus vulgaris), and spike trisetum (Trisetum spicatum) are also present. A belt of bittercherry (Prunus emarginata) borders the lower edge of the parkland. In addition, scattered whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) occurs on the summit of the mountain and along the southwest ridge. Along the east and north margins, meadows grade into subalpine fir forests, with Rhododendron, fool's huckleberry (Menziesia ferruginea), beargrass, and woodrush. Snowmelt provides the moisture needed to support the subalpine fir, as well as Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), and snowmelt patterns create a mosaic of tree "islands". Round Top RNA provides habitat for the rare dryland sedge (Carex xerantica) and California sedge (Carex californica), which occur in the Green fescue - Subalpine fir communities. The natural area is part of the late winter, spring and summer range for the endangered woodland caribou.

Township/Range/Section:

Part of sec's 8 and 9, T38N, R45E.

Latitude:

48,47N

Longitude:

117,08W

Quad Map:

Pass Creek and Helmer Mountain.

Threatened or Endangered Species:

Woodland caribou (End.), Wolf (End.), Grizzly bear (threat.), Lynx (state threat), Boreal owl, Fisher, Wolverine.

Exotic Species Present:

Plant Communities:

A high elevation southeast facing grassland ("bald") with green fescue and beargrass. On the lower portions of the area are larger areas of beargrass and subalpine fir/beargrass communities. Limited areas of a subalpine fir/luzula community occur on the margins of the bald. There is also a subalpine fir/Oregon boxwood (?) community.

Aquatic Features Present:

The RNA includes the headwaters tributary and feeder streams for the Gold and Granite Creek drainages to the east, and the Stony creek drainage to the west.

Soils:

Metamorphosed sediments - Super Belt Group.

Other Physical Features:

Past Disturbance History:

Contains whitebark pine badly damaged by white pine blister rust.

Other Comments:

Access by road and trail