Natural Features & Ecosystems

Big Hole's ecoregion is characterized by mountain slopes, floodplains, and benches.

NPS photo

Big Hole is in the conifer/alpine meadows ecoregion and is characterized by three different landforms: mountain slope, floodplain, and bench. Three primary vegetation types describe the upland areas of the site. First is forest dominated by Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) with a small component of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa). Second is floodplain and aquatic communities dominated by willow (Salix spp.) and graminoids (grasses) including tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia caespitosa) and sedge (Carex spp.). Last is forest ravine, which is similar in composition to the floodplain, and sagebrush steppe dominated by big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) with several quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) groves.

The flat area or “bench” below the visitor center has two primary communities: grassland, which is dominated by Idaho fescue (Elytrigia spicata), and shrubland, which is dominated by big sagebrush and Idaho fescue. The elevational gradient is roughly 456 feet (~139 m).