Needles

The RNA features a variety of subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) habitat types associated with granitic substrates of the Idaho batholith. Unforested areas include rock crevice and talus plant communities, alder glades, and an extensive wet meadow with tall-forb and sedge communities. Slopes surrounding the basin are dominated by exposed granite with very open stands and stringers of Engelmann spruce (Picea engelmannii), subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa) and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis). Numerous springs are scattered around the basin walls, feeding a large wet meadow and shallow pond.