It is found in the United States, inhabiting Pacific Slope drainages from the Snohomish River and Puget Sound in Washington to the Rogue River system in Oregon and California.

It prefers faster water with rubble or gravel substrate, but occurs in pools and along stream edges when other sculpin species are present.

Its ideal habitat is cold creeks in old-growth forest, with plenty of riffles and runs.

This species is tolerant of variable water temperatures and salinities.

Where other sculpin species are common, spawning occurs in slow-flowing areas; where other sculpin species are rare or absent, spawning usually occurs in riffles.