Rich, volcanic soils support a range of plant life, from fields of mule ears to conifer forests including whitebark pine at the highest elevations.

The California Native Plant Society lists the three bracted onion as " rare, threatened, or endangered ... " and there are only 10 counties with either specimens obtained or a verified observation made.

Near the North Forth American River is Whitney's milk vetch (Astragalus whitneyi var.

Activities include day-hiking, backpacking, fishing, cross-country skiing, mountain climbing and horsepacking.

The most used is the Granite Chief trailhead located at Squaw Valley Ski Area parking lot.