The land is etched by wind and water, and dotted with basalt outcroppings, caves, and unusual pillar lava formations.

The Ishi Wilderness is the only protected area in California that preserves a significant portion of the Sierra/Cascade foothill region of the southernmost Cascade Ranges.

[2] Almost the entire wilderness area was burned down by the Park Fire in mid-2024, causing it to currently lack significant greenery.

Pines and oaks thrive on the moister slopes facing north and lush damp forests line the river banks.

Wild turkey, quail, mourning doves, canyon wrens, band-tailed pigeons, and many songbirds are frequently seen.