It occurs in the Cascade Mountains of southern Washington and northern Oregon.

In Washington, it occurs from the Columbia River Gorge to just north of Snoqualmie Pass.

The species is characterized by a variable dorsal stripe, typically orange, light brown, or yellow, which is often blotchy.

This species is easily distinguishable from other western Plethodon by its reddish-salmonish venter.

Adults are typically just smaller than 2 inches in snout-to-vent length, with a mode of 15 costal grooves.