The ecoregion has a predominantly Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb) with fresh, dry, sunny summers and cool winters with moderate precipitation and plentiful cloud cover.

[3] The ecoregion was also home to extensive coastal wetlands and peat bog ecosystems scattered about in poorly drained areas.

[4] These ecosystems have since been greatly reduced in size due to the repurposing of these lands for agriculture, grazing, industry, and urban development.

Mammals that inhabit this ecoregion include black-tailed deer, coyote, raccoon, mink, sea otter, harbour seal, red fox, and the introduced Virginia opossum.

[5][6] The opportunity exists to use local conservation easements to protect remaining riparian and wetland areas, restore a portion of the old-growth forests, and provide connections to adjacent ecoregions.