It was declared in March 1968 to protect undisturbed primary forests of Macedonian pine (Pinus peuce).

Just south of the reserve's limited territory are located the Skakavitsa Waterfall (70 m), the highest in the mountain range, and the Seven Rila Lakes, both among the most visited tourist attractions in the area.

Due to the high altitude the predominant tree species are coniferous, such as Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Austrian pine (Pinus nigra), European silver fir (Abies alba) and Norway spruce (Picea abies).

There are a number of rare and endemic plant species under protection, such as Trollius europaeus, Geum bulgaricum, Rheum rhaponticum, Gentiana lutea, Aquilegia aurea, Rhodiola rosea, Valeriana montana, Pyrola media, Vaccinium myrtillus, etc.

[2][5] The fauna is diverse for the reserve’s limited territory, with a number of rare mammal and bird species of conservation importance, including gray wolf, red fox, roe deer, wild boar, Eurasian water shrew, northern nutcracker, Alpine accentor, etc.