It is closely related to the western red-backed vole (Clethrionomys californius), which lives to the south and west of its range and which is less red with a less sharply bicolored tail.

They use burrows created by other small animals, such as squirrels and groundhogs.

These animals are found in coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests, often near wetlands.

They tend to follow paths they have established, runways through the surface growth in warm weather and tunnels through the snow in winter.

They are omnivorous, feeding on green plants, underground fungi, seeds, nuts, and roots, as well as insects, snails, and berries.