[2] A large chipmunk, adults can be 36 cm (14 in) from nose to the tip of its tail.

In much of its range, it is the only chipmunk; it can be identified by its tail which is grayish above and reddish below, and by its brown coloration with indistinct tawny stripes.

Townsend's chipmunk hibernates in regions where the winter is harsh, but in other parts of its range that have a more mild climate it can be active year-round.

It is omnivorous, eating a variety of plants and insects and even birds' eggs.

[3] Townsend's chipmunks in the Oregon Coast Range have higher population densities in areas with dense shrubbery, especially salal (Gaultheria shallon).