Marble Mountain Wilderness
Map SatelliteSubstantial portions of the Marble and Salmon Mountains lie within the boundaries of this Wilderness, which is over 85% forested.
Extensive mixed conifer and Douglas fir forests are found in the lower elevations to about 1,525 meters (5,000 feet). In the fir forest, Pseudotsuga menziesii, is the dominant, with madrone, Arbutus menziesii, tan-oak, Lithocarpus densiflora, and chinquapin, Chrysolepis chrysophylla, prominent in the understory. In the mixed conifer, white fir, Abies concolor, sugar pine, Pinus lambertiana, and ponderosa pine, Pinus ponderosa, are found in association with Douglas fir. In some of the poorer soils, knobcone pine, Pinus attenuata, is present.
Above 1,525 meters (5,000 feet), white and red fir, Abies magnifica, predominate, the red in the higher elevations. Lodgepole pine, Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana, and Brewer spruce, Picea breweriana, are also found here. In the subalpine forests, mountain hemlock, Tsuga mertensiana, whitebark pine, Pinus albicaulis, and foxtail pine, Pinus balfouriana, are the major elements.
There is a stand of silver fir, Abies amabilis, in the Wilderness (see English Peak Area). A number of montane and subalpine meadows are also present (see Big Meadows).
At least seven rare or uncommon plants have been collected in the area. They include the subalpine fir, Abies lasiocarpa, which, though common in the West, is known in California from only two other nearby localities, Lilium pardalinum ssp. wigginsii, Pedicularis contorta, Pityopus californicus, Tauschia howellii, Vaccinium membranaceum and Veronica copelandii.
The abundant animal life is typical of the region, with such species as black bear, Ursus americanus, mountain lion, Felis concolor, bobcat, Lynx rufus marten, Martes americana, fisher, Martes pennanti, blue grouse, Dendragapus obscurus, and ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus.
Among the glacial features present are cirques, moraines, etc. There are a number of creeks and streams and at least 79 lakes. Rocks include Mesozoic granitics and pre-Cretaceous limestones. Many barren areas are found in the highest elevations.
See also Wooley Creek.
Integrity: There are trails, fences, cabins, etc., within the Wilderness. Although some portions are in poor condition from past grazing, much of the area is in good condition. It was established as a Primitive Area in 1931, a Wilderness in 1953.
Use: Research, educational, observational, present.
June 1981
Inventory of California Natural Areas
Revision © 2009 Steven Louis Hartman