Larvae and paedomorphic adults usually inhabit clear, cool or cold, well-oxygenated streams and often take cover under stones (Parker 1991); aquatic stages also occur in some mountain lakes and ponds. Metamorphosed adults are found in humid forests under rocks and logs, near mountain streams or rocky shores of mountain lakes (Stebbins 1985). Eggs are attached to logs or rocks in creeks (Nussbaum and Clothier 1973, Jones et al. 1990). It is unclear as to whether or not it is tolerant of habitat disturbance.

This species occurs in western North America from southern British Columbia (Chilliwack River drainage) in Canada, south through western Washington and western Oregon to northwestern California in the United States of America (Good 1989, Farr 1989, Petranka 1998, Stebbins 2003, COSEWIC 2014).

Conservation Actions
This species exists within the boundaries of protected areas, including Department of National Defence lands which are federal lands protected under The Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Conservation Needed
Habitat protection is needed in areas where logging is occurring throughout some of its range.