Natural Resources
Conservation Service
Major Land Resource Area 027X
Major Land Resource Area
Accessed: 05/04/2026
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Next, learn more about the selected ecological site group and its characteristic dynamics by browsing the ecological site group description and exploring alternative state and transition model formats.
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Viewing 15 of 15
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i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
-
i
Key Characteristics
- Site located north of the Columbia River.
- Within a national park soil survey or in an area joining with a national park in the Washington Cascades Range
- MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
- Site is forested, and more than 25 percent is covered with trees
- Site is composed primarily of coniferous tree species. If yes, go to “m.” m. Site commonly is at an elevation of 1,600 to 4,600 feet above sea level, in the southern Washington Cascades. Western hemlock typically in the overstory.
- Site commonly is at an elevation of 3,200 to 7,900 feet above sea level, in the Southern Washington Cascades. Mountain hemlock is present
- Site is on debris aprons of mountain slopes, glacial-valley walls, and ridges. A seasonal high water table is at a depth of 19 to 40 inches from the soil surface some time during the growing season. Common overstory species include mountain hemlock and subalpine fir. Understory species include rusty menziesia, black mountain huckleberry, Sitka mountain ash. Southern Washington Cascades High Cryic Coniferous Forest (F003XN951WA).
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Ecological site groups
Major Land Resource Areas
Ecological site group photos
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interactive key
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Interactive key
Additional water
Uplands
Perennial water
027XESG08 – Riparian
027XESG08 – Riparian
Ephemeral water
Subsurface EC >4
027XESG09 – Saline Bottoms
027XESG09 – Saline Bottoms
Subsurface EC <4
Sand >50% & clay <25% for surface and subsurface
027XESG12 – Sandy Bottoms
027XESG12 – Sandy Bottoms
Sand <50% & clay >25% for surface and subsurface
027XESG01 – Bottoms
027XESG01 – Bottoms
>75% bedrock outcrop
027XESG07 – Outcrops
027XESG07 – Outcrops
<75% bedrock outcrop
Surface SAR >8, or subsurface EC >8, or surface EC >4
027XESG10 – Saline Hills
027XESG10 – Saline Hills
Surface SAR <8, and subsurface EC <8, and surface EC <4
EC >1.5 surface or >2 subsurface
027XESG11 – Saline Uplands
027XESG11 – Saline Uplands
EC <1.5 surface and <2 subsurface
Slope >35% & >40% surface rock
027XESG02 – Breaks
027XESG02 – Breaks
Slope <35% or <40% surface rock
Depth <30cm
027XESG15 – Very Shallow
027XESG15 – Very Shallow
Depth: 30-55cm
027XESG14 – Shallow
027XESG14 – Shallow
Depth >55cm
Rock >30% surface or >30% subsurface
027XESG04 – Deep Rocky
027XESG04 – Deep Rocky
Rock <30% surface and <30% subsurface
Clay >30% surface or >35% subsurface
027XESG03 – Clay Uplands
027XESG03 – Clay Uplands
Clay <30% surface and <35% subsurface
Sand >75% or texture is loamy sand or sandier in surface & subsurface
027XESG13 – Sandy Uplands
027XESG13 – Sandy Uplands
Sand <75% and texture is sandy loam or finer in surface & subsurface
Clay <20% or texture is sandy loam or sandier in surface
027XESG06 – Loamy Uplands
027XESG06 – Loamy Uplands
Clay >20% and texture is finer than sandy loam in surface
027XESG05 – Finer Uplands
027XESG05 – Finer Uplands
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Ecological site group keys
MLRA 27
I.
Additional water
B.
Ephemeral water
2
Subsurface EC <4
II.
Uplands
B.
<75% bedrock outcrop
2
Surface SAR <8, and subsurface EC <8, and surface EC <4
ii.
EC <1.5 surface and <2 subsurface
b.
Slope <35% or <40% surface rock
3)
Depth >55cm
b)
Rock <30% surface and <30% subsurface
(2)
Clay <30% surface and <35% subsurface
(a)
Sand >75% or texture is loamy sand or sandier in surface & subsurface
... 027XESG13 – Sandy Uplands
(b)
Sand <75% and texture is sandy loam or finer in surface & subsurface
The Ecosystem Dynamics Interpretive Tool is an information system framework developed by the USDA-ARS Jornada Experimental Range, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and New Mexico State University.
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