MARINE WEST COAST FORESTS
This ecological region covers the mainland and offshore islands of the Pacific Coast from
Alaska south to northern California. The wettest climates of North America occur in this area.
It is characterized by mountainous topography bordered by coastal plains, and contains all of
the temperate rain forests found in North America. These forests are among the most productive
in North America, making forestry the major resource activity. Major commercial fisheries
occur offshore. The large population of 6.5 million is concentrated in coastal cities and towns.