The eastern slopes of the Cascades receive significantly less annual precipitation. Vegetation is modified because of the reduced rainfall and snowfall. The primary forested areas are populated by dense lands of Engelmann spruce, grand fir, silver fir, and Douglas fir conifers. Streambeds and lower elevated areas are perfect for mixed deciduous varieties of vine maple, alder, larch, oak, and aspen trees. Open areas include meadows, steppe grasslands, and dense bushes and thickets. The animal life is similar to the western Cascades. Perhaps the biggest difference is the existence of venomous rattlesnakes.

Why is vegetation on the eastern slopes of the Cascades different from the west?

The climate is too cold in that area of the region.
Less precipitation falls on the east side of the mountains than the west.
That side of the mountains is too snowy for plants to grow.
The soil in that area does not support the growth of trees.