The range mostly consists of various quartzites, though some parts are formed from sandstone. Almost the entire Ještěd ridge is covered by forest up to the valley of Mohelka. The other part is a mosaic consisting of forests, meadows and fields. Most notable are beech forests, often protected as natural reserves. The Ještěd-Kozákov Ridge is not protected as a whole; however, the Ještěd and Maloskalsko natural parks have been created, along with several smaller reserves.