Ponderosa pine is the dominant tree species in most parts of the Ochoco Mountains. These pines are common at elevations from above sea level. Manzanita, antelope bitterbrush, and ceanothus are common shrubs in the pine-dominated areas with Idaho fescue and Ross' sedge as the main ground cover. Ponderosa pine forests are tolerant of drought and low-intensity wildfires. Birds commonly found in the pine forests of the Ochoco Mountains include the northern flicker, hairy woodpecker, red-tailed hawk, and Steller's jay. Central Oregon's ponderosa pine forests are an important winter range for mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk.