SCOTT #3378 PACIFIC COAST RAIN FOREST 33 CENT

     Temperate rain forest stretches along the Pacific coast from northern California to the Gulf of Alaska. Characterized by the occurrence of Sitka spruce, this ecosystem typically occupies a relatively narrow strip between the ocean and the mountains. The climate is mild and very wet--average annual precipitation ranges from 80 to 160 inches. Summer fogs are common and intense winter storms bring large amounts of rain and strong winds.