The northern Pacific rattlesnake is one of the most broadly tolerant of all rattlers in its choice of habitats. It occurs in arid plains, desert margins, fertile valleys, prairie grasslands, chaparral-covered foothills, on rocky ridges, in mountain meadows, and forests. Northern Pacific rattlesnakes are often found around watercourses in the summer, but too much water can be a limiting factor. They are unable to maintain stable populations in coastal coniferous forests probably due to excessive moisture and notably low summer temperatures. C. v. lutosus occurs nearly exclusively in the arid plains and desert areas of southeastern Oregon. All rattlesnakes are careful to keep usually south-facing rocky outcroppings with deep crevices or prairie dog towns within migratory distance.
