There are fourteen salamanders in Washington state and belong to five different taxonomical families.
These are Family Ambystomatidae which contains four mole salamanders; Dicamptodontidae which contains two giant salamanders; Plethodontidae which contains five lungless salamanders; Rhyacotritonidae which includes three torrent salamanders; and Salamandridae which contains a single newt.
The salamanders in Washington are mostly lizard-like in appearance. Despite this, they are amphibians. Some such as the rough-skinned newt is highly toxic and should be avoided. You can tell them apart by their rough granular skin and their bright orange underside.
The largest salamander within the state is the Pacific giant salamander, also known as the coastal giant salamander.
Table of Contents
Salamanders in Washington
Family Ambystomatidae
These include mole salamanders.
1. Northwestern Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Ambystoma gracile
- Total Length: 5.5 to 8.7 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 3.14 to 3.5 inches
- State Ranking: S5
- Distribution within the State: West
This is a stocky large salamander. It is quite large reaching a length of 9 inches in some cases. The tail is laterally compressed. The species is dark in color.
Adults may or may not metamorphose. Gilled adults (neotenes) can persist in freshwater with trout population although trout prey on the salamander. Other introduced fish such as largemouth bass do stop Ambystoma gracile from breeding.
Terrestrial adults generally inhabit mesic forests. They are less common in young forests and prefer mature forests. Here they are generally close to breeding habitats such as slow-moving creeks, road ditches, lakes, wetlands, and ponds. Breeding ponds are also home to gilled adults.
The species is endemic to the west of the Cascade Crest in the Pacific Coast, West Cascades, and Puget Trough. They also occur east of the Cascade Crest.
2. Long-toed Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Ambystoma macrodactylum
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.13 to 3.25 inches
- State Ranking: S5
- Distribution within the State: Statewide
This is a moderately sized mole salamander. The background color of Ambystoma macrodactylum is black or dark gray. There are several irregular stripes or a single stripe on the back. This stripe is yellowish. Similar to other mole salamanders, the snout is rounded and the head is broad. Ambystoma macrodactylum also has a dorsal stripe that is broken and irregular. The dorsum is gray or black.
The species is endemic to alpine meadows, ponderosa pine – Oregon oak meadows, coniferous forests, and sagebrush communities. Here they bred in seasonal pools, large puddles, spring boxes, road ditches, slow-moving springs, lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
The species is endemic throughout the state and occurs in all ecoregions of the state. Regardless of their pervasiveness, they are sparse in the arid shrub-steppe zone of the Columbia Basin and the coastal areas of the Pacific Northwest Coastal Ecoregions.
3. Tiger Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Ambystoma tigrinum
- Snout-to-vent Length: 6.4 inches
- Lifespan: 16 to 25 years
- State Status: Monitor
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Medium
- Distribution within the State: East
This is a large and stocky salamander. It derives its common name from its coloration which is yellowish with black markings – stripes and blotches. Its length from snout to vent is about 6.4 inches. While they metamorphose, there are individuals that do not. These are gilled adults and can be even larger than metamorphosed adults.
The species is the most widespread salamander in North America. Within the state, it is endemic mainly to the Columbia Plateau. There are also populations in Eastern Cascades and Okanogan. Here they occur in the ponderosa pine vegetation and steppe.
Within, Washington, the species inhabits arid regions with shrub-steppe vegetation. They inhabit y ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir forest in the Colvin area.
It is necessary that the soils within its habitat are suitable for burrowing and that there freshwater bodies close by are fishless. The species breed in permanent ponds most often.
Family Dicamptodontidae
These include giant salamanders.
4. Cope’s Giant Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Dicamptodon copei
- Total Length: 7.5 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 4.5 inches
- State Status: Monitor
- State Ranking: S3S4 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Not Known
- Population Trend: Stable
- Distribution within the State: West
This species is marbled brown and gold in coloration. Its tail is laterally compressed and its snout is round. The species rarely metamorphose and remain aquatic throughout. Terrestrial adults are generally nocturnal and are hidden most of the time. Larvae are active in water throughout the year.
This is one of the biggest salamanders within the state reaching a length of about 7.5 inches.
The species is endemic to western Washington. Outside of the state, the species is also endemic to northwestern Oregon. Within Washington, the species occur mainly in the West Cascades, southern Puget Trough, and west of the Cascade Crest.
The species is mostly found in moist coniferous forests. Here they inhabit mountain streams. Terrestrial adults remain hidden under logs, and rocks during the day. They can also be seen swimming in streams.
5. Pacific Giant Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Dicamptodon tenebrosus
- State Status: None
- Total Length: 13.4 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 6.7 inches
- State Ranking: S5
- Distribution within the State: West
The species is quite large and reaches a length of 34 cm and a snout-to-vent length of about 17 cm. The species is stocky. The coloration is similar to that of the Cope’s giant – marbled brown and gold. The snout is rounded and the tail is laterally compressed. This is considered the largest terrestrial salamander in North America.
Dicamptodon tenebrosus is subterranean and is almost never seen. Larvae live in flowing water and can be seen. The species breed in spring and autumn. Gravid females nest in spring. They brood and guard the eggs until they hatch, the species remain larvae for about a year and a half to two years. They may then metamorphose. Not all individuals metamorphoses.
The species is endemic to the West Cascades, Puget Trough, Cascade Crest on the Pacific Coast, and East Cascades. They are absent north of the Chehalis River on the Olympic Peninsula.
The species is endemic to moist coniferous forests. Here they are found in mountain streams.
Family Plethodontidae
6. Ensatina

- Binomial Nomenclature: Ensatina eschscholtzii
- Total Length: 1.5 to 3 inches
- State Status: None
- State Ranking: S5
- Distribution within the State: West
This is a tiny amphibian with adults reaching a length of 1.5 to 3 inches. The ensatina is slender. Its color is either orange or brown. The eyes are dark and large and the limbs are short. The species has 12 to 13 costal grooves.
Ensatina is terrestrial and lives in forested areas. They are commonly found in areas of moderate rainfall when areas of higher rainfall in western Washington as seen from the distribution map. This amphibian is most endemic to the Cascade Mountains – specifically the west slope. Here they occur in all ecoregions.
The species inhabit areas with decaying logs and other woody debris. Gravid females nest in burrows, under bark, wood, or in decaying logs.
7. Dunn’s Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Plethodon dunni
- Total Length: 5.5 to 6 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.5 to 3 inches
- State Status: Candidate (Considered as a candidate for listing as Endangered or Threaten)
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Low
- Population Trend: Stable
- Distribution within the State: Southwest
This is the largest lungless salamander in Washington and the northwest. Unlike most other salamanders, P. dunni is terrestrial upon hatching. Although they are terrestrial, they need humid and moist conditions to thrive. Gravid females nest in crevices and decayed logs. These places are generally within wet areas. Hatchlings emerge fully formed.
P. dunni is endemic to the Willapa Hills in the Olympic Physiographic Province. Their geographic range extends to the Cowlitz river to the east and the Chehalis River to the north.
The species are terrestrials but live in humid areas such as the shaded edges of forested streams and moist talus. Their preferred habitats are permanently and constantly wet but not in water. Adults remain hidden throughout the day under woody debris or rocks in splash zones of streams.
P. dunni is found away from their preferred habitats but only on rainy nights in the rainy season. Here they hide under downed wood or forest duff during the day.
8. Larch Mountain Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Plethodon larselli
- Total Length: 4.33 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2 inches
- State Status: Sensitive (Vulnerable or Declining and is in danger of becoming Endangered or Threaten)
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Low
- Distribution within the State: Southwest to central
Plethodon larselli is a small salamander with a snout-to-vent length of about just two inches or less. They are subterranean species and are only on the surface for about 20 to 90 days each year. When humidity is high and temperatures are appropriate. While they mate and breed in spring and fall, no nests have been discovered. Similar to the Dunn’s salamander, Plethodon larselli comes out of their eggs fully formed. They do not have an aquatic stage.
Similar to other lungless salamanders, Plethodon larselli respire through their skin which handles the oxygen uptake.
Within Washington, the species is endemic to a 34-mile stretch of the Columbia River Gorge and in the Cascades of the Kachess Lake, Snoqualmie Pass. Outside of Washington, the species is endemic to northern Oregon.
The species inhabits areas with accumulated rock with interstitial spaces between soil and rock. Some of these include gravelly soils, scree, and talus. They also inhabit steep slopes. Plethodon larselli lives in a wide range of non-forested and forested habitats. These habitats must have ground covers such as rocks, leaf litter, and woody debris.
Within forested habitats, they are known to inhabit mature coniferous forests. Within non-forested habitats, the habitats usually face the north and have an abundance of nonvascular plants such as mosses covering the ground.
Plethodon larselli also inhabits Mount St. Helens where they live in lava tubes.
9. Van Dyke’s Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Plethodon vandykei
- Total Length: 4 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.5 inches
- State Status: Candidate (Considered as a candidate for listing as Endangered or Threaten)
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Low
- Distribution within the State: West
Plethodon vandykei are most active on the surface from spring after snowmelt to before the drought in summer and during the rains of autumn before the freezing months. When on the surface, the soils must be wet or moist and must have temperatures of 39 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit.
Gravid females nest in early May and the hatchlings emerge by early October. Females guard the eggs during summer. Similar to other lungless salamanders in Washington, the hatchlings come out fully formed with no aquatic larval stage. Similar to other lungless salamanders, Plethodon vandykei respire through their skin which handles the oxygen uptake.
Plethodon vandykei is endemic to Washington. Here they occur in three different populations – in the southern Cascade Ranges, on the Olympic Peninsula, and in the Willapa Hills.
Plethodon vandykei inhabits rock outcrops, seepages, and streams. The temperatures of their habitats must be cool and the environment must be humid/moist. They occur also in mature forests with an abundance of colluvial rock and woody debris. They occur also in cave entrances, upland sites, and forested talus.
10. Western Red-Backed Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Plethodon vehiculum
- Total Length: 2.75 to 4.5 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 1.6 to 2.3 inches
- State Status: None
- State Ranking: S5
- Distribution within the State: West
This is a small lungless salamander that can reach a length of 4.5 inches. They are dark in coloration with a large red or orangish stripe on their back. This stripe gives the species their common name. The stripe extends from their head to their tail. Some individuals have dark pigmentation and this composes about just 10 percent of the coastal forest wild populations.
These salamanders are terrestrials throughout their lives. They are mostly found inhabiting the edges of seeps & streams and rocky areas, here they generally hide under woody debris, sword ferns, forest litter, and rocks.
The species is endemic to the western part of Washington. Here they are endemic to Long Island in Willapa Bay and central and southern Puget Sound (Hope Island, Hartstene Island, and Bainbridge Island).
Family Rhyacotritonidae
These include torrent salamanders.
11. Cascade Torrent Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Rhyacotriton cascadae
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.25 inches
- State Status: Candidate (Considered as candidate for listing as Endangered or Threaten)
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Medium
- Population Trend: unknown
- Distribution within the State: Southwest
The species is endemic to the Cascade Mountains where it derives its common name from. The species occurs on the west slope of the Mountains north of the Cowlitz River in Washington. The species is endemic south of the Nisqually River to the Columbia River. The range extends to the Willamette River In Oregon. These are the two states that are home to this salamander.
The species is endemic to areas with canopy cover. These areas include waterfall splash zones, seepages, and cold streams. The species prefer areas with high humidity/moisture and low temperatures. The species live in water but can be found in wet terrestrial forests during rainy wet periods.
12. Columbia Torrent Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Rhyacotriton kezeri
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.4 inches
- State Status: Monitor
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Medium
- Distribution within the State: Southwest
This is a tiny stream salamander. This species has a snout-to-vent length of under 2.4 inches. The larval period of Rhyacotriton kezeri is over two years and is considered to be long. Larvae feed on small aquatic invertebrates. The metamorphosed adults feed on semiaquatic as well as aquatic invertebrates. Similar to other torrent salamanders Rhyacotriton kezeri have reduced lungs and respire through their skin which handles the oxygen uptake.
The species is limited to the Willapa Hills in Washington. Outside of Washington, they can also be found in northwestern Oregon. Within their geographic range, their populations are patchy, however, they are common within appropriate habitats.
The appropriate habitats of the species include mature coniferous forests with the coastal ranges of southwestern Washington. Here they occur within waterfall splash zones, seepages, and permanent streams. The temperatures within their habitats are low.
Terrestrial adults are almost always found in freshwater although they venture away from their freshwater habitats in wet terrestrial forest settings.
13. Olympic Torrent Salamander

- Binomial Nomenclature: Rhyacotriton olympicus
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.4 inches
- State Status: Monitor
- State Ranking: S3 (Vulnerable – Uncommon / Rare)
- Population Size: Medium
- Distribution within the State: Northwest
Rhyacotriton olympicus is also a tiny stream salamander that grows to a snout-to-vent length of 2.4 inches. Similar to other torrent salamanders the larval period is long – over two years.
Larvae feed on small aquatic invertebrates. The metamorphosed adults feed on semiaquatic as well as aquatic invertebrates. Similar to other torrent salamanders Rhyacotriton olympicus have reduced lungs and respire through their skin which handles the oxygen uptake.
The amphibian gets its common name from its geographic range which is the Olympic Peninsula. The population within their range is spotty. In the Olympic National Park, they were present in 47 percent of seeps and 41 percent of streams surveyed.
Suitable habitats include mature coniferous forests of the Olympic Peninsula. Here they occur within waterfall splash zones, seepages, and permanent streams. The temperatures within their habitats are low. The streams they inhabit are slow-moving, shallow, and have rock rubble and gravel.
Family Salamandridae
14. Rough-skinned Newt

- Binomial Nomenclature: Taricha granulosa
- Total Length: 4.33 to 7 inches
- Snout-to-vent Length: 2.4 to 3.5 inches
- State Status: None
- State Ranking: S5
- Distribution within the State: West to central
Rough-skinned newt is a large salamander. This newt derives its common name from its rough glandular skin. The dorsum is brown, the snout is rounded, and the ventrum is orange. The species is terrestrial or aquatic. Aquatic adults have gills and a tail fin.
Terrestrial adults are highly toxic. This allows them to move freely even during the day.
The species is endemic mostly to the West Cascades, Puget Trough, and the west of the Cascade Crest in the Pacific Coast. Other places they occur include areas of the East Cascades east of the Cascade Crest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Pacific giant salamander live?
The Pacific giant salamander live in the West Cascades, Puget Trough, Cascade Crest on the Pacific Coast, and East Cascades. They are absent north of the Chehalis River on the Olympic Peninsula.
Within these regions, you can find the pacific giant salamander in moist coniferous forests in mountain streams.
Where can I find Dicamptodon?
This refers to giant salamanders. All giant salamanders are known as dicamptodons. There are two dicamptodons in Washington. These are the Cope’s giant salamander and the pacific giant salamander.
Giant salamanders are mostly subterranean. This means that you won’t find them most of the time. Their larvae can be found in slow-flowing water. Adults live in moist coniferous forests but are mostly hidden in burros and under objects.
The Pacific giant salamander is endemic to the West Cascades, Puget Trough, Cascade Crest on the Pacific Coast, and East Cascades. The Cope’s giant salamander is endemic to West Cascades, southern Puget Trough, and west of the Cascade Crest.
Where to find salamanders in Washington?
You can find salamanders throughout the entire state. The long-toed salamander is statewide but most salamanders within the state are endemic to the western parts of the state.
What are the poisonous salamanders in Washington state?
Yes, there are pious salamanders in the state. While most salamanders in Washington are mildly toxic, the rough-skinned newt is highly toxic. These newts have rough granular skin which is dark in color and a bright orange underside.
Conclusion
There are several salamanders within Washington. Some such as the rough-skinned newt is highly toxic and should not be handled. Others such as the ensatina are lungless and respire through their skin. In all the fourteen salamanders belong to five families – Ambystomatidae, Plethodontidae, Rhyacotritonidae, and Salamandridae.
Ambystomatidae contains mole salamnders. Plethodontidae contains lungless salamanders such as the ensatina. Rhyacotritonidae contains torrent salamanders. And Salamandridae contains newts. There is a single newt in Washington and that is the rough-skinned newt.
The salamanders within the state are found to the west except for the long-toed salamander which is found statewide and the tiger salamander which is found to the east.
Other nearby states