Most common on the wetter south side of the Park, the trees may reach 90 feet in height, although are most often less. The branches are swept up, and the trees often have a rather irregular configuration. The needles are angled and borne in tight tufts.

The cones are purplish to reddish-brown and have thickened scales; they are 1-2 inches in length, and are often seen on the ground. High elevation trees may take on a stunted form on exposed sites. This hemlock is also encountered in forest settings.