Its range extends from coastal California to the southern tip of Baja California and includes islands. A California study recorded it on a boulder-strewn hill.
Compared with Anthony's woodrat, it is larger and has a grayer, fluffier coat.
In a Kelso Valley study, it was recorded on boulder-strewn hills, and fecal analysis found California coffeeberry to be a common food.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.