The American Indians of the Northwest Coast traditionally lived on a narrow belt of Pacific coastland and offshore islands. The Northwest Coast culture area stretches from what is now the southern border of Alaska to northwestern California. The Pacific Ocean is the western boundary. To the east are the mountains of the Coast Range and the Cascades. In many places the coastal hills or mountains fall steeply to a beach or riverbank. Abundant rains support dense, towering forests that are rich in animal life. This environment provided a wealth of resources for the Indians.