The Riisitunturi region is a high watershed area, and in addition to its titular peak, many tops reach the height of over 400 metres. The southern fell nature differs from its northern counterpart considerably. It makes the Riisitunturi National Park unique in many ways.

On southern fells, the tree at the tree line is spruce, not birch, as in the north. It is located at an altitude of over 400 metres, and spruce stands ravaged by the snow load are gathered around fell tops.
The tree line is lower than in the north. This is due to the climate, as the moisture that causes the snow load in the treetops damages the tree crowns so much that it reduces the trees’ chances of success. On the other hand, there are no open fell areas at the top of Riisitunturi fell, and solitary trees are growing everywhere.
Northern fell areas are characterised by uneven snow distribution as the wind creates thick snowdrifts in the ravines but leaves the peaks almost snowless. On the Riisitunturi fell, the snow cover is more even, which is why fell habitats typical of the north are not created.
That is why there are less species than on the northern fells. For example, no species typical of pure open fell areas have been observed on the fell. Fell plant species include haresfoot clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum subsp. monostachyon), grey willow (Salix glauca), alpine bearberry (Arctous alpina), alpine azalea (Kalmia procumbens) and highland rush (Juncus trifidus). Regionally endangered alpine clubmoss (Diphasiastrum alpinum) and round sedge (Carex rotundata) have also been encountered on the Riisitunturi fell.

The southern fell nature shows its unique colours on the fell. Spruces at the tree line, on the slopes of the fell and in the valleys create an almost alpine atmosphere. Researchers have been interested in the nature of the Riisitunturi fell for over a hundred years. In the future, the warming climate and the rise of the treeline will challenge fell species. However, the humid climate and snow load on the Riisitunturi fell may act as a natural obstacle for spruces creeping up the fell.

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