Distribution and relative abundance of invertebrate mega-epifauna and benthic fishes were studied in the Gorda Ridge central rift valley off southern Oregon and northern California, USA. Faunal distribution and relative abundance were correlated with location, geological setting, substrate type, and depth. Bottom photographs and videotapes were from 1985–1986 cruises by the US Geological Survey and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Voucher specimens were collected by rock dredge, fish trap, and the Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) Sea Cliff. Location rather than substrate appears to have more effect on the overall taxonomic composition of the mega-epifauna in the northern and southern parts of the rift valley. Within each location, substrate type, i.e. soft sediments and rock outcrops, and percentage cover of these substrates appear to influence the existing faunal composition. Characteristic fauna are associated with each substrate type, e.g. crinoids, gorgonians and sponges (Demospongiae) on rocky surfaces. In the southern sediment-filled Escanaba Trough, deposit-feeding organisms, particularly ophiuroids, asteroids and holothuroids, are interspersed with stalked suspension feeders, such as hexactinellid sponges and pennatulids. Epifaunal community structure in the northern and southern sectors differs, even on similar substrate combinations. Except for the ubiquitous macrourids, fish species distributions may be correlated with substrate type. Abundant particulate material in the bottom water layer probably accounts for large concentrations of suspension and detritus feeding epibenthos.