Stems usually not branching distal to base, 1-10 dm, conspicuously glaucous. Leaves: basal 3-4 dm; blade linear, attenuate, channeled, conspicuously glaucous. Inflorescences 1-2-flowered; bracts paired, opposite. Flowers nodding; perianth ± closed at apex, ± oblong; sepals appressed to petals, grayish mauve to pale green, broadly lanceolate, 1-2.5 cm, glabrous, apex acuminate; petals pale yellow, obovate, 2-4.5 cm, adaxial surface moderately hairy from gland to apex, margins moderately ciliate to apex, apex acuminate to acute; glands depressed, with long, thin, distal hairs; filaments 7-9 mm; anthers ± oblong, 6 mm, apex obtuse. Capsules nodding, ridged, not winged, oblong, 2-4 cm, apex acute. Seeds dark brown, irregular.

Flowering summer. Exposed serpentine soil in open woodlands; of conservation concern; less than 300 m; Calif.

Calochortus raichei is known only from the headwaters area of Big Austin Creek, Sonoma County. It is threatened by mining activities.