Sarah Brown
Oregon is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, with the state's diverse landscapes providing the perfect environment for these fungi to flourish. From the damp conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest to the sandy soils and shady forests of the Oregon Coast, mushroom enthusiasts can find an array of species to discover and, in some cases, safely harvest. The most popular edible mushrooms found in Oregon include morels, golden chanterelles, king boletes, and American matsutakes, but there are many other varieties to explore as well. With wild mushroom hunting being a popular hobby in the state, it is important for foragers to be able to accurately identify mushroom species and distinguish between the edible and the poisonous.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of fungal species in North America | 10,000 |
| Percentage of mushroom species that are edible | 10-20% |
| Percentage of mushroom species with medicinal properties | 5% |
| Percentage of mushroom species that can make you sick | 20% |
| Percentage of mushroom species that are deadly | 1% |
| Season for hunting wild mushrooms in Oregon | Spring and Fall |
| Popular and tasty mushrooms found in Oregon | Morels, golden chanterelles, king boletes, American matsutakes |
| Other edible mushrooms in Oregon | Horn of plenty, spreading hedgehog, shaggy parasol, coral tooth, black picoa, Oregon white truffle, Agaricus albolutescens |
| Poisonous mushrooms in Oregon | Death-cap, Fly agaric |
| Mushroom hunting locations in Oregon | Eugene, Oakridge, Fall Creek, Central Oregon, Oregon Coast, Brookings, Yachats Village |
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What You'll Learn
Hunting seasons and locations
Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in Oregon, with the state's coastal forests providing the ideal environment for several types of edible mushrooms. The best season for finding mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest is generally between September and November, with the Oregon Coast in November being a perfect place to hunt for wild mushrooms due to its damp climate, grassy dunes, and fern-covered, mossy forests. However, different mushrooms fruit at different times, and the timing of your hunt will depend on the specific mushrooms you are looking for. For example, morels are found in the spring, while truffles are typically found between October and March.
When it comes to locations, the coastal forests and grasses of the Oregon Dunes, the Coast Range, and other forested areas around the state are known for their abundance of wild mushrooms. In particular, the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region is known for its impressive varieties, including the iconic chanterelle and the elusive morel. The Oregon Mycological Society in Portland and the Cascade Mycological Society in Eugene are excellent resources for beginners, offering education, organising trips, and providing extensive resources for the public. Local community colleges across Oregon also offer mushroom-foraging classes open to all.
If you're looking for specific types of mushrooms, here are some tips on when and where to find them:
- Chanterelles: Chanterelles are one of the earliest and longest-appearing mushrooms in Oregon Coast forests. They typically fruit from July until November and are known for their yellow or peachy colour and trumpet shape. They can be found in hillsides and under logs, particularly in younger and middle-aged Doug-fir and western hemlock forests.
- Hedgehog mushrooms: These mushrooms grow at the same time and in similar locations as chanterelles. They are characterised by their soft spines and creamy underside.
- Oyster mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms are floppy, cream-coloured mushrooms that grow in shelf formations on certain kinds of dead trees.
- Chicken of the woods mushrooms: These bright yellow-orange mushrooms grow in fan shapes on decaying wood, often near oyster mushrooms.
- Lobster mushrooms: Bright orange-red lobster mushrooms can often be found poking out of the soil near the beaches.
- King boletes: King boletes are associated with Sitka spruce trees, among others.
- Matsutake: This mushroom can be identified by its smell and is often found at farmers' markets.
While mushroom hunting can be a fun and exciting activity, it is important to approach it with caution. Only consume mushrooms that you can identify with 100% certainty, as many toxic and poisonous species closely resemble common edibles. Always follow local regulations and guidelines for mushroom harvesting, and make sure to have the necessary permits and permissions when foraging in state parks or other protected areas.
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Popular edible mushrooms
Wild edible mushrooms are an exciting find in Oregon, but they can also be deadly. It is estimated that only 10 to 20% of North American mushroom species are edible, and there are very many species in the world, so it is easy to confuse edible with poisonous ones. The golden rule of mushroom collecting is to avoid anything suspicious and to have a guide on hand to confirm that what you have picked is edible. It is always best to begin with a local guide or class to learn how to identify mushrooms and to follow the rules of mushroom harvesting in Oregon.
One of the most popular edible mushrooms in Oregon is the morel. Morels are among the most highly prized mushrooms and are abundant in the spring. They have a conical appearance, are completely hollow inside, and are great when dried and sautéed. Another popular edible mushroom is the chanterelle, which is one of the most popular species of edible mushrooms all over the world. Chanterelles are yellow or peachy-colored, trumpet-shaped, and have a fruity odor. They tend to be the most difficult fungi to cultivate, and they grow from July until November.
King boletes are another popular edible mushroom found in Oregon and can be found year-round depending on where you go. They are the safest wild edible mushrooms for novices to collect as they are easy to identify by their appearance and spongy-like surface underside of the cap. Boletes are a broad species of mushrooms that contain many edible species and only a few poisonous or bitter ones.
Other edible mushrooms found in Oregon include the horn of plenty, the spreading hedgehog, the shaggy parasol, the coral tooth, the black picoa, and the Oregon black and white truffle. Truffles are similar to the edible and costly European truffles and are generally priced at $300 to $500 per pound in Oregon.
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Poisonous mushrooms
Oregon is home to a variety of mushrooms, with wild mushroom hunting being a popular activity in the state. While most locals head out past Oakridge or up into Fall Creek to find good foraging grounds, wild mushrooms can be found throughout Oregon's conifer and hardwood forests. The damp conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest are the ideal breeding ground for edible wild mushrooms. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when foraging for mushrooms, as Oregon also has its share of poisonous varieties that can cause serious health issues, including liver damage and even death. Here are some of the poisonous mushrooms that can be found in Oregon:
Death Caps
Death caps are highly toxic mushrooms that are responsible for most incidents of mushroom poisoning in the Pacific Northwest and worldwide. They resemble safe paddy straw mushrooms, making it crucial to accurately identify them before consumption.
Deadly Galerina
These mushrooms contain a-amanitin, a deadly toxin that damages liver cells, the central nervous system, and kidneys. They are beautiful and tempting to pick, but foragers must exercise extreme caution and avoid them at all costs.
False Morels
False morels, also known as sponge mushrooms, belong to the genus Gyromitra. They produce toxins such as mono methyl hydrazine, a carcinogen that can induce vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, and even death. False morels can be easily mistaken for true morels, so foragers must be cautious and accurately identify them before consumption.
Destroying Angel
The aptly named destroying angel is one of the most common poisonous mushrooms in the Pacific Northwest. They contain amatoxins, which destroy liver and kidney tissues within hours of consumption, leading to a slow and painful death.
Conocybe
Conocybe mushrooms have rust-coloured brown gills and conical caps. They are deadly and can be fatal if ingested.
Pholiotina Filaris
Pholiotina filaris mushrooms are found throughout the Pacific Northwest and are often mistakenly identified as Psilocybe. However, they contain lethal mycotoxins, which are deadly if ingested.
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other poisonous mushrooms found in Oregon. When foraging for mushrooms, it is crucial to follow safety guidelines, remain cautious, and accurately identify mushrooms before consumption. Joining mushroom clubs, consulting field guides, and seeking expertise from local mycological societies can help improve identification skills and enhance safety during mushroom foraging excursions.
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Mushroom identification
One of the key steps in mushroom identification is knowing where and when to look. In Oregon, for example, the most popular and tastiest mushrooms are morels, golden chanterelles, king boletes, and American matsutakes. Morels fruit best in logged-out areas, so you're more likely to find them in clear-cuts. Chanterelles, on the other hand, grow in conifer and oak forests with plenty of moist and mossy litter on the ground. As for timing, morels are more abundant in the spring, while chanterelles and American matsutakes are more common in the late summer and fall. King boletes can be found year-round, depending on elevation and location.
When identifying mushrooms, it's important to pay attention to their physical characteristics. For example, morels have a conical appearance and are completely hollow inside, with a strong, hollow stem and a cap that is covered with dips. Chanterelles are yellow or peachy-colored trumpet-shaped mushrooms with a fruity odor, while king boletes have a sponge-like tubed surface on the underside of their caps. American matsutakes are snowy-white, large mushrooms with a distinctive funky and spicy scent.
In addition to field guides, there are other resources available to help with mushroom identification. Local mushroom clubs, such as the Central Oregon Mushroom Club, offer information on the species commonly found in the area. Mushroom festivals, such as the Wild Rivers Mushroom Festival and the Yachats Village Mushroom Festival, also provide opportunities for guided walks, talks, and identification help. It is always best to approach mushroom identification with caution and to prioritize your safety when consuming wild mushrooms.
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Mushroom festivals
Oregon is home to a wide variety of mushrooms, with the damp conifer forests of the Pacific Northwest providing the ideal breeding ground for edible wild mushrooms. While the exact number of different mushroom species in Oregon is unclear, there are about 10,000 identified and described fungal species from all over North America, with roughly 10 to 20% being edible, 5% having medicinal properties, 20% capable of making you sick, and 1% being deadly.
Given the abundance and variety of mushrooms in Oregon, it is no surprise that the state hosts several mushroom festivals, including the Wild Rivers Mushroom Festival and the Mount Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival. These festivals provide an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to learn about and celebrate the diverse mushroom species found in Oregon.
Wild Rivers Mushroom Festival
The Wild Rivers Mushroom Festival is held annually in Brookings, Oregon, at the Chetco Brewing Company on Railroad Street. The festival takes place over the first weekend of November, with workshops, speakers, vendors, food, and local brews on offer. The festival boasts over 200 wild mushroom varieties on display, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to learn about and appreciate the diverse world of mushrooms.
Mount Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival
The Mount Pisgah Arboretum Mushroom Festival is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Cascade Mycological Society and Lane Community College. The festival typically takes place in October and features a huge mushroom exhibit with hundreds of local species on display. In addition to the exhibit, the festival offers a variety of activities such as cider pressing, a scarecrow contest, and hay rides. The event attracts thousands of guests, with over 3,600 attendees in 2024, and is supported by local vendors and groups.
Mushroom Hunting in Oregon
For those interested in hunting for wild mushrooms in Oregon, it is important to exercise caution as there are many poisonous varieties that resemble edible mushrooms. It is recommended to always carry an illustrated guide book and to avoid anything suspicious. Popular and tasty mushrooms found in Oregon include morels, golden chanterelles, king boletes, and American matsutakes. Other edible species include the horn of plenty, the spreading hedgehog, the shaggy parasol, the coral tooth, the black picoa, and Oregon black and white truffles.
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