Emily Johnson
Mushroom season in Oregon is a year-round affair, with different varieties popping up in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. While fall is considered the peak season for mushroom foraging, with the season typically starting in late August and stretching to the end of November, and sometimes even into December, there are always mushrooms to be found in Oregon's diverse bioregions. The key to successful mushroom hunting is knowing what and where to look, as well as staying safe in the woods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Year-round, but the ideal season is fall |
| Best time | Late August to November, sometimes December |
| Mushroom types | Chicken of the woods, lobster mushrooms, porcinis, rainbow chanterelles, morels, American matsutake, king boletes, cauliflower mushrooms |
| Mushroom quantity | No permit required for up to one gallon per person for personal consumption |
| Mushroom picking locations | Oregon State Parks, Willamette National Forest, Deschutes, Fremont-Winema, Umpqua, Malheur, Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman National Forests |
| Mushroom picking restrictions | No picking in campgrounds, wilderness, research natural, developed recreation, and other designated non-harvest areas |
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What You'll Learn
- Mushroom season in Oregon is year-round, with varieties popping up in spring, summer, autumn and winter
- No permit is required for collecting less than one gallon of mushrooms in Oregon
- Oregon's official state mushroom is the Chanterelle, which ranges from salmon to orange in colour
- Mushroom foraging groups and workshops are available for beginners to learn from experienced foragers
- Psilocybin (hallucinogenic) mushrooms are prohibited in Oregon and classified as a felony
Mushroom season in Oregon is year-round, with varieties popping up in spring, summer, autumn and winter
In Oregon, fall is the ideal season to go mushroom hunting, as most edible mushroom species fruit at this time. This typically starts in late August and stretches to the end of November, and sometimes into December. However, some mushrooms, like morels, fruit in the spring, meaning the best time to find them is between March and May.
Chicken of the woods, lobster mushrooms, porcinis, and rainbow chanterelles are the four main genres of mushrooms to look out for in late summer. Chanterelles, Oregon's official state mushroom, range from salmon to orange in colour. They are flute-shaped and prized for their meaty texture and sweet, apricot-like flavour.
After a heatwave, foragers should wait for a temperature change and some moisture, which is the perfect combination for mushrooms to fruit.
While there are no permits required for personal use of up to one gallon in Oregon State Parks, truffle harvesting is prohibited in some areas. It is also important to note that picking mushrooms in campgrounds is not allowed, and harvesting psilocybin (hallucinogenic) mushrooms is prohibited in Oregon and classified as a felony.
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No permit is required for collecting less than one gallon of mushrooms in Oregon
Mushroom hunting is a delightful activity in Oregon, with a continuous mushroom season all year round. The best time to hunt is after a temperature change and moisture, which encourages mushrooms to fruit. While there are many different bioregions in Oregon, with varying weather patterns, there is always an abundance of fungi to discover.
> Temperature change and moisture is the perfect combination for mushrooms to fruit. If it’s too hot the mushrooms are just going to shrivel up in the heat. But when that temp changes, that’s when you know you can start looking. — Zoller, myco-educator
It is important to note that there are many different types of mushrooms, and it is easy to confuse edible with poisonous ones. It is always best to practice with a mushroom expert before consuming any wild mushrooms.
When mushroom hunting in Oregon, it is good to know that no permit is required for collecting less than one gallon of mushrooms per day for personal use. This rule applies to the Deschutes, Fremont-Winema, Umpqua, and Willamette National Forests, as well as the Siuslaw National Forest. In the Ochoco National Forest, a free-use permit allows you to gather up to two gallons per person per day.
In Oregon State Parks, you can gather up to one gallon of mushrooms per person for personal consumption, subject to park restrictions. A permit is required to harvest more than one gallon of mushrooms for personal or commercial use. This permit is free and can be obtained from any Ranger District of the National Forests mentioned above. It is valid for all four forests and allows for the collection of two gallons of mushrooms per day for any 10 days per calendar year.
Happy hunting!
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Oregon's official state mushroom is the Chanterelle, which ranges from salmon to orange in colour
Oregon's official state mushroom is the Chanterelle, specifically the Pacific golden chanterelle (Cantharellus formosus). It was designated as such in 1999 and is known for its funnel-like shape and ridges, instead of gills or pores, that extend down the stem on the underside of its cap. The Pacific golden chanterelle is unique to the Pacific Northwest and is a wild, edible fungi with high culinary value. It is distinguished by its long, slender stem, tiny dark scales on the cap surface, and pinkish orange-yellow cap colours. The underside of the cap features false gills with a pinkish hue. Chanterelles are also known to have an intense fruity smell.
Chanterelles can be found in Oregon's forests from August through early December, particularly in the cooler, wetter forests of Western Oregon. They grow well among conifer trees, specifically Douglas-fir, hemlock, and spruce. Chanterelles are often sought after by foragers, who are advised to invest in a mushroom identification guide or book, or join a club to learn more about the various mushrooms and their edibility.
Mushroom picking in Oregon is regulated, and while a permit is generally not required for personal use up to one gallon, there are specific areas where mushroom picking is prohibited, such as campgrounds, wilderness areas, and national parks. Commercial mushroom picking is also prohibited in certain locations. Foragers are advised to check with local agencies or landowners to understand the requirements and restrictions for each area.
Oregon offers a variety of mushrooms beyond chanterelles, including chicken of the woods, lobster mushrooms, porcinis, truffles, and matsutake. Mushroom hunting is a popular activity in the state, with many enthusiasts joining local foraging groups and participating in annual festivals, such as the autumn mushroom festival held at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum.
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Mushroom foraging groups and workshops are available for beginners to learn from experienced foragers
Mushroom foraging can be a fun activity, but it's important to do it safely. Oregon is known for its abundance of wild mushrooms, and there are many groups and workshops available for beginners to learn from experienced foragers.
The Oregon Mycological Society is an educational and scientific non-profit organization dedicated to studying, collecting, and identifying fungi. They offer various activities and educational opportunities for their members, including field trips, mycology camps, and monthly meetings. Beginners can benefit from the identification sessions held prior to each monthly meeting, where experienced members help identify mushrooms brought in by participants. The society also hosts two mycology camps annually, one in the fall on the Oregon Coast and the other in the spring in the Cascades. These camps offer comfortable accommodations, group meals, and roomy facilities, providing an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn about mushroom foraging in a structured setting.
Fungi For The People is another group that beginners can reach out to for mushrooming safety tips and information. They also host workshops and forays, allowing participants to learn from experienced foragers and share their finds. The Cascade Mycological Society is also mentioned as a valuable resource for beginners, offering similar opportunities to learn and connect with fellow mushroom enthusiasts.
Additionally, there are independent educators like Rebecca Lexa, who specializes in teaching nature identification, foraging, and natural history classes. Her focus is on equipping people with the skills to identify animals, plants, and fungi they encounter in nature. Wild Food Adventures, founded by John Kallas, is another organization that offers workshops and outdoor activities focused on connecting people to nature through edible plants and foraging. These workshops typically cover a range of topics, including how to find, harvest, transport, clean, and prepare wild foods.
For those interested in foraging in Oregon, it's important to be aware of the regulations and permitted areas. While no permit is required for personal use of up to one gallon in most national forests and state parks, there are specific restrictions for certain mushrooms like truffles and Matsutake. Additionally, mushroom picking is prohibited in certain areas, such as campgrounds, wilderness areas, and designated non-harvest zones.
With the right guidance and knowledge, beginners can safely enjoy the exciting world of mushroom foraging in Oregon, connecting with nature and experiencing the unique flavors the region has to offer.
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Psilocybin (hallucinogenic) mushrooms are prohibited in Oregon and classified as a felony
Mushroom season in Oregon is a year-round activity, with different varieties popping up in spring, summer, and fall. The peak season for mushroom foraging is in the fall, but enthusiasts can still find an abundance of mushrooms in the summer months, especially after a temperature change and moisture, which is the perfect combination for mushrooms to fruit.
Oregon has various regulations and permits in place for mushroom picking, and it is important to follow these rules and forage responsibly, respectfully, and safely. While mushroom foraging can be a delightful community-building activity, it is crucial to prioritize safety and follow leave-no-trace etiquette.
Psilocybin, often referred to as "magic mushrooms," is a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms. In Oregon, the regulations regarding psilocybin have undergone changes in recent years. In 2020, Oregon became the first state in the nation to decriminalize psilocybin and legalize its supervised non-medical use through Ballot Measure 109. This measure was hailed as a progressive step by drug reform advocates. However, in 2024, much of the decriminalization measure was repealed, effectively recriminalizing psilocybin possession and use.
As of 2024, a growing number of Oregon cities have voted to ban the substance, and it is now prohibited in the state. Harvesting psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon is a felony offense. While there are licensed psilocybin service centers in the state, they are primarily utilized by out-of-state visitors due to the high cost of treatment, which can be as much as $2,500 for an hours-long session.
It is important to stay informed about the legal status of psilocybin mushrooms in Oregon and to follow all local laws and regulations regarding their use and possession. While there have been efforts to decriminalize and legalize psilocybin for therapeutic purposes, the current status in Oregon prohibits the harvesting and use of psilocybin mushrooms, and it is essential to abide by these regulations to avoid legal consequences.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom season in Oregon typically peaks in the fall, from late August to the end of November, and sometimes even into December. However, some mushrooms, like morels, fruit in the spring, so the best time to find them is between March and May.
Some popular edible mushrooms in Oregon include chanterelles, chicken of the woods, lobster mushrooms, porcinis, and rainbow chanterelles. Chanterelles are Oregon's official state mushroom and are known for their meaty texture and sweet, apricot-like flavour.
Yes, there are regulations for mushroom foraging in Oregon. While no permit is required for personal use of up to one gallon in most areas, there are specific locations where mushroom picking is not allowed, such as campgrounds, wilderness areas, and certain national parks. It is also important to follow general foraging etiquette, such as avoiding private property and leaving no trace.
Yes, Oregon has a vibrant community of mushroom enthusiasts. Local foraging groups, such as Fungi For The People and the Cascade Mycological Society, offer workshops and forays. Additionally, an annual autumn mushroom festival is held at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum, where you can browse mushroom displays and meet experts in the field.
