Adventure awaits in the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest. A mild climate and abundant rainfall make the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region a perfect place for hunting for impressive varieties from the iconic chanterelle to the elusive morel. Mushrooming is an experience that connects you with nature, sharpens your eye for little things and might just lead to a delicious dinner! Whether you're a seasoned forager or just curious, the vibrant world of mushrooms is waiting for you to explore. 

Oyster mushrooms growing on a dead tree
: Melanie Griffin

Mushrooms on a tree

Mushrooming: It's About the Journey

One of the best things about mushroom hunting is that it is a journey of discovery — whether or not you find something edible. Even if you're not foraging for dinner, there's something magical about exploring the woods to spot mushies! The thrill of finding a bright red fly agaric or a delicate patch of fairy rings can feel just as rewarding as harvesting a basketful of chanterelles. 

Some of the most stunning mushrooms are inedible or even toxic, but that doesn't make them any less fascinating! Wild mushrooms come in shapes, sizes and colors that will surprise you. 

Mushroom hunting is also a great way to slow down and take in your surroundings. You'll find yourself wandering deeper into forests, noting the play of light through the tress and hearing the soft rustle of leaves underfoot. So, whatever you are in it for the food, the adventure or simply the joy of discovering something beautiful in nature this is the perfect way to spend a fall day. 

Amanita muscaria - Fly Agaric mushroom
: Melanie Ryan Griffin

Fly Agaric - Amanita muscaria mushroom: poisonous

Safety First!

Before you dive into foraging, remember that not all mushrooms are safe to eat. Carefully identify the mushrooms you find and follow safe foraging practices. It is crucial to have a good guidebook, app or trusted expert by your side. Get familiar with the characteristics of edible mushrooms and their toxic look-alikes. Don't eat anything without being certain it is edible. 

Before heading out, let someone know where you are going, secure any needed permits and consult the Adventure Checklist. 

A mushrooming guide holds a mushroom book and large basket.

Join the Community

One of the best parts about mushrooming is the community it fosters. Local foraging groups often host workshops and forays, allowing you to learn from experienced foragers and share your finds. If it's your first time hunting mushrooms in Oregon, talk with the local enthusiasts at Fungi For The People or the Cascade Mycological Society. Or partake in the autumn mushroom festival held annually at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum — browse hundreds of mushroom displays and meet mycologists, regional land managers and nature organizations.

Finding Truffles

The Best Time to Go

Mushroom season in the region typically peaks in the fall, but some varieties pop up in spring and summer too. Year-round you are likely to find white, black and brown truffles; chanterelles; porcini and lobster mushrooms. In fall look for hedgehog or matsutake and in spring, discover morels. After a good rain, grab your basket and head out — this is when you're most likely to find the most interesting mushrooms. 

A person in rain gear stands on a leafy trail in a foggy forest looking up.

Public Lands: Mushroom Foraging Permits

Getting out to forage mushrooms in the beautiful Pacific Northwest? Here’s a guide to the permits you might need, depending on where you’re headed. 

Bureau of Land Management
Good news! You don’t need a permit for personal use if you’re gathering less than a gallon. If you’re looking to collect more than that or plan to sell your haul, you’ll need a Recreational Use or Commercial Use permit. For harvesting truffles (PDF), a special permit is required on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

Siuslaw National Forest
You’re all set to forage without a permit if you’re collecting one gallon or less (and up to six matsutake mushrooms per person per day and sliced in half onsite). If you want to gather more or go commercial, a mushrooming permit is required. 

Umpqua National Forest  
You can grab a free use permit for personal mushroom picking, but note that this doesn’t cover matsutake. Plus, remember to cut all mushrooms in half lengthwise when you harvest them! 

Willamette National Forest  
No permit is needed for personal use up to one gallon (matsutake excluded), but truffle harvesting is a no-go here. 

Oregon State Parks  
If you’re enjoying a day in the state parks, you can gather up to one gallon of mushrooms per person for personal consumption, and subject to any specific park restrictions.

Oregon Truffle Festival by Kathryn Elsesser

Savoring Local Mushrooms

If you're not quite ready to forage for yourself, you can still enjoy the flavors of the forest. Many local restaurants and markets feature seasonal mushrooms from area foragers, so you can indulge in dishes like chanterelle risotto, white truffle pasta or hearty mushroom soup. It's a great way to savor the unique flavors of the region without needing to identify a single mushroom yourself. 
 

Farmers markets are a fantastic spot to find freshly harvested wild mushrooms. Vendors often display a colorful array of wild finds — from delicate oyster mushrooms to the impressive lion's mane, known for its meaty texture and health benefits. Four Oregon standouts include the Rainforest Mushroom Company, The Mushroomery, Get Fungi LCC and Zoom Out Mycology (makers of medicinal mushroom teas) at the Lane County Farmers Market. And don't forget to ask the vendors for recipes and cooking tips! 

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