The Ultimate Guide to Huckleberry Picking in Oregon’s Forests

Welcome, fellow berry enthusiasts! We’re fortunate to live in Oregon, where huckleberry picking is as much a part of our summertime rituals as Saturday morning trips to our local farmers markets. These sweet-tart gems hide amongst serene forest trails and mountain paths, adding another layer of joy to our exploratory hikes. But when you’re craving that perfect huckleberry pie or homemade jam, remember: not all huckleberry fields are created equal. Here’s the scoop on the 10 best huckleberry picking spots in Oregon’s forests.

1. Mount Hood National Forest

This expansive forest is a huckleberry haven. Try the Lost Lake area or around Trillium Lake – huckleberries love to grow along these paths. Keep an eye on trail markers and always remember, the red and blue huckleberries arriving in late August will have the most intense flavor.

2. Black Butte Ranch

Take a day trip to this dreamy ranch in Central Oregon. Its well-kept trails are lined with huckleberry bushes, especially closer to the water bodies. It’s a scenic picking spot, with snow-capped peaks in sight. Swing by the General Store after you’re done to get a scoop of homemade huckleberry ice cream as a reward.

3. McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway

This scenic loop is ripe with picking potential. Clear Lake, around the McKenzie River point, is a particularly fruitful huckleberry hotspot. You also have the benefit of spectacular views to accompany you on your berry quest. Just mind your surroundings, as some patches lie close to the road.

4. Saddle Mountain

In the heart of the Coastal Range, Saddle Mountain offers not just a fantastic hiking experience, but a bounty of huckleberries come mid-July to August. Remember to pace yourself during your uphill trek, using your huckleberry pit-stops as a chance to catch your breath.

5. Mount Pisgah Arboretum

Here, you can enjoy huckleberry picking in proximity to Eugene. The arboretum’s well-kept trails are generous with their huckleberry offerings. The guided botanical walks offer a hands-on learning experience about native berries.

6. Cape Lookout State Park

A gem nestled in the Oregon Coast, Cape Lookout State Park offers scenic trails casual huckleberry foragers will love. Participants in their seasonal guided berry picking trips get extra luck with their baskets. A pro-tip: do not forget to bring along a picnic basket to savor your fresh pickings by the seaside.

7. Bull of the Woods Wilderness

If you’re an experienced hiker and adventurous berry picker, the remote wilderness in Mount Jefferson vicinity is your paradise. It’s not uncommon to find huckleberry bushes richly laden, especially around Big Slide Lake.

8. Metolius River

Near Camp Sherman, the easy trails along Metolius River are dotted with huckleberry bushes in late summer. This spot, being popular among locals, urges you to arrive early to get your share. A restful picnic by the river can be your perfect end to a fruitful day.

9. Huckleberry Mountain

No surprise here, right? This aptly named spot near Columbia River Gorge is a fantastic area to forage, plus it offers scenic views to frame your berry picking memories. Be sure to stick to the trails to protect the vegetation and avoid any poison oak.

10. Mount June

Just east of Eugene, Mount June trail is a huckleberry hotspot. Right when the hiking gets rigorous, the landscape delivers loads of huckleberry bushes to cheer you on. You’ll be rewarded with both satisfying pickings and majestic panoramic views.

Picking wild huckleberries in Oregon’s forests is truly one of our state’s simple pleasures. We’re lucky to have so many abundant spaces to explore, so pack up your baskets and hit these trails for your sweet and determined pursuits. From the lush forests of Mount Hood to the breezy ocean-side paths of Cape Lookout, there’s a huckleberry waiting to be found by every kind of berry-enthusiast. So, let’s go find our sweet bit of Oregon, shall we?