BEST MUSHROOM FORAGING SPOTS IN OREGON FOR 2025
There’s no denying that Oregon is a fungal wonderland, and as the chill of the late year approaches, so does the mushroom foraging season. From Willamette Valley to the slopes of Mount Hood, the state teems with mushroom varieties that attract foragers from near and afar. Here are some local haunts where you can engage in the art of mycology, all while enjoying the great scenery that our beloved Oregon has to offer.
1. Estacada Hiking Trails
Near the beautiful Clackamas River in Estacada, there’s a network of trails that are lush with fungi. Morel mushrooms are known to spring up around here during the spring months. Remember, always forage responsibly and leave some behind, not just because it’s the right thing to do but also it’s a sign of respect for our beloved trails.2. Tillamook State Forest
Known for an abundance of Chanterelles, Tillamook State Forest, nestled near the coast, is a must-visit spot. Head towards Wilson River Trail for a scenic hike and some potential fungal finds. There’s a quaint General Store nearby where you can fuel up with a hot meal after a long day of foraging.
3. Mount Pisgah Arboretum
This lush 209-acre living tree museum in Eugene’s South Hills is a definitive foraging spot. Its soil is rich in boletes and parasol mushrooms, and the Wildflower Festival in May is just another excuse to pay a visit. Remember to tread lightly so you don’t harm the fragile ecosystem.4. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
In Southern Oregon, this expansive forest is a hotspot for those seeking a variety of edibles, from oyster mushrooms to black trumpets. Do note that foraging permits are required – visit Rogue River Ranger Station to get yours before you hit the woods.5. Mount Hood National Forest
Year after year, foragers flock to this vast forest seeking mouthwatering chanterelle and boletus varieties. Lost Lake, Laurance Lake, and Timothy Lake are particularly lucrative areas. Remember to take the Clackamas Ranger Station’s mushroom identification class before you go. It’s a great resource for novices and seasoned foragers alike.6. Siuslaw National Forest
Wide-ranging species from hedgehogs to morels spring up in this verdant forest area. It also hosts an annual Oregon Mushroom Festival. Show up early to avoid the crowds.7. Opal Creek Wilderness
Lying east of Salem, the Opal Creek Wilderness is known for its natural beauty and old-growth forest. It’s a treasure trove in fall with an abundance of lobster mushrooms. Just be sure to stick to the trails to protect the wilderness.8. Rockaway Beach
Yes, a beach! Rockaway Beach in Tillamook County is unique for its sea fungi. Best come here during the late fall/early winter, when the winter king (also known as Yellow Foot) variety pops up.9. Detroit Lake Recreation Area
Near Santiam Pass Highway, this recreation area is perfect for day trips. Families will love camping, picnicking, and of course, mushroom hunting. Late spring is when morels are usually found.10. Hyatt Lake Campground
In the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, Hyatt Lake Campground offers the perfect backdrop for mushroom foraging. Come for golden chanterelles in autumn, but do your research on how to properly identify them to avoid mix-ups with false chanterelles.Hopefully, this list will guide you to the perfect mushroom foraging spots and inspire you to explore the natural grandeur Oregon has in abundance. Always remember the forager’s code – take only what you need, leave no trace behind, and respect the magical wilderness we’re so lucky to have. Here’s to a fruitful foraging season in 2025, folks!