Best Mushroom Foraging Spots in Oregon for 2025

Welcome, dear Oregonians and visitors alike, to a celebration of the mushroom in the Pacific Northwest! A labyrinth of forested trails, lush river valleys, and mossy undergrowth, Oregon in 2025 is as ever, a paradise for the mushroom enthusiast. From iconic morels to coveted chanterelles, our state genuinely offers unparalleled foraging opportunities. Keep in mind, always forage responsibly, and remember it’s the adventure, not the haul, that counts!

1. Tillamook State Forest

Starting in the verdant expanse of Tillamook State Forest, there’s an array of mushrooms to be found. This temperate rainforest by the Coast Range invites foragers to explore enchanting trails, such as the Wilson River Trail. In the fall, look for the prized golden chanterelles hiding under the cover of Douglas firs.

2. Mt. Hood National Forest

Venture towards the Mt. Hood National Forest, where the Zigzag Ranger District is a noteworthy spot during the mushrooming season. On No Name Lake Trail, you might spot morels in the months following wildfires, a testament to their remarkable adaptability.

3. The Siuslaw National Forest

Down the coast, you’ll find the Siuslaw National Forest. With its humid climate, multiple mushroom variants thrive here. The Drift Creek Falls trail offers ample opportunities to discover golden chanterelles and porcini mushrooms, just remember to keep your eyes on the wet, mossy areas.

4. Opal Creek Wilderness

Embedded in the Willamette National Forest, Opal Creek Wilderness is a treasure trove of shaggy manes and lion’s mane mushrooms. Opal Creek trail with its heavily forested path and cool creek beds makes for excellent search grounds.

5. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

In southern Oregon, the sprawling Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest provides fruitful hunts. The area around the Illinois River trail is known to yield choice edibles like porcini and lobster mushrooms.

6. Oswald West State Park

Back on the coast, consider checking out Oswald West State Park. The Cape Falcon and Neahkahnie Mountain trails carry the earthy scent of hedgehog and oyster mushrooms, particularly in the cooler seasons.

7. Deschutes National Forest

In Central Oregon’s high-desert forests, don’t miss Deschutes National Forest. In the lava tube-rich landscape, seek out the Metolius River trail – its mycelium-rich soil promises white morels and the occasional bear’s head tooth mushroom.

8. Umpqua National Forest

To the south, visit the Umpqua National Forest. The North Umpqua trail, particularly in areas recently affected by fire, often reveals fruitful patches of morels come springtime.

9. Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Residing in the heart of Portland, the Tryon Creek State Natural Area proves you don’t always have to venture far. Look for candy cap mushrooms around the Hemlock and Red Fox trail, adding a unique flavor to local kitchen experiments.

10. Santiam State Forest

Lastly, Santiam State Forest hides in the shadows of Mt. Jefferson. It’s a predominantly fir-based forest, making it a favorable habitat for matsutake mushrooms. The Monument Peak Loop Trail asks for a focus on lichen-spread areas.

In conclusion, Oregon is a forager’s dream. And this list only skims the surface of what our splendid state has to offer. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, the search for a single mushroom cap! Embrace the crisp morning air, the rustle of leaves underfoot, and the joy of the hunt. Here is to exciting foraging adventures in 2025. Happy hunting, and may your baskets always be brimming with nature’s treasures!