The Hidden Treasures of Oregon: Best Mushroom Foraging Spots for 2025
Oregon, the land of Douglas firs and crystalline rivers, doesn’t reveal its secrets easily. But beneath these towering trees and besides these flowing waters, a diverse array of mushroom species grow, waiting for the discerning forager to unearth. In the spirit of sharing the state’s wild riches whilst encouraging responsible foraging, here lies the list of the ten best mushroom foraging spots of 2025.
1. Tillamook State Forest
Less than an hour west of Portland, this coastal gem is teeming with mushrooms. Chanterelles prosper in this rainy climate, and they aren’t known to shy away from its surrounding regions. Don’t forget to carry a map of the Wilson River Trail, ripe with fungi after those frequent fall rainstorms.2. Mount Hood National Forest
Boasting over a million acres, Mount Hood’s trails like the Sandy River Trail and Timberline trail are a forager’s dream. Stalks of coral mushrooms, boletes, and the coveted matsutakes hide beneath the pine and hemlock. As temperatures drop, head further down the mountain for a more fruitful harvest.
3. Opal Creek Wilderness
Over in the Willamette Valley, this old-growth reserve flourishes with Morels in the spring. Near Jawbone Flats, check around the bases of the towering Douglas firs. Remember to stay on marked trails to preserve the delicate ecosystem of this historic mining town.4. Siuslaw National Forest
Where mushrooms meet the waves, Siuslaw sits along the stunning Oregon coastline. A variety of species abound here in autumn, particularly the much-beloved king bolete. Marys Peak in this forest offers a scenic view with pockets of hedgehog mushrooms along its slopes.5. Cape Lookout State Park
Stroll along the dense, seaside trails, and you’ll find everything from slippery jacks to lobster mushrooms. The park’s diversity thrives, but so does the salal and underbrush, so pack some thick gloves.6. Estacada
Less populated and often overlooked, Estacada is a refuge for those who appreciate the solace mushroom hunting can bring. A little bird (or should we say, squirrel) tells us cedar-lined Milo McIver State Park is a hot spot for oyster mushrooms in the chillier months.7. Silver Falls State Park
Tucked away from the urban hustle of Salem, this park is a mushroom marvel. The park’s trail, a 7.2-mile loop, hosts a variety of mushrooms to pick and a magnificent view of the waterfalls to marvel at. Try your luck with Shaggy Manes along the creek beds.8. Elliot State Forest
This forest near Coos Bay on the Southern Coast is lush with rainy serenity. It’s a fantastic spot to stumble upon porcini, hiding near the copious sword ferns and rhododendrons. Stay a while, as the forest trails make for a peaceful retreat from the whirlwind of daily life.9. Deschutes National Forest
In Central Oregon, the Ponderosa pines of Deschutes Forest tantalize mushroom hunters with their symbiotic boletes, especially around Tumalo Falls. Start your expedition at Skyliner Lodge, where the Ponderosa trail promises a fruitful adventure.10. Alsea Falls Recreation Area
Southwest of Corvallis, the creekside forest floors around Alsea Falls are fruitful with mushrooms, especially the Coyote Loop Trail. Delicious Pacific golden chanterelles and hefty boletes hang out here in the moist lowlands.An old Oregon saying goes, “there are old mushroom hunters and there are bold mushroom hunters, but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.” Stay safe, respect our forests, and may your baskets be bountiful in your 2025 mushroom foraging adventure. Happy hunting!