Best Mushroom Foraging Spots in Oregon for 2025

Ah, Oregon, the evergreen haven where the scent of pine mingles with cool, crisp air. Where the breathtaking landscapes whisper tales of the past and present. But at the heart of this captivating state lays a secret precious to dwellers and explorers alike – mushroom foraging. Let’s uncover some of the best spots to find these fungal treasures Oregon has to offer in 2025.

1. Mt. Hood National Forest

A mere two-hour drive from downtown Portland, Mt. Hood National Forest is a mushroom forager’s paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for yellow morels after spring rains, and chanterelles in the fall. Remember, it’s against regulations to pick more than a gallon/day without a permit, so tread lightly and carry a small basket!

2. Tillamook State Forest

Just west of Portland, Tillamook State Forest offers a lush and damp haven for various mushroom species. Early to late fall here usually welcomes an abundance of chanterelles. While booking a stay at one of the forest’s many campsites, don’t forget to ask the rangers for local mushroom hunting tips.

3. Opal Creek Wilderness

Opal Creek Wilderness in the Willamette National Forest is most famous for its blue pool, but little do people know it’s also prime ground for lobster mushrooms. But be cautious and heed the signs; foraging off-trail is forbidden to preserve the region’s stunning flora and fauna.

4. Siuslaw National Forest

Nestled along Oregon’s coast, the Siuslaw National Forest often yields bolete varieties. Make it a weekend trip and try locally sourced fungi dishes at restaurants in nearby Florence after a day of foraging.

5. H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest

Located at the base of the Cascades, H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest is a darling among science and ecology enthusiasts. If you go around September, you might find a hefty haul of slippery jacks. Please respect the research site rules and only collect in designated areas.

6. Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Nearby Lake Oswego, Tryon Creek State Natural Area is a beautiful place for beginners to get their feet wet, both literally and figuratively. Here, late-season hen of the woods mushrooms are the prized find. Do remember, collecting for personal use only is allowed.

7. The Wallowa Mountains

The eastern part of Oregon isn’t devoid of mushroom-ful locations. The Wallowa Mountains, especially around Eagle Cap Wilderness, is a hotspot for morels and boletes in the summer. Be prepared for a little altitude and pack sufficient water for these haute-cuisine delicacies!

8. The Santiam State Forest

Deep within the Willamette Valley, the Santiam State Forest offers the chance to forage for both morels and chanterelles if you visit at just the right time in the spring. Keep in mind that a permit is required for any foraging done here.

9. Silver Falls State Park

With its hiking trails and beautiful Cascade mountain scenery, Silver Falls State Park is a popular spot with mushroom enthusiasts. Look out for hedgehog mushrooms throughout winter, and remember to check with the park rangers for any foraging restrictions.

10. Jackson Frazier Wetland

Right outside Corvallis, the Jackson Frazier Wetland is ideal for beginners or those looking for a casual forage. It boasts a variety of oyster mushrooms, especially after heavy rains on decaying hardwood. The boardwalk trail offers a scenic and accessible route, and is open all year-round.

From the coast’s salty breezes to the mountain’s fresh alpine air, Oregon is brimming with locations to explore for native fungi. So grab your foraging baskets, respect the rules, and gear up for a year full of exciting mushroom adventures. Enjoy the beauty Oregon offers with each unexpected find, and always remember, the joy is in the journey and not just the hunt. Happy foraging, fellow Oregonians!