The Best Huckleberry Picking Spots in Oregon’s Marvelous Forests
Huckleberries and Oregon. Two words that go together like coffee and donuts. Each summer, this Pacific Northwest wonderland transforms into a berry pickers’ paradise, with the purple gems hiding in Oregon’s lush forests. So grab your buckets, we are about to uncover the ten most splendid huckleberry picking spots in Oregon.
1. Mount Hood National Forest
Mt. Hood National Forest offers an abundance of huckleberries each season. Specifically, the areas around Lost Lake and Timothy Lake are known for their fruitful picking. Plus, you can turn your berry hunting into a whole camping weekend at one of the scenic campgrounds in the vicinity.
2. Crater Lake National Park
In the magnificent setting that is Crater Lake National Park, blue huckleberries await pickers. Along the Cleetwood Cove Trail, keep an eye out for the tasty berries. Remember, it’s always best to pick in the morning or late in the day, when the heat won’t be too intense.
3. Siuslaw National Forest
At Siuslaw, the berries thrive along the many creeks and rivers, thanks to the damp environment. Drift Creek Falls is a particular hotspot. After a good harvest, resist eating them all straight from the bucket and save some for a delicious home-baked pie!
4. Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
Down in southern Oregon, Rogue River-Siskiyou forest is another huckleberry haven. Check out the regions along the Panther Ridge Trail or Illinois River Trail. Be prepared for a rewarding hike before you get to the ripe berries!
5. Umpqua National Forest
The North Umpqua Trail is a great spot for huckleberry picking. Additionally, the Fall Creek area offers an ample number of bushy patches. Just remember to wear long pants and sturdy shoes; thorns can make the journey a little prickly!
6. Willamette National Forest
The Three Sisters Wilderness is a real gem nestled within Willamette National Forest. Known for their red huckleberries, these higher elevations reward patient pickers. Keep a keen eye, these berries are often hidden behind the bushes’ shiny, green leaves.
7. Coast Ranges
Elevations between 2000 and 5000 feet in the Coast Ranges yield abundant huckleberry crops. Nearby, Yachats is a delightful little town where pickers can refuel with a delicious meal at Luna Sea Fish House after a long day of berry picking.
8. Clatsop State Forest
Clatsop State Forest, north of Astoria, is teeming with huckleberry bushes along its trails. The forest’s cooler, shaded areas, particularly around the Soapstone Lake Trail, provide perfect growing conditions.
9. Winema National Forest
A bit quieter than some other spots, Winema National Forest east of Klamath Falls is a delightful place to pick huckleberries. Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen, the Oregon sun can be surprisingly strong!
10. Tillamook State Forest
Last but not least, the lush greenery of Tillamook State Forest plays host to some of the best huckleberry patches. Along the Wilson River or the Storey Burn Trail, you’ll find copious amounts of the tasty fruit.
As we Oregonians know, there’s little better than a freshly picked Oregon huckleberry, especially one picked from our beautiful forests. So, this summer, lace up your hiking boots, get out there, and experience the joy of huckleberry picking in Oregon.