Permits
National forests: personal-use permits often free or cheap at ranger stations. Commercial permits are limited and species-specific (especially matsutake). State parks usually closed. Wilderness rules vary.
Interactive planner
US PNW field planner
Use this on your phone in the truck. Print the ledger when you want paper in the rain.
Olympics / Coast Range
Sitka / hemlock moss · 0–800 m
West Cascades
Fir-hemlock, classic chants · 200–1,200 m
East Cascades burns
Pine / fir burns · 800–1,800 m
Siskiyou / SW Oregon
Tanoak matsutake · 200–1,400 m
Gifford / St. Helens
Young stands, lobster · 400–1,200 m
Dated species
| Species | First | Last | Peak | Buyer $/lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| True Morel | Apr 1 | Jun 25 | Apr 20–Jun 1 | 20–50 |
| Lobster Mushroom | Jul 15 | Oct 5 | Aug–Sep | 3–16 |
| Golden Chanterelle | Sep 1 | Nov 25 | Oct | 8–25 |
| American Matsutake | Sep 20 | Nov 15 | Oct | 20–120 |
| King Bolete / Porcini | Aug 25 | Nov 5 | Sep–Oct | 10–40 |
| Winter Chanterelle / Yellowfoot | Oct 15 | Feb 15 | Nov–Jan | 4–12 |
If you sell
Selling to buying stations is the norm. You need a commercial permit for the forest you picked. Cottage-food laws do not usually cover wild mushrooms — use a licensed buyer or processor.