The West Coast is the Best Coast!!!
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| Oregon White Truffle |
The Northwestern region of the United States is rich in wild mushrooms. Particularly during the seasons of spring and fall, mushrooms seem to carpet the forest floors. In recent years, commercial mushroom harvesting has increased in the state of Oregon. Because of this increase, the state charges a fee to those who harvest mushrooms from federal land. However, these who collect mushrooms for private use can do so free of charge.
Collecting wild mushrooms in Oregon is an enjoyable hobby for residents and tourists alike. Mushroom collectors will no doubt also enjoy the scenery of Oregon's forests as they hunt for mushrooms. Collecting mushrooms in Oregon can be easily enjoyed once you learn the best methods, locations & times to go hunting.
Oregon's wild mushrooms are some of the most delectable in the world.Hunters can earn big bucks for a single days harvest, so it's no wonder hobbyists and commercial pickers alike scour the state in search of the valuable fungi.
The most popular - and tastiest - mushrooms found in Oregon are: Morels, Golden Chanterelle's, King Bolete's and American Matsutake's. Other edible species include the Horn of Plenty, the Spreading Hedgehog, The Shaggy Parasol, the Coral Tooth, the Black Picoa and the Oregon White Truffle.
In general, the time to hunt for mushrooms is in the spring and when warm, wet weather provides ideal growing conditions. Each species, however, has its own "best" season. Edible Morels are more abundant in the spring, and Golden Chanterelle's and American Matsutake's do better in the late summer and fall. King Bolete's can be found year-round. depending on where you go.-- Fall to spring at low elevations and late spring to Summer in the high country.
Wild Mushrooms can be found though out Oregon's conifer and hardwood forests.
Mycorrhiza mushrooms such as Bolete's and Matsutake's rely on the other hand, fruit best in logged out or burned areas, so you'll want to search in clear-cuts or after a forest fire. Look for Golden Chanterelle's in the state's hardwood forest's Always get permission from property owners if you intend to search on private land.
Information provided in part
by:
Cascade Mycological Society
P.O. Box 110
Eugene, Oregon 97440
webmaster@cascademyco.org
