California Quick Facts
- Personal Use PermitUsually not required (1-2 lbs/day)
- Commercial Permit$50-$300+ (varies by forest)
- Best SeasonNovember - February (Winter)
- Top SpeciesCandy Cap, Chanterelle, Porcini
- State ParksGenerally prohibited
California offers exceptional year-round mushroom foraging opportunities, from the foggy coastal forests of Mendocino to the Sierra Nevada mountains. The state is famous for unique species like candy caps, abundant chanterelles, and diverse boletes.
California Foraging Regulations
National Forests
California's National Forests provide the best legal foraging opportunities:
- Mendocino National Forest - Chanterelles, candy caps
- Six Rivers National Forest - Premium chanterelle habitat
- Shasta-Trinity National Forest - Diverse species
- Sierra National Forest - Spring morels, boletes
- Los Padres National Forest - Southern California foraging
Personal Use Guidelines
Most California National Forests allow 1-2 pounds per day for personal use without a permit. Some forests have stricter limits during peak season. Always check with the local ranger district.
State Parks
Important: State Park Restrictions
California State Parks generally prohibit all foraging. One notable exception is Salt Point State Park, which allows limited mushroom collection with a day-use permit during designated seasons.
Best Mushrooms to Find in California
Candy Cap (Lactarius rubidus)
California's most unique mushroom - produces a distinct maple syrup aroma when dried. Found in oak and mixed forests along the coast and in the Sierra foothills. A prized culinary mushroom used in desserts.
Pacific Golden Chanterelle
Abundant in the coastal forests of Northern California, especially Mendocino and Humboldt counties. Season runs from November through February.
King Bolete / Porcini
Found in the Sierra Nevada and coastal mountain ranges. Look under conifers at higher elevations from late summer through fall.
Black Trumpet
A choice edible found in oak woodlands and mixed forests. Often grows in large patches once you learn to spot them.
California Mushroom Season Calendar
| Month | Primary Species | Best Region |
|---|---|---|
| Nov-Feb | Chanterelles, Candy Cap, Black Trumpet | North Coast |
| Mar-May | Morels, Spring Boletes | Sierra Nevada, Burn areas |
| Jun-Aug | Porcini, Lobster Mushroom | High Sierra |
| Sep-Oct | Early Chanterelles, Matsutake | Northern forests |
Top Foraging Locations
Mendocino County
The premier destination for California foragers. The combination of coastal fog, redwoods, and oak forests creates ideal conditions for chanterelles, candy caps, and many other species.
Sierra Nevada Foothills
Oak woodland habitat perfect for candy caps and black trumpets in winter, with morels appearing in spring burn areas.
Bay Area
Surprisingly good foraging opportunities exist in Marin County and the East Bay hills. Several mycological societies offer guided forays.
Track Your California Finds
Use Mushroom Tracker to GPS-tag your best spots and identify species with AI.
