Washington Quick Facts
- Personal Use PermitNot required (up to 2 gal/day)
- Commercial Permit$20-$150 (varies by forest)
- Best SeasonSeptember - November (Fall)
- Top SpeciesChanterelles, Matsutake, Morels
- National ParksProhibited (Olympic, Rainier, North Cascades)
Washington State is a mushroom foraging paradise, offering diverse ecosystems from the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the dry forests of the eastern slopes. With multiple National Forests and abundant rainfall, Washington produces exceptional harvests of chanterelles, matsutake, morels, and more.
Washington Foraging Regulations
National Forests (Best Option)
Washington's National Forests provide the best foraging opportunities. Major forests include:
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Premier chanterelle and matsutake habitat
- Olympic National Forest - Coastal species, chanterelles (different from Olympic NP!)
- Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Diverse species, close to Seattle
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Spring morels, eastern species
- Colville National Forest - Less crowded, good diversity
Personal Use Guidelines
Most Washington National Forests allow up to 2 gallons per day for personal use without a permit. Some areas have 1-gallon limits. Always verify at the local ranger station.
National Parks - PROHIBITED
Important: National Park Restrictions
Mushroom foraging is strictly prohibited in Washington's National Parks: Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Violations can result in significant fines.
Washington State Parks & DNR Land
Washington State Parks generally prohibit foraging. DNR (Department of Natural Resources) lands have varying rules - some trust lands allow limited collection. Contact the local DNR office before foraging.
Best Mushrooms to Find in Washington
Pacific Golden Chanterelle
Washington's most popular edible mushroom. Found in abundance in the coastal forests and Cascades foothills from September through November.
American Matsutake
Highly prized mushroom found in the Gifford Pinchot and eastern Washington forests. Washington is one of the top matsutake-producing regions in North America.
Morels
Spring morels appear in burned areas, orchards, and cottonwood bottoms. Eastern Washington, particularly the Okanogan, is known for post-fire morel blooms.
King Bolete (Porcini)
Found at higher elevations in the Cascades, particularly in true fir forests. Peak season is August through October.
Washington Mushroom Season Calendar
| Month | Primary Species | Best Region |
|---|---|---|
| March-May | Morels | Eastern WA, Burn areas |
| June-August | Lobster, early Boletes | Cascades, Olympics |
| Sept-November | Chanterelles, Matsutake, Porcini | Statewide (peak season) |
| Dec-February | Hedgehog, Oyster | Coastal lowlands |
Best Foraging Locations
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
The premier destination for Washington foragers. Located south of Mt. Rainier, it offers exceptional chanterelle and matsutake habitat. The forest is large enough to find less-pressured areas.
Olympic National Forest
Note: This is different from Olympic National Park. The forest surrounds the park and offers excellent coastal foraging with chanterelles, hedgehogs, and more.
Eastern Washington
The drier forests east of the Cascades produce morels (especially after fires), boletes, and pine-associated species. Less crowded than western Washington.
Track Your Washington Finds
Use Mushroom Tracker to GPS-tag your best spots, identify species with AI, and build your personal foraging journal.
