Live conditions tracker for morel foraging in Washington. Burn zone updates, weather data, and optimal timing for Eastern WA fires, Okanogan National Forest, and Colville NF.
Optimal: 10-16°C
Winter snowpack melting
Above average moisture
Lower Okanogan first
Data sources: NOAA, USFS, Washington DNR. Updated: January 26, 2026
Eastern Washington is legendary for burn morels. Recent fire years have created extensive productive habitat:
Multiple large fires from 2023-2024 totaling 300,000+ acres. Prime second/third year production. Okanogan-Wenatchee NF access.
High Potential2019 burn with continued production. Colville National Forest. Well-established morel populations in regrowth areas.
High Potential2023 Medical Lake fire. Urban interface burn with accessible terrain. Good for day trips from Spokane.
Moderate PotentialMultiple years of fire activity in the Lake Chelan area. Mixed-age burns provide extended season opportunities.
High PotentialLow elevation Eastern WA valleys start producing. Columbia Basin edges, lower Okanogan Valley. Under 2000ft elevation.
Peak season for mid-elevation burns. Okanogan NF lower zones, Colville NF accessible areas. 2000-4000ft elevation burns become active.
Higher elevation Okanogan and Colville NF zones. Methow Valley upper reaches, Kettle Range. 4000-5500ft burns peak.
Highest burns and north Cascades east slopes. Pasayten Wilderness edges, high Okanogan. Season winds down above 5500ft.
Use Mushroom Tracker to GPS mark your finds, track conditions over time, and keep your secret spots secure. Works offline in remote Eastern WA burn zones.