While the rainy season can feel pretty drab, it does give the PNW something special — mushrooms.

Our climate makes us one of the best areas in the U.S. for foraging, which just feels like a hike with built-in snacks. Of course, if you’re going out for the first time, you need to prepare to stay safe.

🍄 Know before you go

Mushroom identification apps, while helpful, should never be a sole source of information while out in the field. Instead, narrow your search down to a small list of mushrooms that don’t have poisonous look alikes and memorize their characteristics.

Here are a few resources worth checking out:

Pro tip: The safest way to forage for mushrooms is to do it with a mycologist who can teach tips and tricks. Try a hike with the Puget Sound Mycological Society.

🍄 Wait for the best conditions

As we mentioned before, mushrooms love moisture. The best time to go is within a day or two after a rain.

🍄 Pick a trail

Mushrooms love foliage and many species have specific plants or trees they prefer to grow on. Cater your hike for those types of fungi, or try one of these areas:

Sleepy Hollow Trail: Olympic Peninsula | 2+ hour drive | Northwest Forest Pass
Mainline Trail: Snohomish County | >1 hour drive | No pass needed
Camano Ridge Trail: Camano Island | 1+ hour drive | No pass needed

🍄 Pack your tools.

Bring a small knife, a paper bag or basket, an identification book, and your phone with an identification app.

Have any other tips or tricks? Let us know.