Explore the McKenzie September 12, 2018

Ready for a Mushroom Gathering Adventure?

Information gathered from Willamette National Forest Service website

Personal (Incidental/Non-Commercial) Use

No permit or fee is required for quantities less than one gallon (per person, per day) unless you are collecting matsutakes.

black and brown mushroom beside grass

If collecting more than a gallon – even if only for personal use – a permit is required. Obtain the permit from the office closest to where you plan to harvest: See ranger station locations here.
Mushrooms gathered under incidental harvest are for personal use only and all mushrooms collected must be cut in half. Selling or exchanging mushrooms gathered incidentally is a violation of Federal Regulations (Title 36 CFR 261.6F), punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.

A mushroom permit issued from any of the following four forests is valid on all four forests.

  • Deschutes National Forest
  • Fremont-Winema National Forests
  • Umpqua National Forest
  • Willamette National Forest

Commercial Use

Mushrooms collected for the purpose of selling require the purchase of a commercial use permit. Commercial permits (for mushrooms other than matsutakes) are available throughout the year. Permits can be purchased using cash, check or credit card.

The 2017 Matsutake Season opens September 5 and runs through November 5, 2017. Anyone harvesting Matsutake mushrooms on National Forest land must purchase a commercial harvest permit. Click here for details

Mushroom Etiquette

  • Tread lightly while searching for mushrooms
  • Replace soil disturbed while collecting
  • No raking or digging with shovels
  • Collect mushrooms only in permissible area
  • Harvesting mushrooms is not permitted in the following designated sensitive areas: Wilderness areas, botanical areas, scenic areas, and research areas.

WARNING: Many edible mushrooms have poisonous look-a-likes. Be certain of what you’re picking before consuming.

Details on forest products permits and regulations