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Washington's Wild Eats: Foraging Tips and Tours
Washington's Wild Eats
The classes, tours and events to help you become a forager in Washington’s backyard
written by Ryn Pfeuffer
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Washington state is a forager’s paradise, where the lush landscapes offer a treasure trove of wild edibles waiting to be discovered From the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula to the sprawling meadows of Eastern Washington, the possibilities for wild food adventures are endless.
One of the Pacific Northwest’s most coveted treasures is the elusive morel mushroom, a true delicacy for foragers. As the forest floor awakens from its winter slumber in the springtime, these delectable fungi emerge like hidden gems.
But foraging in Washington isn’t just about mushrooms; it’s a celebration of diverse flavors and textures. Along the coast, the rocky shores reveal a hidden world of seaweed varieties, from the briny sea lettuce to the crunchy, salty goodness of bull kelp. These marine plants offer a unique taste of the sea and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
For the adventurous palate, the Cascade Mountains provide a medley of wild berries. Huckleberries, salmonberries and thimbleberries burst forth in a dazzling array of colors, inviting you to savor their sweet and tangy delights. Whether you enjoy them fresh, bake them into a pie or transform them into jams, these berries are a testament to the region’s natural bounty.
In Washington, foraging is a profound connection to the land and a lesson in sustainability. Take only what you need, preserving the ecosystem’s balance, and minimize your impact on the environment. Be mindful, especially in busy areas, and if you spot enticing berries on a crowded trail, remember the spot and harvest in a less disturbed place. Responsible foraging is essential to preserve these resources for generations to come.
Foraging guide Rebecca Lexa, MA, OMN, emphasizes that solid identification skills are paramount for new foragers. She cautions against relying solely on identification apps, as there has been a rise in poisonings due to misidentified species. Apps should be just one tool in your kit, alongside field guides, websites and advice from experienced foragers. Lexa underscores the importance of not only using these tools correctly but also distinguishing between very similar species. Remember, identification is a process, not a snapshot, and your health and safety hinge on the accuracy of your identifications.
Washington is a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting both seasoned foragers and novices to explore and savor its vibrant landscapes. With an abundance of foraging events and tours, there’s an exciting adventure waiting for you. Here are six to explore:
Savor the Wild Tours
Embark on seasonal foraging adventures with Angela Shen. Explore her captivating offerings like the Intro to Mushroom Foraging near Seattle or the enchanting Crazy for Chanterelles Hunt in the heart of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. With a culinary background and a passion for immersive food experiences, Shen is the trailblazer behind Savor Seattle Food Tours. While Savor the Wild Tours’ new website is on the horizon, you can track its wild journey on Instagram (@savorthewildtours). In addition to foraging, Savor the Wild Tours also specializes in guided shellfish harvesting and hosts exclusive pop-up dining events.
Online Classes & Private Nature Tours
Discover the world of foraging with Rebecca Alexa’s online classes, designed for accessibility and convenience. Whether you’re new to foraging or looking to enhance your skills, these classes provide valuable insights into identifying edible plants and mushrooms. If you prefer an in-person adventure, book a private guided nature tour in the Pacific Northwest tailored to your interests, including edible species identification. Learn more at www.rebeccalexa.com and look out for her book, The Everyday Naturalist: How to Identify Animals, Plants, and Fungi Wherever You Go (Ten Speed Press), due for release in 2025.
Introductory Foraging Class with Langdon Cook
Immerse yourself in the world of foraging with the Field Trip Society (www.fieldtripsociety.com), a Seattle-based company dedicated to crafting unforgettable adventures. Langdon Cook, acclaimed author of e Mushroom Hunters, teaches an introductory foraging class that transports you to the picturesque Cascade foothills. During these half-day sessions just a short distance from Seattle, you’ll uncover a treasure trove of wild edibles. Learn the art of identification, harvesting, processing, cooking and preserving these flavorful and nutritious finds. Dive into discussions on the ethics of foraging, sustainability and the rich tapestry of local natural history. For those seeking a deeper experience, the Field Trip Society offers full-day shellfish foraging and cooking classes along Puget Sound. Additionally, private sessions tailored for small groups are available. For more information, visit www.langdoncook.com/events.
Mushroom Foraging Classes
Fall in the Pacific Northwest heralds mushroom-picking season, and the Seabrook area offers an exceptional foraging experience. Join the Pacific Northwest Foraging Pros every Saturday until November 12 at 11 a.m. for guided foraging adventures that last around two hours. These family-friendly outings provide a fantastic opportunity to explore the forests of Seabrook and learn about the diverse range of mushrooms found along the Washington coast, including golden chanterelles, matsutake, chicken of the woods, porcini, king boletes, hedgehog and lobster mushrooms. It’s an enchanting way to immerse yourself in the beauty and bounty of this coastal region during the fall harvest season. For more information, visit www.seabrookwa.com/events/ paid-admission/mushroom-foraging-classes.
Foraging Tours with Chef Ky
Discover the thrill of foraging with Chef Ky Loop as your guide along the scenic Chinook Byway in Federation Forest State Park and the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Ky offers intimate small group foraging tours with advance notice, blending nature exploration with culinary delights. In spring, hunt for morel, verpa, oyster mushrooms and more, complete with a delectable lunch. In autumn, the adventure continues with chanterelles, lobster mushrooms and foraged berries. Don’t miss this opportunity—book your unforgettable foraging experience at www.chefky.com/foragingtours or contact Chef Ky Loop at chefkyloop@gmail.com.
Kitsap Peninsula Mycological Society
The Kitsap Peninsula Mycological Society (KPMS) is a vibrant club that serves its members’ needs and offers valuable mushroom-related resources at www.kitsapmushrooms.org. While KPMS doesn’t conduct public foraging tours, they host an annual Wild Mushroom Show, a free event that’s a fantastic way to engage with the community. This year’s show, taking place on November 5, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Olympic College Bremerton, promises to be a hit with activities for all ages, including a special focus on introducing kids to foraging, expert speakers, mushroom displays, identification services, edible samples, mushroom growing kits and vendors. With last year’s event attracting 1,500 visitors, this year is expected to be even more spectacular. Don’t miss out on the fascinating world of mushrooms at the KPMS Wild Mushroom Show! For more information, visit www.kitsapmushrooms.org/events.
Mark Your Calendar
In the Pacific Northwest, foraging opportunities abound year-round. Spring offers morel mushrooms and tender spring greens, while summer brings a bounty of berries and edible flowers. In fall, the forests are rich with mushrooms like chanterelles and oyster mushrooms, and winter reveals hidden treasures like nutritious nettles. Here’s a quick look at what’s in season and when:
FIDDLEHEAD FERNS: March-June
NETTLES: March-June
MOREL MUSHROOMS: March-June
DANDELION GREENS: March-November
BLACKBERRIES: July-August
CHANTERELLES: July-November
ELDERBERRIES: August-September
WILD HAZELNUTS: August-October
CHANTERELLES: August-November
OYSTER MUSHROOMS: August-December
WILD ROSE (HIPS): September-November
RAZOR CLAMS: Razor clam season in Washington varies yearly, and beach location as determined by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Typically, it occurs from fall through early spring, with specific dates and locations subject to change. For up-to-date information and regulations, check the WDFW website (www.wdfw.wa.gov).
