Fall can be a dull and depressing time of the year for folks in the Northwest. The unrelenting rains and dreary days would drive me into a life of perpetual pajamas and serious Stargate binges (underrated) until the snowflakes started falling.
But I come before you today with good news. When the world grows dark and the leaves change, the Kingdom of Fungi rules the forest floor! The Pacific Northwest reigns supreme in mushroom abundance and diversity. There are hundreds of edible species to discover, each with incredibly unique flavors, nutritional value, and medicinal qualities.
Catching the mushroom bug is a fantastic cure for cabin fever during the wet season. Thousands of people in the northwest venture into the woods during fall to hunt, identify, photograph, and appreciate the world of fungi. From ultra-territorial commercial Matsutake and Chantarelle hunters to old timers sauntering around in search for supper, mushroaming has captured the hearts of humans from all walks of life. There are few things in life that rival stumbling on a patch of a rare species after a tiring day of hunting. When on the hunt, your senses seem to grow more attuned with the environment around you and open your eyes to the unbelievable amount of growth, activity, and beauty that is invisible to the casual passerby.
If you are interested in shedding your seasonal depression and giving mushroaming a try, consider joining a local mycological society or online forum. The Puget Sound Mycological Society in Seattle is the largest mycological society in the country. While reading books are beneficial to gain general knowledge about mushrooms, there is no substitute to hands on experience with an expert. Identifying a mushroom is more than comparing two pictures or physical characteristics; it is an experience that requires all senses.
Bellevue College offers an online mycology course taught during fall quarter to get you started on the journey and the Science and Sustainability Association and the Garden Club have many members that are enthusiastic mushroom hunters.
Last Updated November 27, 2014