What's the morel of the story?

June 18, 2010 1:05 PM

Other than the farmer's market, where can some rookie mushroom hunters find morels near Portland, OR this weekend?

Some friends and I want to hunt for morels tomorrow near Portland. Mushroomers are famously secretive about their hunting grounds, but surely someone out there is willing to give some newcomers a helping hand, right? I hear that morels grow in areas that were recently burned. Is there a resource that morel hunters use to find those places?

Any other tips for new mushroom hunters would be welcome as well. Thanks for your help.

posted by chrchr to sports, hobbies, & recreation (2 answers total)

I think it's too late for morels by now. At least in the mid west.
posted by Max Power at 1:23 PM on June 18, 2010

Went out to look for Morels at high elevations two weekends ago in the cascades (2,000 feet and higher) , and we only found some scraggly remains. The season is pretty much over. You may still find boletes though.

I'll probably get beat up by fellow secretive mushroomers for telling you this, but for morels pay attention to the fire season this summer. Next spring you will know exactly where to go. Look for fires on the eastern slopes of the mountains, as morels seem to prefer the transition zone between the wet west side of the mountains and the rain shadow. They tend to start out in low elevations and move higher as spring continues. They also seem to prefer certain forest types.

If you are really interested in learning about mushroom hunting, join your local mycological society, or befriend someone who has experience.

Other tips, look out for false morels (poisonous), and when you are out hunting, always be aware of your surroundings, it's really easy to be studying the ground intently and look up and have no idea where you are. I tend to carry a forest service terrain map and compass with me when I'm out hunting.

Oh and Bonus optional hippie tip: Morels are considered "tricksy" and that they like to hide on purpose, etc. A common practice before going out is to get right baked. It seems to help with focus on what can be a tedious task (concentrating on the ground for hours) and then you are on the morel's "wavelength." I know how this sounds.

Have fun and good luck!
posted by Maude_the_destroyer at 2:00 PM on June 18, 2010 [2 favorites]