Summer Mushrooms

of the

Pacific Northwest

You might be surprised to learn that mushrooms can be found throughout the summer in the Pacific Northwest. Others might be equally surprised to learn that they are not nearly as abundant as in the spring and fall. Pacific Northwest foragers and those just interested in observing mushrooms are fortunate because mushrooms can be found all year long.

The PNW has a 2-peak mushroom year starting with the spring season, and then another larger peak in October. This is because mushrooms need moisture but don’t grow well in freezing temperatures. In the summer, monthly rainfall drops to under 1″. Most summer mushrooms will be found in areas fed by snowmelt, creeks/streams, irrigation, or sporadic rains. Wood-lovers will find moisture in logs that were rain-soaked over the wet winter and spring months.

High Elevation – Visiting high-elevation forests in the early summer can feel a lot like low-elevation forests in the early spring. As the snow recedes, a variety of ascomycetes will be among the first mushrooms to appear including morels.

Coastal Areas – Mushrooms can be found along the coast 12 months a year. This is due to a combination of mild temperatures and regular precipitation.

Irrigated Land – Be sure to check lawns, yards, and gardens in urban areas. Many mushrooms including the choice edible Agaricus augustus (The Prince) do especially well in these urban habitats.

Hiking Trails – Walking for hours in the forest offers ample opportunity for mushroom searching. When you notice mushrooms along the trail, be sure to look around in the surrounding area if it looks mushroom-friendly. Mushrooms are your best indication of more mushrooms.

Here is a selection of mushrooms that can be found in the Pacific Northwest over the dry summer months.