The spring king bolete is a popular edible mushroom in the Pacific Northwest and is relatively easy to identify based on a handful of characteristics. Boletes are a commonly foraged mushroom in Oregon and Washington due to their large size and superior flavor.

 Spring Kings or Boletus rex-veris are one of multiple species in the Boletus genus. Other species in this genus share many similar traits and are also edible. 

Spring kings are found most often in open forests in the eastern Cascades and into the Rockies. Try to get to them before the bugs do. A good way to identify these bolete mushrooms is to look for pale-colored pores, reticulations, mild flavor with the chew-and-spit test, and no blue bruising.

Cap

Rounded. Pink to reddish-brown. Sometimes cracking after dry period.

Pores

Creamy-white when young turning yellow with age. Not bruising blue

Stem

Often club-shaped or widening towards base. Reticulated or netted texture on the surface of the stem, most prominently towards the top. Reticulations may be subtle. Stem otherwise smooth without veil remnants, hairy, or otherwise distinctly textured. Colors range from pale, to pinkish or rust towards top. No blue bruising when handling or cutting the tissue.

Spring King Season

Tips for finding spring king boletes

Try walking along roads

Spring king boletes can be found growing along the edges of dirt and gravel roads. The benefit of these roads is that they are easier to walk along, and much easier to spot mushrooms. You can always pop into a section of forest where conditions look good.

Be prepared

Mosquitoes, rain, and chilly weather might force you to end your day early. Consider packing bug spray, loose layers, rain gear, or a bug net.

Check out some of the items I consider packing here.

Remember that you might not have mobile service in these areas so have a map and know how to use it. I like maps.me, Google Maps cached on my phone, and GaiaGPS. If your mobile device is your primary map, be sure to put your device in airplane or power-saving mode to conserve battery. I also bring a separate power bank for longer trips.

Where to go

Generally speaking, in open coniferous forests in the central and eastern parts of Cascadia. Spring kings are rarely found in western Washington, Oregon, and BC

Check for bugs

Spring kings are loved by insect larva so look for tiny tunnels running throught the stem or cap. These small worms are harmless but I prefer to leave infested mushrooms in the forest. You might be able to predict the level of infestation just by looking at the mushroom. If it’s rather large or the pores appear eaten, the mushroom itself is likely infested.