Where to find morels Spring 2024

If you live on the west coast, some of the easiest morel foraging is in forests burned in the previous year. There is some debate on how long these burn morels will continue to fruit after a forest fire however 1 year seems to be the best. Below are maps of these recent burns. I will add details for some of these burns as I learn more.

Morels fruit in the springtime and into the summer at higher elevations. ~50F soil temperature seems to be the point at which morels begin to show up… this is also debated. Many use the 100 rule which is when the high + low temp added together equals 100F. Follow warmth in the early season and follow rain or soil moisture later in the season.

The areas on the map indicate past burns but each forest district has different rules related to picking, and could even be closed for safety and restoration. Use this map to find 2023 burns and then continue to research on your own. Search for details on specific fires, view the satellite layer, check local conditions, find public vs private land, and check for closures.

This map provides a good starting point but there is still more work to do to choose the right place, at the right time.

* Avoid private land

* Respect forest closures

* Be safe

* Pack appropriately

Check the event calendar for upcoming classes if you are interested in learning more.

https://salishmushrooms.com/events/

This 2024 morel season map was last updated on Mar 14, 2024.

If you are aware of closures or other information that could be helpful for me to add to these maps, please use the contact page under the About section in the menu above.

Links

https://data-nifc.opendata.arcgis.com/

https://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/information/firemap.aspx

https://data-wadnr.opendata.arcgis.com/

https://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/edw/datasets.php