Seattle-area mushroomers may be preparing for an excellent late-summer mushroom season this year. Cooler temperatures and above-average rain will prompt fruitings of many species found in our region’s late summer months, including choice edible species like king boletes and chanterelles. There is more to love about mushrooms than just these popular choice edibles. There are likely over 1000 other summer species found in our area, many of which still don’t have names.
The Seattle area had an accumulation of nearly 1.5in in Aug 2024. This ranks 5th for total August rain since 2000, and the most since 2015.
August rain in Seattle from 2000-2024. Aug 2024 ranks 5th since 2000.
As we move towards fall, rain should continue to increase and mushroom-fruiting will continue to improve through October or even November when the mountains begin to freeze. Fortunately, the low-elevation areas experience a long tail-end of the season with reasonable abundance into January.
Now is an excellent time to get out to look for mushrooms. Here are some of the most popular edible summer species.
Chanterelle
Cantharellus
Boletus species
Chicken of the Woods
Laetiporus species
Lobster
Hypomyces lactifluorum
