Fall is the perfect time to pack your bags and escape the hustle and bustle of life for a little while. With its stunning scenery and endless adventure, there’s no better place to head on your autumn getaway than Bend and Juniper Preserve. In addition to all the classic activities like leaf-peeping and fall festivals, this time of year is also a great time to go mushroom foraging in Oregon. Keep reading to learn more about this unique activity and how you can enjoy it during your stay.
Your Guide to Mushroom Foraging
Fall is a fantastic time to forage for several different mushrooms. This region, where the high desert meets mountain forests, creates rich habitats for a variety of edible fungi, especially after the first autumn rains. To help you be successful in your hunt, we’ve put together this guide with everything you need to know about mushroom foraging in our part of Oregon.
What Can You Find?
The area near our Bend Resort is rich with edible plants, including mushrooms. During the fall, you can find a number of popular mushrooms, including:
- Chantrelles: In season from late September through November, look for golden-yellow color and wavy ridges
- Porcini: In season from September to early November, look for sponge-like pores underneath instead of gills, a thick stem, and a brown cap
- Lobster: In season late summer through October, look for a bright orange-red exterior
- Matustake: In season late September through November, look for a firm white cap with a spicy cinnamon scent
- Hedgehog: In season October and November, look for a tan tap with tiny “teeth” instead of gills underneath
It is important to remember that there are toxic mushrooms that resemble these edible species. A field guide is an excellent resource, but sometimes the safest option is to leave it alone if you’re unsure.
Where to Go Foraging
Some of the best places to go foraging are perfect for a day trip from Juniper Preserve. The Cascade Mountains and Deschutes National Forest are one such spot. The moist coniferous forests and higher elevations are ideal conditions for chantrelles and hedgehog mushrooms. You can also find mushrooms growing near decaying wood around East Lake and Paulina Lake in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument. No matter where you go, it’s important to check for any type of foraging permits or limits. You can also check to see if Wanderlust Tours is offering any special guided tours.
Plan a Fall Escape to Bend
Now is the perfect time to plan your fall getaway to Juniper Preserve. Our resort in Bend is the perfect home base for anyone looking to enjoy seasonal activities like mushroom foraging in Oregon, leaf-peeping, and so much more.
The first step in planning your stay is to reserve one of our well-appointed lodging options. Our Bend, Oregon, resort features a number of accommodations, including our new luxury rentals. In addition to places to stay, our resort features incredible on-site dining and fantastic amenities. Call 866-320-5024 to learn more about our resort and ways to save.
