PENDLETON — The U.S. Forest Service recently announced mushroom picking season has arrived in the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman and Malheur national forests.

Picking mushrooms for personal-use is free and does not require a permit or payment under the legal limits, which authorizes an individual to harvest, possess or transport less than a gallon in Oregon and less than 5 gallons in Washington. These free mushrooms are only available for personal consumption and cannot be sold, bartered or given away.

Anyone harvesting mushrooms to sell, or individuals who plan to harvest, possess or transport more than 1 gallon in Oregon or more than 5 gallons in Washington must obtain a commercial mushroom.

Commercial mushroom picking is prohibited in Wilderness areas; but mushrooms can be harvested for free use within Wilderness areas, up to the legal daily limits identified for each state.

Commercial mushroom permits cost $2 per day, with a minimum purchase of 10 days ($20), or an annual permit (valid from May 1 – Dec. 31) for $100. An individual must be 18 years or older to purchase a commercial mushroom permit. The Forest Service requires an Industrial Camping Permit if commercial mushroom harvesters and buyers plan to camp overnight on national forest system lands.

Industrial camping permits are available at local ranger district offices or electronically by contacting the forest where the individual plans to harvest. Commercial mushroom harvesters and buyers are prohibited from camping in developed campgrounds.

More information about mushroom picking, including maps of camping areas, are available on the forests’ websites below:

Umatilla National Forest.

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.

Malheur National Forest.