Six Tips for Finding Summer Chanterelles in the PNW

I meant to write this about a month ago—and then, shockingly, life happened! The secret is out of the bag and several of y’all know by now that I am releasing a foraging guide and cookbook—my focus has been pulled in that direction for the last month as I finalize details and work with my formatter on getting this book ready for pre-order. With this said, now, in early August, it should be even easier to find summer chanterelles—and even some early fall mushrooms! I have found them inland as early as the end of August, usually if we get some rain. However, it may be worth a short walk if you follow these guidelines. If you are at the coast, it is almost guaranteed that you will find some, IF you practice persistence and cover ground!

Search Near the Coast

In the summer, your best bet is looking close to the coastline. For one, the temperature is likely lower than inland, and, more importantly, there is increased moisture. This brings me to my next point, which is staying within the fog line.

Fog line

The fog line might be ¼ mile inland or wherever it usually stays cloudy and cooler when most other areas are hot. That added moisture will make all the difference.

Dense Forest

One thing that I notice at the coast and in the summer more than in the fall, is that the chanterelles pop up in even thicker areas. Where, in the late fall, it seems that they need a little bit of sun to pop, in the summer, at the coast, they seem more likely to pop under thick foliage, making it likely that crawling on hands and knees would be your best bet to locating more.

Buttons

Keep your eyes peeled—many of the mushrooms, especially in late June and early August, will be tiny buttons—if you miss them, you might miss clues to the larger patches.

Micro Climates and Mini Drainages

When I was searching for chanterelles during the beginning of July, I found my first big flush—in a mini drainage between two “hills”. And by hills, I mean rises of only about a foot on each side. The entire area was about 4’ by 4’, nestled at the base of a small rise. Once I found one, I found about 2 lbs. worth, all within that mini drainage. One reason that they like areas like this is the added moisture.

Tree Associations

Chanterelles are most commonly associated with coniferous trees, especially Douglas fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and sometimes pine. They form mycorrhizal relationships—meaning they grow in symbiosis with the tree’s roots. When scouting, check mature second-growth stands. Mixed hardwoods rarely produce chanterelles in summer, so your best bet is under evergreens.

If you are lucky enough to find some, tag me on Instagram at @Outdoorsymomma and show me your find! And check back for recipes because I have a lot and I will be updating the blog with some as I get the time. Finally, Eat Off the Land my new foraging guide and wild foods cookbook, will be available for pre-order sometime in the next two weeks! Follow me on all the socials to get the latest updates!

I meant to write this about a month ago—and then, shockingly, life happened! The secret is out of the bag and several of y’all know by now that I am releasing a foraging guide and cookbook—my focus has been pulled in that direction for the last month as I finalize details and work with my formatter on getting this book ready for pre-order. With this said, now, in early August, it should be even easier to find summer chanterelles—and even some early fall mushrooms! I have found them inland as early as the end of August, usually if we get some rain. However, it may be worth a short walk if you follow these guidelines. If you are at the coast, it is almost guaranteed that you will find some, IF you practice persistence and cover ground!

Search Near the Coast

In the summer, your best bet is looking close to the coastline. For one, the temperature is likely lower than inland, and, more importantly, there is increased moisture. This brings me to my next point, which is staying within the fog line.

Fog line

The fog line might be ¼ mile inland or wherever it usually stays cloudy and cooler when most other areas are hot. That added moisture will make all the difference.

Dense Forest

One thing that I notice at the coast and in the summer more than in the fall, is that the chanterelles pop up in even thicker areas. Where, in the late fall, it seems that they need a little bit of sun to pop, in the summer, at the coast, they seem more likely to pop under thick foliage, making it likely that crawling on hands and knees would be your best bet to locating more.

Buttons

Keep your eyes peeled—many of the mushrooms, especially in late June and early August, will be tiny buttons—if you miss them, you might miss clues to the larger patches.

Micro Climates and Mini Drainages

When I was searching for chanterelles during the beginning of July, I found my first big flush—in a mini drainage between two “hills”. And by hills, I mean rises of only about a foot on each side. The entire area was about 4’ by 4’, nestled at the base of a small rise. Once I found one, I found about 2 lbs. worth, all within that mini drainage. One reason that they like areas like this is the added moisture.

Tree Associations

Chanterelles are most commonly associated with coniferous trees, especially Douglas fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and sometimes pine. They form mycorrhizal relationships, meaning they grow in symbiosis with the tree’s roots. When scouting, check mature second-growth stands. Mixed hardwoods rarely produce chanterelles in summer, so your best bet is under evergreens.

If you are lucky enough to find some, tag me on Instagram at @Outdoorsymomma and show me your find! And check back for recipes; I have a lot, and will be updating the blog with some as I get the time. Finally, Eat Off the Land, my new foraging guide and wild foods cookbook, will be available for pre-order sometime in the next two weeks! Follow me on all the socials to get the latest updates!