Mushroom Foraging Season Now Open in Shasta-McCloud Management Unit
Spring mushroom season is officially underway in the Shasta-McCloud Management Unit of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, with the harvest window running through July 31, 2025.
Popular varieties like morels and boletus are now sprouting under forest debris following recent rains, drawing foragers from across Northern California. New mushroom hunters are advised to learn the difference between edible and poisonous varieties and to harvest alongside an experienced picker when starting out.
For personal use, mushroom harvesting is free with a daily limit of one gallon and a seasonal maximum of five gallons. Personal harvesters must break or cut mushrooms with caps larger than two inches into quarters immediately after picking, and all mushrooms gathered for personal use are prohibited from being sold or traded.
Commercial harvesting requires a permit for anyone 18 and older, with rates starting at $1 per pound. Permits range from a $20 minimum for 20 pounds over four days, up to a $150 permit for 150 pounds over 29 days.
Harvesters are reminded not to rake the forest floor, as this damages mushroom beds and slows regrowth. Visitors should also pack out any trash, tread lightly on muddy roads, and watch for hazards like fallen trees.
For more information on safe mushroom identification and sustainable harvesting practices, contact the McCloud Ranger Station at (530) 964-2184 or the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station at (530) 926-4511.
