Seattle Mushroom Foraging 101
In season now
Learn to find, identify and cook wild mushrooms on a 2-hour guided walk made for first-timers. You take home mushrooms and a clear idea of which lookalikes to leave alone.
What you will do
- Designed for first-time foragers
- Learn the truth about poisonous mushrooms and how to spot lookalikes
- Focus on edible versus inedible, not scientific Latin names
- Find tasty mushrooms most people have never heard of
- The guide pre-scouts the spots, so no aimless wandering
- Learn to find, collect, clean, store and cook mushrooms
Included
- All foraging supplies: basket, mushroom knife, nitrile gloves, reference book and hand warmers
- Mushrooms to bring home
Bring with you
- Dress for the weather: rain jacket, hat, gloves and hiking boots (strongly recommended)
- A small backpack and a water bottle
From past days out
Good to know before you book
Anything else, call or text and a person answers.
What kind of mushrooms will I find?
It depends on the season. Each mushroom has its own time to shine, so what you find depends on when you visit. We show you the full range of what is fruiting that day: toxic, inedible and edible.
What happens if I don’t find many mushrooms?
We can’t control Mother Nature, so we can’t offer refunds. In the rare event you don’t find many mushrooms, we still make sure you leave with some goodies to enjoy at home. Education is the first priority of this introductory class, and we scout the location in advance.
How physically demanding is this?
We won’t be scaling Mount Everest, but we hike off-trail for up to a mile. Expect to crouch and stand for up to two hours. Dress comfortably.
Where do we meet?
In the Redmond area, within a 40 minute drive of Seattle. We scout locations in the days before the class and follow where the mushrooms are fruiting. The exact location is sent to you by text message 24 hours before the event.
What if it rains?
The experience runs in light rain or shine, and mushrooms love rain. If we have to cancel because of inclement weather, you receive a full refund.
What is the cancellation policy?
We offer cancellation insurance for 10% of the ticket price at the time of purchase. It lets you cancel up to 72 hours before the event. Otherwise sales are final, but you can send someone else in your place.
Can children come?
The experience is listed for all ages. Pets are not allowed.
Are restrooms available?
Restrooms are not always available. Most locations for this class have bathrooms or porta potties, but there are no restrooms at the trailhead at some sites. Take care of business beforehand and bring your own supplies. Leave no trace, including toilet paper.
What if I don’t have a car?
Rideshare trips are typically $65-$75 each way from downtown Seattle. You can save 75% by taking public transit to get nearby, then an Uber or Lyft to or from the trailhead for about $15-$25.
Can I book a private group?
Yes. You can book a private event for up to 12 guests in the booking calendar. For a different date or time, or a larger group, contact us.
Pick your date
Groups are small and the season is short. The live calendar shows every open seat.
From people who came on this one
Before going on the intro to mushroom foraging class, I had only picked mushrooms at the grocery store. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how safe and fun wild mushroom foraging can be. I'm happy to report that I didn't turn into a Smurf, and I now feel confident foraging on my own!
Before taking the intro to mushroom foraging class, I had only picked mushrooms at the grocery store. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how safe and fun wild mushroom foraging can be. I left the class feeling confident and excited to try foraging on my own!
Who knew a little rain could add so much magic to a mushroom foraging adventure? Despite the drizzle, we stayed pretty dry under the canopy of the old-growth forest. It was an authentic and unforgettable experience!
