Chef-Led Intro to Gourmet Mushroom Foraging + Cooking
In season now
Forage with a guide for 3 hours, then watch and join a live cooking demo of gourmet mushrooms. You taste mushrooms prepared 4-5 ways and take home a quarter pound of fresh mushrooms.
What you will do
- Foraging basics from the 101 class, plus recipes and tips from a seasoned cook
- Learn Washington's most iconic gourmet mushrooms, their seasons and lookalikes
- Live cooking demo with hands-on guest participation
- Taste mushrooms prepared 4-5 different ways, in and out of the woods
- Learn how to make mushrooms squeal, which improves their flavor
- Take home a quarter pound of fresh gourmet mushrooms
Included
- Educational and foraging supplies for use during class: basket, mushroom knife, nitrile gloves, identification book and hand warmers
- Mushrooms to bring home
- A quarter pound of fresh gourmet mushrooms per guest, in addition to any foraged finds
- Tastings of mushrooms prepared 4-5 different ways (all vegetarian)
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 will I taste and cook?
You taste mushrooms prepared 4-5 different ways, in and out of the woods, from coffee and tea infused with adaptogenic mushrooms to mushroom jerky. A live cooking demo turns gourmet mushrooms into dishes, with hands-on guest participation. All tastings are vegetarian.
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, you still leave with goodies to enjoy at home, including a quarter pound of fresh gourmet mushrooms.
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 we have rain canopies available if needed. 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.
Are restrooms available?
Restrooms are not always available. There are no restrooms at the trailhead, but there are public restrooms within a 6-minute drive of the meeting area. 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 16 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
I have done both the foraging 101 class and the chef-led class. In the chef-led class, I loved that I learned the same core information as the 101 class, but with the added benefits of delicious tastings in and out of the woods and a hands-on cooking demo. If you're a foodie who likes to cook, this is the class for you!
As a mushroom fanatic who has attended classes and hunts coast to coast at all different price points, I can tell you that no one does it like Forage Seattle. Worth every penny, this premium immersive experience activated all the senses and armed me with cooking skills and recipes that have stuck with me far beyond the three hours of the class.
From providing hand warmers and nitrile gloves (I don't like touching slimy things!) to delicious surprise tastings in the woods, Forage Seattle really thinks of every small detail that makes a huge difference in personal comfort. Their pre-trip planning details also made me feel confident and prepared for the experience.
