Northern Region Mushroom Harvest Information
Do you have a morel dilemma?
Look no further for a solution! Read our information below and use our Mushroom Hunter Helper Map to seek out the best mushroom-hunting ground this spring!
2025 Season Updates
- Page updated February 3, 2025. There are no changes from 2024.
- There are no commercial mushroom collection permits being issued in the Northern Region in 2025.
- Personal Use Permits remain free in the Northern Region in 2025.
Mushroom Hunter Helper
This interactive web map can help you find past wildfire and prescribed fire activities for the purpose of personal use mushroom gathering. Review all rules and guidelines regarding the specific areas and mushroom permit requirements for the individual national forest(s) you will be going to and know how to stay safe while recreating in burned areas. Common Hazards while Recreating in Post-Fire Landscapes (2018, PDF, 49 KB).
2025 Northern Region Mushroom Guide
R1-18-19 - Updated February 2025
Download a printable PDF [v.2023] [1.2 MB]
Morel mushrooms often fruit prolifically in the years after an area has been burned by wildfire. In 2021, a significant amount of Forest Service lands in the Northern Region were affected by fire; a bountiful mushroom crop is anticipated.
Mushrooms are considered a forest product. Several types of permits, both personal use and commercial use, may be required for collection. Please review this brochure for detailed information regarding mushroom harvest opportunities and regulations.
Best Practices
- All mushroom harvesters must follow conditions of the permit, Forest regulations, and Motor Vehicle Use Map Regulations.
- Mushrooms may be harvested anywhere on National Forest System lands unless otherwise restricted. Contact your local Forest Service office when in doubt.
- Avoid streamside and wetland areas to minimize impacts.
- Many harvest areas border private lands. Be respectful of adjacent private lands and do not enter without permission.
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics while enjoying your National Forests. Pick up and pack out your trash and anything else you bring with you, including cigarette butts. Littering brings a maximum fine of $5,000.
- Dispose of human waste and toilet paper by burying it at least 18 inches deep and 300 feet away from any water sources or open road.
- Comply with local food storage regulations.
- Do not block gates, roads, or interfere with the use of trails.
- If you encounter historic artifacts in the forest, treat them with respect and leave them where you find them.
- Proper identification of mushrooms is the responsibility of the harvester. Keep in mind that many forest mushroom species are poisonous!
- Mushroom guidebooks are available to assist with identification. Your local library, county extension office, and Mycological Society are valuable sources of information.
Incidental Use
Incidental Use allows an individual to have up to one gallon of mushrooms in their possession, with a limit of five gallons per season. No permit is required.
Harvest may occur on Northern Region Forest Service lands where mushroom picking is allowed, including commercial harvest areas.
Mushrooms must be sliced in half lengthwise from stem to cap, and resale is prohibited.
Personal Use
Permits are required for over 5 gallons per season, up to a maximum of 20 gallons.
- Harvest may occur on Northern Region Forest Service lands where mushroom picking is allowed.
- Permittee may have no more than 5 gallons in possession at one time.
- Mushrooms must be sliced in half length-wise from stem to cap, and resale is prohibited.
- Permits will be offered at any Forest Service Office managing mushroom activity.
PERSONAL USE PERMIT (FREE)
- A Personal Use (Free) permit allows an individual to pick up to 5 gallons (12.5 Lbs.) of mushrooms per day.
- A maximum of 20 gallons (50 pounds) can be harvested per season.
- Personal Use permits are valid through September 30, 2025.
- In 2025 Personal Use Mushroom permits will be issued free of charge.
Please visit the individual National Forest mushroom harvest pages, linked below, for information on obtaining a personal use permit, or gathering small quantities of morels for personal use.
Visit these links for details on personal and incidental harvesting of mushrooms on individual forests:
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Permit Information
- Bitterroot National Forest Permit Information
- Custer Gallatin National Forest Permit Information
- Flathead National Forest Permit Information
- Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Permit Information
- Idaho Panhandle National Forests Permit Information
- Kootenai National Forest Permit Information
- Lolo National Forest Permit Information
- Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Permit Information
We want you to stay safe while collecting mushrooms!
Common Hazards while Recreating in Post-Fire Landscapes (2018, PDF, 49 KB).
The Northern Region is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, and they are out of their dens and on the hunt for food, often with cubs in tow. Read our Northern Region Bear Guide for information on traveling and camping safely in bear country.
Each Forest in the Northern Region has regulations in place that govern what types of traffic is allowed on roads and trails during defined seasons. It is your responsibility to know and follow these rules for the Forest on which you are collecting mushrooms. Get a Motor Vehicle Use Map and know and follow all of the travel regulations for the area to which you are going!
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Maps
- Bitterroot National Forest Maps
- Custer Gallatin National Forest Maps
- Dakota Prairie Grasslands Maps
- Flathead National Forest Maps
- Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Maps
- Idaho Panhandle National Forests Maps
- Kootenai National Forest Maps
- Lolo National Forest Maps
- Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Maps
Page banner hero photo credit: Morel Mushroom, Licensed photo by Bethany Adobe Stock