Fiddleheads

Fiddleheads are the furled fronds of fledgling ferns that can be harvested as a vegetable in the early spring. Not all ferns are edible, with some being toxic to humans. It is important to properly identify the plant before harvesting fiddleheads.

Do not harvest forest products from Wilderness Areas, timber sale locations, and the Quinault Special Management Area.

Incidental Use

No permit is required to forage up to one pound of fiddleheads annually while staying on the Forest.

Personal Use

A permit allows the gathering of up to five pounds of fiddleheads per year for personal use. 

• No commercial sale allowed.
• No fee

Commercial Use 

A permit is required for commercial harvest of fiddleheads on the Olympic National Forest.

• Fee $20, limit 20-pounds per person per year.