Regional Foray

Event Organizers Kristen and Trent Blizzard know you will be absolutely floored by the unique mycology of lushly vegetated coastal Oregon. This incredible area is special in that two distinct climate zones are found within close proximity to one another as dunes and coastal rainforest come together to create a prolifically fungal wild edible landscape unlike anywhere else.

The Oregon Dunes generally occur along the western side of Highway 101 and host large areas of coastal shore pines (Pinus contorta). It’s in these pines that we find the magical and mysterious matsutake (Tricholoma murrillianum). With enough rain and cooler temperatures, these highly coveted choice edibles are plentiful mid-October through mid-December. The dunes are also home to a fall flush of Boletus edulis, which are usually just starting to slow down by the time matsutake enter the scene. You will find plenty of other mushrooms in the region, including many that will excite mushroom dyers, such as Cortinarius smithii and Hydnellum species.

The coastal rainforest east of the 101 is covered in lush greenery, with huge first- and second-growth spruce, Douglas fir, cedar and hemlock, massive ferns and a thickly mossed understory. This zone is home to a host of delicious edible mushrooms that appreciate these moist environs and the PNW fog: golden chanterelles, yellowfoot, Sparassis, lobsters, porcini, hedgehogs and more.

In similar fashion to our 2024 NAMAZona Regional Foray, at this event we will be leaning into the culinary aspects of wild mushrooms – especially matsutake! Weather permitting, forays will endeavor to include field tastings while two sumptuous chef-prepared dinners provide evening highlights.

All attendees will stay at the comfortable, conveniently located Best Western Pier Point Inn (tickets will include lodging), which will serve as event headquarters. No foray location is further than 30 minutes drive from the hotel, with most being only 15 minutes away! 

Check this location off your bucket list – we can’t wait to show you around!