Caution: Before consuming any wild plants, ensure you can confidently identify them. Seeking expert advice can help prevent any potential harmful ingestion.
My passion for foraging was ignited after attending a series of workshops on the subject. Everywhere I went, I found myself scanning the terrain for familiar leaves, stems, or fruits, and I’d audibly express my delight whenever I stumbled upon something edible.
Relocating to Oregon, I was amazed at the sheer abundance of wild edible treasures the Pacific Northwest had to offer, especially the wild fruits. The best part? I didn’t have to wander far to discover nature’s delightful offerings.
A Stroll through Thurston Natural Area
A brief walk in the Thurston Natural Area reveals wild apple and cherry trees. However, if you’re hoping to gather cherries, you’ll need to beat the birds to it!
The trails are rich with edible greens like dock and Cat’s Ear, along with rosehips, Wild Oregon Grape, and lemon balm. If you’re planning on a foraging trip, having a good pair of shears with a holster is handy for convenient harvesting.
Lining the trails are Himalayan Blackberries and Thimbleberries. When harvesting Thimbleberries, which are fragile, use a flat container with paper towels and gently tap the stem until the berries drop. If they don’t, they’re not ripe. While blackberries are abundant in Oregon, bordering on invasive, they are delightfully tart and versatile, great for jams, jellies, pies, or as an oatmeal topping. For preserving your foraged fruits, it’s essential to stock up on canning jars. I always ensure I have plenty on hand, both empty and filled, so I can savor my finds throughout the year.
Discoveries at Clearwater Park and Landing
Although many recognize this location as an ideal launch point for water rafting, it also offers an abundance of foraging prospects.
Here, you’ll find an array of wild greens like dock, wild carrot, Cat’s Ear, dandelion, and amaranth. My most memorable foraging experience at Clearwater Park was stumbling upon a native plum tree, laden with tiny stone fruits, ready for the picking. I was eager to return for more, only to discover that others had found this hidden gem too.
Ventures at Fall Creek State Recreation Area
The Fall Creek Reservoir and Recreation area is a forager’s paradise. It’s a sprawling green space, replete with berries, fruit trees, and most enticingly, mushrooms.
Although I’m hesitant to reveal my exact mushroom-hunting spots, I was overjoyed to find my first morel mushrooms in Oregon during a casual walk through a nearby camping site. Their sheer size and abundance were beyond my expectations!
Mushroom foraging is a popular activity in Oregon due to its favorable climate. For those interested, there are courses available for mushroom identification and foraging – highly recommended for a safe experience.
For individuals seeking guidance, Oregon Permaculture Works is a farm and foraging enterprise in Western Oregon that offers reasonably priced courses. If your foraging efforts don’t yield any mushrooms, they also provide a delivery service within their area.
Embracing the Foraging Lifestyle
Foraging is not only an economical way to source food but also an uplifting activity, particularly during challenging times like the ongoing pandemic. Whether done alone or with loved ones, it’s a chance to momentarily escape from worries and deeply connect with nature and its abundant offerings.
