Following an Unprecedented Winter of Rain, California Is Experiencing a “Super Shroom”

Oyster mushrooms. Chanterelles. Chicken of the woods. California’s 1.6 million acres of forests are teeming with mushrooms, allowing enthusiasts to forage from mid-October to mid-April. This year, thanks to an extraordinary amount of rainfall brought by 29 atmospheric rivers since October 2022, mushroom hunters are in for an exceptional experience: a much-anticipated “super shroom” event. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What exactly is a “super shroom”?

Inspired by the term “super bloom” (a phenomenon where California’s deserts produce an extraordinary yield of wildflowers), a “super shroom” refers to the occurrence of an unusually high number of both common and rare mushrooms fruiting after a significant period of heavy rainfall. During extended droughts, many mushroom species enter a dormant state, but when the rain finally arrives, thousands can spring to life all at once.

In contrast to past foraging experiences that required venturing deep into the wilderness for favorite mushrooms, this year fungi are sprouting in every corner of California—even in city parks and urban settings. Fungi flourish in moist environments, and given that the rainy season of 2022 has been one of the wettest on record in the past 15 years, it’s an excellent time to be a mushroom (and for those who enjoy eating them).

How to experience a super shroom

Fortunately, you won’t have to venture far to witness the super shroom, as many mushroom species are flourishing within the city limits of San Francisco and even Los Angeles. However, state and national parks remain excellent spots to see abundant fungi in their natural habitats. (If you choose to forage in these areas, make sure to stay on designated trails and within marked zones, as straying off-trail is discouraged and sometimes illegal.)

For those interested in foraging for mushrooms, visiting national forests or land managed by the Bureau of Land Management is your best bet, where visitors can freely explore public land. Each park and forest has its own rules and permit requirements, so it’s essential to check the specific regulations for your chosen destination. Always remember, it’s never permissible to forage mushrooms from private property, regardless of how conveniently placed they are near roads or sidewalks—always seek permission first.

When heading outdoors, be sure to bring a hat, bug spray, sturdy hiking boots, water, a reusable water bottle, and plenty of sunscreen. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants will help protect foragers from itchy plants like poison oak and ivy. If you plan to harvest mushrooms, pack the following:

• A sharp pocket knife: Essential for cleanly cutting mushrooms from the ground, inspecting specimens for worms, and cleaning stems.
• A garden trowel: Some species require full excavation from the soil for proper identification. A trowel makes this process easier.
• A soft-bristled brush: Useful for removing dirt and debris from the gills, ridges, and pores of mushrooms.
• A mushroom container or basket: This can be anything simple—just a way to hold your harvest without getting it dirty while foraging.

Thinking about foraging for mushrooms? Here’s what you should know.

Northern California is home to over 11,000 identified mushroom species and an estimated 3,000 types of fungi across California. While there are only about three fatalities per year related to mushroom consumption in the United States, ingesting toxic mushrooms can lead to severe illness. Here are some precautions you should consider:

• Forage with an expert initially and avoid eating anything you can't confidently identify. Among the thousands of mushroom types, very few are safe to eat (only around 20 are edible in the USA), and many toxic varieties closely resemble them. Just touching a poisonous mushroom won’t harm you, but consuming it can be dangerous. An experienced mycologist or mushroom forager can guide you in identifying safe species and spotting look-alikes. Consider connecting with a local mycological society—the Los Angeles Mycological Society hosts events throughout L.A. and Orange County, many of which are free and open to the public.
• Learn to observe your environment. Fungi thrive by decomposing organic materials. Watch for fallen trees, often referred to as nurse logs. Some mushrooms have symbiotic relationships with living trees. For example, chanterelles commonly grow near oak trees, supporting the root system and providing essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
• Be aware of seasonal changes. Mushrooms are more likely to fruit after heavy rainfall. In Southern California, the rainy season typically occurs in winter, making it an ideal time for foraging. In Northern California, fall is particularly favorable for mushroom hunting.

Top locations for mushroom hunting in California

Californians enjoy an abundance of public lands perfect for foraging. While Northern California's redwood forests have long attracted mushroom lovers, the recent rains have also turned Southern California into a vibrant scene for finding fruiting bodies. Here are some prime locations to forage for mushrooms throughout California:

Los Padres National Forest
Location: 1980 Old Mission Dr., Solvang | View on Google Maps

Describing Los Padres National Forest as "large" is an understatement—it covers over 1.7 million acres from Ventura to Monterey. Within its vastness, you can explore diverse biomes, from Central Valley grasslands to coastal redwood forests. Look out for edible varieties such as chanterelles, lion’s mane, and hericium mushrooms, which supposedly taste reminiscent of lobster. No permits are needed for foraging, but the USDA requests that visitors only take what they will consume on site. While most areas allow free visits and camping, some parts managed by the Parks Management Concession Company charge a $10 parking fee—always check for signage at trailheads.

Angeles National Forest
Location: 12371 N. Little Tujunga Canyon Rd., Kagel Canyon | View on Google Maps

Located just 18 miles north of downtown Los Angeles, Angeles National Forest is one of the most accessible green spaces for locals. Spanning 700,000 acres, it features the rugged San Gabriel Mountains, including Mount Baldy, the range's highest peak. Although mushrooms aren't typically plentiful here due to the region's dry climate, this year could be different with potential finds like chanterelles, oyster mushrooms, and morels. Similar to Los Padres, the USDA encourages foragers to take only what they will eat during their visit. Many areas are free, but some require an Adventure Pass (day passes cost $5, annual passes $30). Contact your local Forest Service office for details on obtaining an Adventure Pass and the areas requiring it.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Location: 47050 Generals Hwy., Three Rivers | View on Google Maps

Featuring a stunning array of landscapes from majestic mountains to profound canyons, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks boast a rich variety of flora and fauna, many of which are edible. Visitors can gather mushrooms and berries for immediate personal consumption on site. If larger quantities are desired, a permit is necessary. Vehicle entry passes start at $35.

Salt Point State Park
Location: 25050 CA-1, Jenner | View on Google Maps

Spanning 6,000 acres in Sonoma County, Salt Point State Park is the sole state park in Northern California that permits mushroom foraging for personal use. With over 20 miles of trails for eager mushroom hunters to explore, it’s best to venture out after a substantial rain. Foragers can collect up to three pounds of mushrooms per day without needing a permit. Day passes to enter the park begin at $8 per vehicle.

Point Reyes National Seashore
Location: Point Reyes Station | View on Google Maps

While Point Reyes National Seashore is often celebrated for its charming elephant seal colony, it also serves as an excellent foraging spot due to its moist climate and generous mushroom policy: visitors can collect up to two gallons of mushrooms daily. A diverse array of mushrooms thrives here—including some potentially deadly varieties—so beginners should consider foraging with an expert. Additionally, Point Reyes hosts an annual Fungus Fair, where attendees can join in gathering mushrooms and learn about the essential role of fungi in ecosystems from mycologists. There’s no entrance fee for Point Reyes National Seashore, but overnight camping fees start at $30 per night.