Wild Berry Permits

Wild Berries

There are many different wild berries growing on the Forest. The following list describes those that are commonly picked for eating.

Huckleberries - Both red and blue huckleberries are among the most popular wild fruit on the forest. Various species are found from low wet forests to the alpine slopes of the Cascade Mountains. The berries ripen first at lower elevations. Peak months are August and September. Look for them on relatively open forestland and on cutover timberlands.

Blackberries - Trailing Blackberry (Rubus ursinus) is a prized find. The plant produces small berries, and is mostly found in open, sunny ground. The Himalayan (Rubus discolor) is an abundant plant introduced from Europe, along with it’s cousin, the Evergreen Blackberry. They colonize disturbed areas, such as roadsides and has a large seedy fruit. Blackberries begin to fruit in June and will continue through September. They are often found along roads, railroad tracks, in vacant lots, cutover forests and by the sides of streams.

Salal Berries - Salal berries are abundant, easy to pick, but often ignored. The berries ripen from mid-July through mid-September. Look for them in wooded areas. They are ideal for jellies.

Other less commonly picked berries:

• Oregon Grape - Best mixed with other berry jellies; should not be eaten fresh because of a laxative effect.
• Wild Strawberries - Small, sweet berries with good flavor. Grows along roads and in cutover areas.
• Black Caps and Raspberries - A red or black small- seeded berry. Grows in areas similar to blackberries.
• Salmonberry - A yellow or reddish, mushy berry about the size of a raspberry. They are one of the earliest berries to ripen (May-June).

*NEVER consume any wild berries you have not positively identified as non-poisonous.

 

Printable Wild Berries Fact Sheet

 

 

Rules

Removal of berries is also prohibited from legislated Wilderness areas, Experimental Forest, Research Natural Areas and/or other areas that are administratively closed.  For more information about berries and locations check with the local Ranger District to plan your visit. 

 

Incidental Use

Permits are not required in certain situations: forest products may be consumed or used while on the forest without a permit. For example, berries or mushrooms may be eaten in the woods or down wood may be gathered for a campfire (on the forest) without a permit. Except where otherwise noted, it is not legal to remove products collected from the forest without a permit. Up to one (1) gallon of berries is considered incidental use and does not require a permit. Enjoy the berries as you visit the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

 

Free Use Permit Required

A person may pick up to (5) gallons of berries for personal use, per person per year with a Free Use Permit. These berries may not be sold or bartered. There are no designated seasons for the personal use berry harvest.

 

Charge Use Required

There are no Charge Use Permits for berries available on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

 

Do Your Part

If you pack it in, pack it out. Please remove all trash!

• Do your part and respect the Forest by leaving it clean and free of trash.  For more information on how you can help, read the following information about practicing Leave No Trace principles. 
• Follow all permit conditions.
• Follow general rules and regulations for use of National Forest Systems lands, which are available at Ranger District offices.
• Proper gathering techniques of Special Forest Products to ensure future availability.
• It is ILLEGAL to harvest rare, threatened, or endangered plants.

 

 

 

 

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