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Wild Berries

Personal Use Wild Berry Picking

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Wild Berries are an important source of food for animals. Always keep an eye out for wildlife while foraging for wild berries. 

(USDA Forest Service photo.)

Berry picking season on the Olympic National Forest begins in July and extends through September. Personal use is allowed and free. Berries may be consumed while visiting the Olympic National Forest or taken home for processing.

A person may pick up to one gallon of berries per day and up to three gallons of berries per year. Berries cannot be sold or bartered.

Equipment

Prepare for a safe and efficient trip by carrying the following:

  • Extra food, water and clothing
  • Compass and map of the area
  • Whistle
  • Field guide for plants
  • Bag or bucket to carry berries.

Safety Recommendations

  • Wear orange vests or other garments to increase your visibility to hunters and other forest visitors.
  • Know the conditions of your permit, including the permissible harvest locations and other relevant boundaries.
  • In case of an emergency dial 911! Notify them of your situation and location, including the road number.
  • Be careful of large trucks and other vehicles when travelling on logging roads. Always use your headlights and ask a forest district office where active logging is occurring.

Prohibitions & Regulations

  • Commercial use berry picking is not permitted on the Olympic National Forest.
  • Harvesting rare, threatened or endangered plants is illegal.
  • Harvesting is prohibited in National Forest designated Wilderness, botanical, and natural research areas.
  • Please contact any Olympic National Forest office with questions.

Berry Types on the Olympic

Last updated March 28th, 2025