Mushroom Permits
Morel mushrooms often fruit prolifically in the years after an area has been burned by wildfire, however the morel mushroom season varies depending on local weather conditions. The type of permit required to harvest mushrooms varies based on the amount to be collected and whether the product is to be sold.
Personal Use Permits
Only one type of permit will be available on the Kootenai for the 2026 mushroom season, Personal Use Free. These permits are now available at all Kootenai National Forest offices. Note that individuals may also harvest mushrooms at Incidental Use levels without a permit. Expand the "Summary Table of Permit Types" collapsible content section below for more information.
Note
Personal Use permits are the only permits that the Kootenai National Forest will be issuing for the 2026 season.
Northern Region Information
Find information on mushroom harvesting opportunities across the Northern Region.
Interactive Mushroom Helper Map
The Northern Region Mushroom Hunter interactive web map can help you find past wildfire and prescribed fire activities for the purpose of personal use mushroom gathering in the Northern Region, including the Kootenai. Review all rules and guidelines regarding the specific areas and mushroom permit requirements for the individual national forest(s) you will be going to and know how to stay safe while recreating in burned areas. Common Hazards while Recreating in Post-Fire Landscapes [PDF, 49K)
*Other Forests in Region 1 may have identified areas that are excluded from mushroom collection under Incidental or Personal Use Permits.
| Specification | Commercial Permit | Personal Use Charge | Personal Use Free Permit | Incidental Permit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | YES, permit is required for each person 12 years and older to collect mushrooms anywhere on the Forest. | YES, permit is required for each person 12 years and older to collect mushrooms anywhere on the Forest. | YES, permit is required for each person 12 years and older to collect mushrooms anywhere on the Forest. | No |
| Designated Commercial Areas ONLY-Not available on the Kootenai National Forest for 2026 | Region 1 Not available on the Kootenai National Forest for 2026 | Region 1 | Region 1 | |
| Season or Permit Length | Through September 30, 2026 *Not available on the Kootenai National Forest for 2026 | Through September 30, 2026 *Not available on the Kootenai National Forest for 2026 | Through September 30, 2026 | Calendar Year 2026 |
| Minimum Charge | $20.00 | $20.00 | $0.00 | Not Applicable |
| Maximum Charge | $300.00 per season | $300.00 per season | $0.00 | Not Applicable |
| Minimum Amount | 20 Gallons (50 Lbs.) 7 days | 20 Gallons (50 Lbs.) | 5 Gallons (12.5 Lbs.) | Not Applicable |
| Maximum Amount | Per Permit: Per Individual: | 300 Gallons (750 Lbs.) 5 gallons per day in possession | 20 Gallons (50 Lbs.) | 1 gallon per day in possession 5 gallons total per person, per season |
| Other Requirements | Mushrooms may be kept whole and may be sold. Camping in designated group locations ONLY with a valid commercial camping permit, if camping on Forest Service lands. | All mushrooms must be sliced lengthwise in half at the time of harvesting. Resale of mushrooms is prohibited. | All mushrooms must be sliced lengthwise in half at the time of harvesting. Resale of mushrooms is prohibited. | All mushrooms must be sliced lengthwise in half at the time of harvesting. Resale of mushrooms is prohibited. |
Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Northern Region
R1-18-19
April 2024
2026 Northern Region Mushroom Guide
Download a printable PDF [1.2 MB]
Morel Mushroom
USDA Forest Service Photo by Gina Davis
Morel mushrooms often fruit prolifically in the years after an area has been burned by wildfire. In 2021, a significant amount of Forest Service lands in the Northern Region were effected by fire; a bountiful mushroom crop is anticipated.
Mushrooms are considered a forest product. Various types of permits, both personal use and commercial use, may be required for collection. Please review this brochure or visit Northern Region Mushrooms for detailed information regarding mushroom harvest opportunities and regulations.
Mushrooms harvested for personal use must be sliced in half, lengthwise. USDA Forest Service Photo
Best Practices
- All mushroom harvesters must follow conditions of the permit, Forest regulations, and Motor Vehicle Use Map Regulations.
- Mushrooms may be harvested anywhere on National Forest System lands unless otherwise restricted. Contact your local Forest Service office when in doubt.
- Avoid streamside and wetland areas to minimize impacts.
- Many harvest areas border private lands. Be respectful of adjacent private lands and do not enter without permission.
- Practice Leave No Trace ethics while enjoying your National Forests. Pick up and pack out your trash and anything else you bring with you, including cigarette butts. Littering brings a maximum fine of $5,000.
- Dispose of human waste and toilet paper by burying it at least 18 inches deep and 300 feet away from any water sources or open road.
- Comply with local food storage regulations.
- Do not block gates, roads, or interfere with the use of trails.
- If you encounter historic artifacts in the forest, treat them with respect and leave them where you find them.
- Proper identification of mushrooms is the responsibility of the harvester. Keep in mind that many forest mushroom species are poisonous!
- Mushroom guidebooks are available to assist with identification. Your local library, county extension office, and Mycological Society are valuable sources of information.
Incidental Use
Incidental Use allows an individual to have up to one gallon of mushrooms in their possession, with a limit of five gallons per season. No permit is required.
Harvest may occur on Northern Region Forest Service lands where mushroom picking is allowed, including commercial harvest areas.
Mushrooms must be sliced in half lengthwise from stem to cap, and resale is prohibited.
Personal Use
Permits are required for over 5 gallons per season, up to a maximum of 20 gallons.
- Harvest may occur on Northern Region Forest Service lands where mushroom picking is allowed.
- Permittee may have no more than 5 gallons in possession at one time.
- Mushrooms must be sliced in half length-wise from stem to cap, and resale is prohibited.
- Permits will be offered at any Forest Service Office managing mushroom activity.
PERSONAL USE PERMIT (FREE)
- A Personal Use (Free) permit allows an individual to pick up to 5 gallons (12.5 Lbs.) of mushrooms per day.
- A maximum of 20 gallons (50 Lbs.) can be harvested per season.
- Personal Use permits are valid through September 30, 2026.
- 2026 Personal Use Mushroom permits will be issued free of charge.
Safety, along with sanitation, are major concerns for Forest officials, mushroom pickers, local landowners, public and our partners.
The Forest Food Storage Order is in effect and requires proper storage and possession of food to minimize conflicts with grizzly and black bears.