Forage for Mushrooms at Lake Quinault

By: Taneeka Hansen |   October 2012   |  FROM THE PRINT EDITION

Lake Quinault Lodge festooned with carved mushroom sculptures PHOTO CREDIT: Janet Miller

WHERE: Lake Quinault Lodge in Olympic National Park.

WHY: For the 11th annual Quinault Rain Forest Mushroom Festival (10/19–10/21. $25–$30. Lake Quinault Lodge; 360.288.2900; olympicnationalparks.com) where fungi fanatics and beginner foragers can join in lectures and forest forays with mycology giants like UW’s Dr. Steven Trudell, or enjoy a ’shroom-centric menu and cooking demonstrations by Lake Quinault chef Jason Booth. Also not to be missed are the mushroom sculptures, carved with chain saws, and the living table, which sprouts in the center of the conference and overflows with live specimens—the perfect place for practicing your newfound identification skills.

ON THE WAY: Save about two hours before or after the fungi fest for the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive (quinaultrainforest.com, click “activities”), a 3-hour, 31-mile self-guided tour through the emerald forest.

GETTING THERE: Take I-5 south to U.S. 101 north toward Aberdeen. Turn right onto S Shore Road.