There are so many reasons to love Fort Stevens State Park, but did you know that you can also go mushroom hunting there? You might be surprised at the large variety of fungi you’ll find growing at this park!
Fort Stevens State Park is a well-loved park in Astoria, and it has plenty to offer. You’ll want to tour the historic, Civil War-era fort…
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…go for a swim and soak in the views at Coffenbury Lake…
Oregon State Parks
…and of course, you’ll pay the Peter Iredale (Oregon’s most famous shipwreck) a visit to take some stunning photos.
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If the idea of a treasure hunt is appealing, then you’ll also want to go mushroom hunting while you’re here.
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There are many species of mushrooms at the park, and you can pick them and take them home. You’ll need a field guide to identify the mushrooms, a trowel to dig them up, and a container to put them in.
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The day-use areas of the park usually have plenty of mushrooms, including some pretty crazy varieties. This is a lobster mushroom, and it’s clear to see how it got its nickname. It grows in the late summer and early fall, and is quite delicious.
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Many of the mushrooms that grow here get to be pretty big. These are prince mushrooms, and they smell like almonds and have a wonderful flavor.
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Learn more about the mushrooms in the park by taking a tour with a park ranger.
Oregon State Parks Wild mushroom tours are offered from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on several days throughout September, October, and November.
You’ll head out to hunt mushrooms with an expert who can help you identify them, and learn more while you’re at it. Tours are free.
Bryant Olsen/flickr Visitors are also encouraged to bring any mushrooms they find into the station for identification, too.
With so much to see and do at Fort Stevens State Park, you might just decide to stay the night. The park has more than 480 camp sites.
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Visit the Fort Stevens State Park website to learn more about the park, and take a look at this brochure to learn more about the mushrooms found here.
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Wild mushroom tours are offered from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on several days throughout September, October, and November.
Bryant Olsen/flickr
Visitors are also encouraged to bring any mushrooms they find into the station for identification, too.
Have you ever picked mushrooms at this state park? We’d love to hear about your visit!
While you’re in Astoria, make sure to take the Riverfront Walk to soak in the history and views here.
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