Where
is one of the best locations in the Inland Northwest to gather mushrooms??
None other than Priest Lake is the answer.
The forests surrounding Priest Lake are classified as "wet forests" and
have the benefit of natural conditions that promote superb mushroom growth. Adequate
amounts of rainfall coupled with warm weather and dense forests combine to make
Priest Lake a mecca for those who seek Morels, Chanterelles, Shaggy Manes, Chicken
of the Woods, Corals, or any of the over 450 mushroom species that have been
identified in the Priest Lake area.
So where does one find these culinary delights? The very tasty Morels are abundant
during the spring, usually May and often into June, and can be found in the forest,
near streams, in orchards, on disturbed ground and particularly in burned areas.
In the fall, Chanterelles make their appearance. They are found mostly around
conifer trees and at the edges of pastures or meadows. If you find one Chanterelle,
keep looking for more in the immediate vicinity. They often tend to hide just
under the forest floor (properly referred to as the 'duff' by the knowledgeable
mushroom hunter). Both the white and golden colored Chanterelles grow at Priest
Lake.
Now
that you've found what appears to be a delectable mushroom, should you eat it?
Unless you are qualified as an expert in mushroom identification, the answer
is a loud and unequivocal "NO"!! Do not eat any mushrooms until you
have them positively identified by an expert. Of the 450 mushroom species present
at Priest Lake, some are safe to consume while others are very poisonous. Do
not guess which are edible and which are not.
Outstanding
sources of information for the beginner or experienced mushroom hunter are the
mycological (mushroom) clubs in the region. These clubs can not only provide
invaluable information, but also offer the opportunity for membership. Beginners,
as well as experienced fungi foray veterans are welcome to join. The cost is
minimal and the rewards are lifelong friendships and an ever-increasing knowledge
of the region's mycological delights. The North Idaho Mycological Association
(NIMA), located in Coeur d' Alene, has an absolutely superb web site at www.nicon.org/nima/.
The photographs on this page are provided courtesy of NIMA. The Spokane Mushroom
Club is also an excellent information source and their annual foray at Priest
Lake has become a local institution.
Good
Luck & Good Hunting!
Priest Lake Chamber
of Commerce
PriestLake.org
PO Box 174 • Coolin, Idaho 83821
Phone:
(208) 443-3191 • Toll Free: (888) 774-3785
Fax: (208) 443-4061 • E-mail: plcc@povn.com
Where
is one of the best locations in the Inland Northwest to gather mushrooms??
None other than Priest Lake is the answer. 
Now
that you've found what appears to be a delectable mushroom, should you eat it?
Unless you are qualified as an expert in mushroom identification, the answer
is a loud and unequivocal "NO"!! Do not eat any mushrooms until you
have them positively identified by an expert. Of the 450 mushroom species present
at Priest Lake, some are safe to consume while others are very poisonous. Do
not guess which are edible and which are not. 
Outstanding
sources of information for the beginner or experienced mushroom hunter are the
mycological (mushroom) clubs in the region. These clubs can not only provide
invaluable information, but also offer the opportunity for membership. Beginners,
as well as experienced fungi foray veterans are welcome to join. The cost is
minimal and the rewards are lifelong friendships and an ever-increasing knowledge
of the region's mycological delights. The North Idaho Mycological Association
(NIMA), located in Coeur d' Alene, has an absolutely superb web site at