The 2025 season for commercially harvesting Matsutake mushrooms will open for the Deschutes National Forest Tuesday, Sept. 2, and will close Nov. 3, 2025.
A commercial permit must be purchased for the picking of any Matsutake mushrooms on National Forests that are harvested for resale. Permits cost $200 for the 62-day season, $100 for a half-season permit (valid for 31 consecutive days) or $8 per day with a three-day minimum purchase (picking days do not need to be consecutive). Harvesters must be 18 years or older and have a valid ID to purchase a permit.
In addition to a permit, everyone must have a harvest area map in their possession to gather, transport or sell mushrooms gathered on the Deschutes National Forest. All tools for Matsutake harvest cannot exceed one inch wide and 18 inches long. Raking or other ground disturbance is prohibited.
Commercial mushroom picking is not allowed in Crater Lake National Park, Newberry National Volcanic Monument, H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Late Successional Reserves, research natural areas, Wilderness areas, developed recreation areas and other designated non-harvest areas.
Anyone wishing to operate a buying station on National Forest System land must obtain a buyer’s permit. Contact the Crescent Ranger District for details.
The Forest Service requires commercial harvesters to have written permission from the agency to camp on any National Forest lands. A campground for commercial harvesters will open on Aug. 22, 2025, at Little Odell Industrial Camp near Crescent Lake. The Crescent Ranger District manages the camp, which currently is available free of charge with a valid commercial harvest permit. Site occupancy allows up to 8 people and 2 vehicles. There are firepits, garbage service and portable restrooms. Water is not available. Please verify and follow current Public Fire Use Restrictions. For more information about the Little Odell Industrial Camp and fire restrictions, contact Crescent Ranger District.
Motorized travel for the purpose of mushroom collection must comply with roads depicted as ‘open’ on the respective mushroom maps.
Due to the high volume of anticipated permit transactions on opening day, the ranger district can only process cash payments on Tuesday, September 2.
For more information about the Matsutake mushroom program on the Deschutes National Forest, please call the Crescent Ranger District at 541-433-3200.
