Springtime launches fevered (and secretive) searches for the highly prized morel mushrooms. Summer and fall herald the emergence of delicious and easily recognizable King Boletes, Hedgehogs and Shaggy Manes, as well as the delicate (and excellent) Hericium. The colorful but poisonous Fly Agaric is prolific as well.
Local stores have excellent guidebooks about Alaska's most popular mushrooms, with hints of favorable habitats, gathering techniques and etiquette. Mushroom gathering is a grand way to experience Alaska's wilderness trails, followed by a mouthwatering reward.
Girdwood Fungus Fair
Primed for the mushroom picking season, Fungus Fair in Girdwood is an annual weekend of picking forays and naturalist presentations. Topping the weekend is the Fabulous Fungus Fair Formal, featuring gourmet fungal fare and more at the Hotel Alyeska.
