Coastal morels

[Recon]

Still trying to figure out this morel and chanterelle hunting. We’re camping on the coast next weekend the 5th and 6th to try clamming again. My question is we will have time to kill during the day. I know it’s probably a little early still but are there morels to be found on the coast? Like Westport area and south. Trying to fill the rest of our day out with activities.

[pianoman9701]

You can find verpa bohemica, or thimble caps, in and around cottonwoods and tangled blackberry bushes. It's possible to find a few blonde morels there, as well. Don't pass up the stinging nettles. They're a great pot herb like spinach, and they can relieve breathing problems by drinking the liquid after cooking, like a tea, and are also an anti-inflammatory when rubbed raw on affected joints. The irritation goes away after a short while but the relief can last for weeks, even months.

[Recon]

Thanks for the advice. I don't feel confident enough picking mushrooms besides chanterelles or morels. We are very new to mushroom picking.

[pianoman9701]

Stinging nettle is pretty easy to distinguish. Blonde morels just look like plain morels. Thimble caps (pictured) are easily distinguished by their white stem, brownish-red cap, and because the cap sits on the end of the stem like a thimble sits on your finger. The stem is fibrous, not hollow like true morel stems. They don't need to be cut like true morels because the stem will snap off clean. Cook all wild mushrooms thoroughly before eating.

[kellama2001]

You can find verpa bohemica, or thimble caps, in and around cottonwoods and tangled blackberry bushes. It's possible to find a few blonde morels there, as well. Don't pass up the stinging nettles. They're a great pot herb like spinach, and they can relieve breathing problems by drinking the liquid after cooking, like a tea, and are also an anti-inflammatory when rubbed raw on affected joints. The irritation goes away after a short while but the relief can last for weeks, even months.

Very interesting about the stinging nettle, I've never heard that before.  Getting excited for morel season in the mountains!

[Igottanewknee]

Checked out a spot in Tacoma (nature area) where we've found them the last 6 or 7 years. 2 weeks I'm guessing.... last year was the 11th and they were good sized.
Can't wait!

[Recon]

Stinging nettle is pretty easy to distinguish. Blonde morels just look like plain morels. Thimble caps (pictured) are easily distinguished by their white stem, brownish-red cap, and because the cap sits on the end of the stem like a thimble sits on your finger. The stem is fibrous, not hollow like true morel stems. They don't need to be cut like true morels because the stem will snap off clean. Cook all wild mushrooms thoroughly before eating.

Good info thanks. Ill probably go out and look for them anyways. Nothing else to do after digging for clams and pulling crab pots. Of course it might also depend on how miserable it is. Looks like it will be raining none stop that weekend.