Gifford Pinchot Huckleberry Picking Permits Open

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Berry pickers rejoice: Huckleberry season is beginning in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  The U.S. Forest Service this week publicized its applications for the free-use berry permits, which are required for recreators looking to pick some huckleberries for their own enjoyment.

No fee is required, and applications can be found here: apps.fs.usda.gov/gp/.

Berry pickers should carry a physical or virtual copy of their permit along with conditions for use and a map of the forest where huckleberries can be picked. Up to a gallon of berries can be picked per day, or a total of three gallons each year.



Closed to berry picking are the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, all legislated wilderness and the “Handshake Agreement” area of Sawtooth Berry Fields, according to the Forest Service.

Those interested in commercial picking can also purchase $60 permit starting Aug. 9 at ranger district offices and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Headquarters. Find those hours and operations here: fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/about-forest/offices.

Those who do buy and sell the huckleberries must document their transactions.