Pacific Golden Chanterelle

The Event: Fruiting Phenology

C. formosus is ectomycorrhizal, obligately associated with Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla). Sporocarp emergence is cued by autumn soil-moisture recharge against declining soil temperature. We model the operational signal as a cumulative precipitation soak of ≥1.5″; sporocarps emerge ~18 d later as hyphae aggregate into primordia, with buttons resolving a few days ahead (~day 14).

Seasonal productivity is modulated by the prior summer's warmth, the strongest documented predictor of abundance (Norvell & Roger 1998), which replenishes mycelial reserves. These thresholds are correlational, not a validated forecast: read the output as probability, not certainty.

Availability & Seasonality

When the run is typically productive across these forests: the long-run phenological envelope, independent of any single year. Live forecast conditions are read per region, below.

Where to Find It

Tillamook State Forest

The Wilson River / Gales Creek belt off Highway 6. These are real public access points into the right habitat: mid-elevation second-growth conifer with moss and salal on moisture-holding north and east benches. You find the actual fruiting by walking that ground off the old spur roads.

Prime frame: 45.74°N, 123.72°W → 45.5°N, 123.36°W

Field Notes

• Mid-elevation, ~1,000–2,500 ft.
• Second-growth Doug-fir & hemlock.
• Mossy ground, often near salal.
• North & east benches hold moisture.
• Slope shelves over old spur roads.
• Apricot smell confirms the find.