CENTRALIA— 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 huckleberries.
No fee is required, and applications can be found at 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.
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.
