Mushroom foraging laws in Alaska

Summary

Alaska allows personal-use mushroom picking in state parks and on most state land managed by DNR's Division of Mining, Land and Water. Picking to sell is not allowed in state parks, and commercial harvest on state land needs a permit. Alaska food-code rules for selling wild mushrooms to restaurants were not verified.

Public land

State parks: a park rule lets you gather berries, fruits, mushrooms and similar edibles for personal consumption, but not for sale. State land managed by DNR's Division of Mining, Land and Water (not parks): harvesting a small number of wild plants, mushrooms and berries for personal, noncommercial use is a generally allowed use. Some areas can have extra limits, so check the area first. Chena River State Recreation Area allows mushroom gathering for personal and household use. Federal lands follow their own rules.

Permits

Personal-use picking needs no permit from the Division of Mining, Land and Water. The state park rule does not mention a permit for personal picking. Commercial harvest of non-timber forest products on state land needs a permit.

Limits

On Division of Mining, Land and Water land the limit is a small number for personal, noncommercial use. No numeric limit was found.

Selling

State parks: gathering for sale is not allowed. State land managed by the Division of Mining, Land and Water: DNR lists mushrooms as an example of non-timber forest products, and commercial harvest needs a Limited Non-Timber Forest Products Commercial Harvest Permit. Alaska food-code rules for restaurant or store sale of wild mushrooms were not verified.

Sources

• 11 AAC 12.170 Disturbance of natural objects, state parks (Cornell LII)
• Alaska DNR State Parks - Frequently Asked Questions
• Alaska DNR - Chena River State Recreation Area information
• Alaska DNR Mining, Land and Water - Fact Sheet: Generally Allowed Uses (11 AAC 96.020)
• Alaska DNR - Non-Timber Forest Products Commercial Harvest Permit

Last verified: November 11, 2026