I found several of what I THINK might be Matsutake in the coast rang Friday. But seeing as they are a member of Tricholoma, which has certain characteristics that these mushrooms have, I wouldn't try them without a positive ID. And, I have no sense of smell or taste. So there's that!We used to rake the pine needles under the trees to find them. 20 years ago they paid $120lb for #1's. The veil underneath has to be complete. You can smell them before you see them. They smell really good.
I always tell people, if you never eat a mushroom that's pure white, with white gills, you'll never die from eating a Destroying Angel or Death Cap.We had four experienced pickers die outside of Estacada about ten years ago. Every year they warn us when buying permits. You can gather for free. If you pick them to sell, you are required to buy a permit and keep an identification book with you. Never touch it if you don't know what it is.