Huckleberry picking can be a rewarding experience, but it takes some effort. With some research on where to go, what to look for, and how to do it, you’ll fill your bag in no time. 

If you’ve ever made a trip out West, you’ve likely seen the popular huckleberry products dotting gift stores, gas stations, and grocery store shelves. Huckleberry syrup, huckleberry jam, huckleberry chocolate, huckleberry pie. The list goes on, and if there are that many products to buy, huckleberries must be good! 

Huckleberry picking is pretty straightforward. However, it can be time-consuming, and knowing where to find these delectable little berries is the key to success. There are several things to know and be careful of when going on a huckleberry foraging mission. With the proper preparedness, you’ll be eating huckleberry pancakes in no time! 

What are huckleberries?

Huckleberries are little berries that grow on low-lying, woody bushes and are native to North America. They’re similar to blueberries but usually smaller and have a sweet taste when ripe. Unripe huckleberries may be tart or even bitter.

Huckleberry Color

Huckleberry color varies depending on the species and ripeness. Some will be a shiny, dark purple, while others take on a dusty blueish color, similar to blueberries. Less ripe huckleberries may be a reddish maroon color, and unripe berries will be white. 

Huckleberry Bushes

The leaves of huckleberry bushes are usually light-colored green and oval-shaped, with points on each end. As fall arrives, huckleberry leaves will turn red along with the other leaves of the forest.

Where do huckleberries grow?

So, you’re wondering where to find huckleberries? Huckleberries grow in the wild, typically in forests, on subalpine mountain slopes, lake basins, and around bogs. They are usually found at elevations from 2,000 to 11,000 feet. Acidic soils with a volcanic origin are hospitable to huckleberries, but attempts to domesticate these plants have failed. This is likely due to the inability to replicate wild growing conditions adequately.

What states can you find huckleberries?

Huckleberries are found in the United States in Wyoming, Alaska, Oregon, Montana, California, Washington, Colorado, and Idaho. They are also found in Canada.

What month are huckleberries ripe for huckleberry picking?

Huckleberries ripen and are good for picking from mid-June through September. Exact times will depend on which state you’re in, the elevation, and what kind of weather occurred that year. Hot and dry or cool and wet conditions are can impact huckleberry growth. In Montana, generally, if you begin looking around mid-July you may start finding them. By August, you’ll find not only huckleberries, but also thimbleberries, wild raspberries, and wild strawberries.

What are huckleberries good for?

Huckleberries can be used for many things, including baked goods and flavoring drinks. Here is a non-comprehensive list of huckleberry food and drink:

• Huckleberry whiskey
• Huckleberry lemonade
• Huckleberry jam
• Huckleberry ice cream
• Huckleberry syrup
• Huckleberry chocolate
• Huckleberry pie
• Huckleberry pancakes
• Huckleberry cupcakes
• Huckleberry compote
• Huckleberry sauce

How to find huckleberries

If you want to go huckleberry picking, make sure you’re in one of the states mentioned above. There you will find plenty of places for picking. Whether you have access to private land or must utilize public lands, you may find huckleberries in the terrain and geology mentioned above. 

Assuming you must take advantage of your public lands to find huckleberries, find a trailhead or campground to start. Look for one in the mountains that leads to subalpine areas or has plenty of lake basins or bogs. Many people will start hiking down a trail until they locate huckleberry bushes. Sometimes, you’ll even find them right there in the campground or on the side of the road!

Of course, if you take this route, there is the possibility other people will have already been there and stripped the bushes bare. However, moving off the trail a short distance can mitigate this issue. Often you’ll find an abundance of yet-to-be-picked berries by bushwhacking off the beaten path a short distance. 

How to pick huckleberries

Once you’ve found a mother lode of huckleberries, picking them is the easy part. However, because they are so small, it can take hours to pick a substantial enough amount to make your huckleberry food or drink of choice. And since they’re low to the ground, be prepared to crouch, bend over, and sit in the dirt for extended periods. 

When you pick huckleberries off the bushes, they can easily be popped off with your fingers. Take a big zip lock bag or another carrying container and hold it underneath the berries. Then, pick them off the bush and drop them in the container. 

Eventually, you’ll develop your routine for the quickest method of picking huckleberries. However, there is nothing fast about it, and as stated, you’ll spend hours, and it will seem like you’ve barely picked any. However, it is still so much fun that you likely won’t even notice the time passing. 

Precautions to take while huckleberry picking

Before you go huckleberry picking, there are several things to consider to ensure your safety and comfort, including:

• Make sure you know what you’re picking and don’t confuse them with poisonous plants.
• Watch out for bears and take bear spray.
• Wear insect repellent.
• Be prepared for inclement weather and protect yourself from the elements.

Poisonous Berries

Please do plenty of research and look at pictures of huckleberries before picking. Some excellent resources for identifying poisonous berries are:

• https://www.almanac.com/poisonous-berries-fall
• https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Common-Poisonous-Berries-in-North-Amer

Huckleberries in bear country

There is an excellent chance you’ll be picking huckleberries in bear country. Huckleberries are not only a nutrient-rich food for humans but a crucial part of a bear’s diet, especially in the fall when they’re trying to put on extra weight before hibernating. Whether it’s black bears or grizzly bears, take extra precautions. 

Carry bear spray at all times and make sure it’s easily accessible. One of the biggest mistakes people make is throwing their can in the bottom of their backpack where there is no way they can get to it quickly and efficiently. So before heading out into the woods, take some time to ensure you know how to use the bear spray should you need it.

Bugs in huckleberry territory

You’ll be out in the wild and, therefore, there will be plenty of insects. Besides mosquitoes, you should also be concerned about ticks, horse flies, and other bugs. While bites from any of these may not necessarily cause problems, some are infected with various diseases that can cause serious long-term health problems. Besides infection, nobody likes a bunch of mosquito bites.

Please ensure you wear plenty of insect repellent, and wearing long sleeves and pants doesn’t hurt. This protects you from tiny creatures and prevents you from getting scrapes and cuts from the bush and tree branches you’ll inevitably be walking and crawling through. 

Weather in the mountains during huckleberry picking season

Whether it’s a hot, sunny day without a cloud in the sky or rain in the afternoon forecast, ensure you’re prepared for all situations. Bring layers and rain gear.

Pack plenty of sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day. As we said, it’s easy to lose track of time while picking huckleberries, and you could end up burnt to a crisp before you even know it. Along with wearing long sleeves to protect you from insects and sharp branches, it can also protect you from the sun.

It is common to be sunny and warm in the mountains, with massive thunderstorms rolling in the next. Take a backpack with adequate supplies, and make sure you have an excellent raincoat. 

If there is thunder and lightning, have a plan for where you will go to protect yourself. If you’re far from your vehicle, look for a low spot away from tall trees. Get low to the ground or crouch with your heels touching each other. If you’re close to your car, get back to it asap and get inside. And whatever you do, don’t use an umbrella. 

Preserving Huckleberries

Preserving huckleberries can be done a few ways. First, you can make them into jam or sauce and can them. If done correctly, your goods will have a long shelf life. You an also freeze them and use them throughout the year. Simply put them in a strainer and give them a good rinse to get rid of bugs and dirt. Then pat them dry, throw them in a freezer bag, and put them in the freezer. Otherwise, if you refrigerate them, they’ll be good for a week or two.

Final Thoughts on Huckleberry Picking

Huckleberry picking can be a great solo, group, or family activity. It’s a great reason to get outside and enjoy nature while participating in a good, wholesome activity. Plus, who doesn’t like a delicious huckleberry beverage or dessert?

It is satisfying to end the day with a zip lock bag full of plump, juicy huckleberries. Whether you want to make huckleberry pancakes or soak them in liquor for cocktails, there is a huckleberry treat for everyone.

Remember to be careful when you embark on your huckleberry picking adventure in the woods. You’ll be in the wild and could face inclement weather, wild animals, and annoying insects. However, don’t let this keep you from getting out on this adventure. 

Get off the beaten path, and you’re sure to find a patch of huckleberries to sit in for hours. Then, despite a crick in the neck and an aching back, rest assured it will be worth it.