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One of the joys of living in the Pacific Northwest is being able to forage during a long hike or walk. The LBA Woods is full of berries right now. Most are native, but not all make great eating off the vine. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll find on the trails now (late July-early August).
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Tall Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium). They look like grapes, but not recommended for eating. Polar and McKinnon notes these native berries were a traditional and potent antidote for shellfish poisoning and warns against consuming them.
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Salal (Gaultheria shallon). This native berry can be eaten fresh, dried, or perserved as jam. An acquired taste if eaten off the vine; close to grape jelly if preserved.
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Bald-hip Rose (Rosa gymnocarpa). These small oval fruits are edible, but not recommended as the seeds contain gut-irritating hairs.
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Himalyan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). A very successful (invasive) non-native berry just beginning to ripen now. Delicious!
![](http://www.writecraftwp.com/lbawoodspark/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/07/IMAG5181-300x169.jpg)
Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus). These delicate native berries are at the end of their season. They are not sold commercially so wild is the only way to taste them.