In Grays Harbor County, fall descends on damp wings: sea fog creeping in each evening, mist lingering on the rivers each morning, and rain trickling through the pines. As our raincoats resume their full-time service, autumnal wonders emerge from beneath soggy leaves and fallen logs. Pig's ears and turkey tails, puffballs and shaggy manes…mushroom season has arrived! And with it, the Quinault Rainforest Mushroom Festival.
The 2nd annual Quinault Rainforest Mushroom Festival will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Lake Quinault School, right next door to Amanda Park Timberland Library. Admission is free and includes all kinds of displays, talks, and activities, with the option to pre-register online for special forays and workshops. Event organizer Danielle McGowan shared that "the festival has continued to grow, and in 2025 we're excited to add even more: live music, Mushroom Bingo, additional workshops, more speakers, more vendors, and more food options. This year is shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting celebration yet." Last year was the first time this small gathering of local mushroom enthusiasts turned into a large-scale community event open to all and, according to Danielle, the inaugural year "was full of energy and community spirit. We welcomed visitors from near and far for guided forays, fascinating talks, hands-on workshops, and a lively vendor marketplace. It was inspiring to see so many people of all ages exploring the world of fungi together."
As one of 2025's new additions, Timberland Regional Library is thrilled to be part of this growing community event celebrating fungi and our beautiful local rainforest. Our collaboration with the Mushroom Festival organizers began when one of the founders, Barb Smith, got in touch. According to Danielle, Barb "saw Timberland Regional Library's booth at World Music Day in Aberdeen earlier this year and was impressed by the creative ways they engage with the community... Since the festival is all about learning and discovery, partnering with the library was a natural fit — they share those same values and bring wonderful resources to our guests." Danielle added that, "[Timberland's] involvement makes the festival even more welcoming for families, offering creative activities where kids can play, learn, and explore. With the library’s support — and all the new additions like live music, bingo, and expanded programming — this year's festival will truly have something for everyone. It's a celebration of curiosity, connection, and the magic of the Quinault Rainforest."
During the Quinault Rainforest Mushroom Festival 2025, attendees will find library staff in the gym where we'll be providing activities in the KidsZone. Take the walking path to the Amanda Park Library next door to pick up a mushroom sticker and a mushroom coloring bookmark while supplies last. While you're there, sign up for a library card! Anyone can sign up for our Internet cards, which allow access to Timberland's eBooks and eAudiobooks, online databases, and printing. We are looking forward to sharing in the all-day fungus festivities! Here's a quick preview of what we'll have on offer!
Make a craft!
Try your hand at multiple crafts appealing to all ages, including fingerprint mushroom cards, fall crowns, and fall nature cards.
Explore mushroom books!
Getting overwhelmed by all the fungus fun? Visit the mushroom tent to take a break and browse our themed book collection.
Stop by Amanda Park Library!
Come experience the fungus fun with Timberland Regional Library at the Quinault Rainforest Mushroom Festival 2025!
When: Saturday, October 4th, 2025 - 9 AM to 5 PM
Where: Lake Quinault School - 6130 US-101, Amanda Park, WA
More Information: https://www.shoresandspores.com/qrmushfest
