Huckleberries
The wild mountain berry that shows up in everything from pie to milkshakes.
If there is one flavor people associate with the Inland Northwest, it is the huckleberry. These small, dark purple berries grow wild in the mountains around Spokane and in neighboring Idaho, where the huckleberry is the state fruit.
They taste like a more intense blueberry, a little tart, a little floral. They are hard to cultivate, so most of what you find is picked wild, and that is part of why the price runs high.
In summer they appear on menus across town: pancakes, pie, ice cream, milkshakes, jam, syrup, chocolate, even sodas and cocktails.
What to see and do
Pie is the classic way to try them. Look for huckleberry pie, hand pies, scones and muffins at bakeries and cafes in summer.
Huckleberry ice cream and milkshakes are common at local ice cream counters and diners. Menus change, so ask what is available.
Huckleberry pancakes and syrup show up at breakfast spots across the region, especially in summer.
These are the easiest souvenirs. Gift shops, farm stands and local grocery stores often carry jars, syrup and huckleberry chocolates. Check labels for real huckleberry content.
Some local breweries, cideries and cocktail bars make seasonal huckleberry drinks. Check current menus.
Mount Spokane is a popular picking spot near the city. Plan on slow, patient work. A group of four picking for about four hours may come home with a few pounds.
Local tips
- Season usually runs mid-July through August, and a little later at higher elevations.
- Ask for the real thing. Some products are flavored but contain little huckleberry, and wild berries cost more than blueberries.
- Try a few forms. Pie, ice cream and pancakes each show off the flavor differently.
- Picking at Mount Spokane State Park is for personal use only. Commercial harvest is not allowed, and a per-person daily limit applies unless otherwise posted.
- In national forests in eastern Washington, no permit is required for personal use, but only pick what you will use. Check local rules before you go.
- Pick by hand and leave branches intact so the bush bears fruit again. Many areas prohibit berry rakes.
- Bears like huckleberries too. Make noise on the trail, keep your distance and carry bear spray if you are comfortable with it.
- A Discover Pass is required to park at Mount Spokane State Park in summer.
A little history
Wild huckleberries have been gathered in the Northwest for a very long time, and they remain an important food for many Native peoples in the region. They are tied to summer trips into the mountains, and plenty of local families have a favorite patch they do not share.
Today the berry works as a regional trademark. Shops and restaurants in Spokane and North Idaho sell huckleberry products to visitors and residents alike.
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Questions visitors ask
What do huckleberries taste like?
Like a stronger, slightly tart relative of the blueberry, with a deeper flavor.
When is huckleberry season?
Usually mid-July through August, depending on the year and elevation.
Can I pick them myself near Spokane?
Yes, in places like Mount Spokane State Park and nearby national forests. Pick for personal use only, follow posted limits, and check local rules.
Do I need a permit?
National forests in eastern Washington do not require a permit for personal-use picking. State parks, such as Mount Spokane, set their own rules and limit picking to personal use. You also need a Discover Pass to park there in summer.
Why are huckleberry products so expensive?
Wild berries are hard to harvest in quantity and have not been farmed at large scale, so supply is limited.
What should I try first?
Pie or ice cream. Both give a clear sense of the flavor.
More outdoors staples
Park · South Hill (Manito / Cannon Hill)Manito ParkFive gardens, a conservatory and a duck pond on Spokane's South Hill, all free
Trail · Riverfront Park / Spokane River corridorSpokane River Centennial TrailA paved river path from Nine Mile Falls through downtown to the Idaho line.
State park · Riverside State Park / northwest SpokaneBowl & Pitcher at Riverside State ParkWhitewater, basalt boulders and a swinging bridge, 15 minutes from downtown.