AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 28, 2026
The Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt Returns for Winter
Mushrooms have made a festive return to the central Oregon coast, not just in the form of the traditional Yachats Mushroom Festival, but also through a unique event: the Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt. This seasonal community treasure hunt invites residents and visitors to search for hidden, handcrafted treasures throughout Yachats each weekend during the winter months.
A Winter Adventure with Local Artists
The Mushroom Treasure Hunt, now a growing Oregon coast tradition, is running each weekend until February. Participants are challenged to find unique treasures crafted by local artists and hidden around the community. The event began last week and has already sparked excitement.
This year brings a refreshed format to the hunt. Clues are released by 10 a.m. every Saturday, pointing adventurers toward a general area where a specially designed clay disc has been hidden. Those who find a disc can bring it to the Yachats Visitors Center and receive a prize in exchange.
How the Community Treasure Hunt Works
According to organizers, this year's hunt is "a little more adventurous" than in previous years. The process is akin to beachcombing, but with a twist: limited-edition treasures are stashed each Saturday morning during the winter. After hiding the treasures, clues and photos are shared to direct participants toward the location, but the final discovery is up to the sharp eyes and curiosity of treasure seekers.
The tradition first started in 2023, when Yachats launched an experimental hunt by hiding artist-made objects along accessible trails. Since then, it has steadily grown, becoming a whimsical winter activity for locals and visitors.
Unique Handcrafted Mushrooms as Prizes
This season, prizes for the hunt are provided by three local artisans:
- Paris Birdwell Designs, offering vibrant glass mushrooms with swirling colors,
- Billow Cloud Soaps, crafting mushroom-shaped soaps using their signature saltwater blend,
- Swallows Nest Homemade, producing handmade crocheted mushrooms.
Each item is a one-of-a-kind, limited-edition collectible, reflecting the creativity of the local artistic community. Organizers say that the hunt is designed to spread joy and encourage year-round outdoor adventures.
Celebrating the Wonders of the Siuslaw Forest
The Mushroom Treasure Hunt pays tribute to "the mycological wonders that sustain the majestic Siuslaw Forest" surrounding Yachats. The event is intended not only as a fun activity for all ages but as a way to engage the public with the natural beauty of the region during the winter—a time when many coast events slow down but outdoor exploration remains rewarding.
How to Participate in the Treasure Hunt
Anyone wishing to join can check for clues each Saturday morning on the event website or on the @visit.yachats Instagram account. With fresh hiding places and prizes each week, the hunt offers a new incentive to get outside, enjoy the coastal scenery, and test your sleuthing skills.
For more details about participating or to catch up on the latest clues, visit the official Yachats Mushroom Treasure Hunt website.
Source: beachconnection.net.
