Trail Cooking

Good Stuff:

Rose Hips: A really cool part of Rose bushes, it is left behind after the roses bloom. Found both in wild and domesticated rose bushes. For wild roses see here.

Dandelions: Our favorite Urban weed.  If you have never had dandelion wine or jelly, it is really good.

Devils Club: While it is quite edible and can be tasty, I would encourage one not to do it. Devils Club has a hard life and it isn't easy for the plants to get going. Yes, I know....the stuff seems to grow like dandelions here in the PNW...still, be careful to not abuse it.

Nettles: Yes, they sting and hurt when you run into them. Eaten when young - gently steamed - they are quite good. They can be used instead of spinach and other green leafy vegetables.

Old orchards: Hike enough and you will encounter old orchards on long abandoned homesteads. If on public lands quite often you can partake - check with the land agency first on laws and permits. Apples, pears and cherries are just a small fraction of what there is.

Pears:

Apples:

Bad Stuff:

What Not To Touch. Great quickie article from Backpacker Magazine.

How To Treat Poison Ivy. Article from Backpacker Magazine.