Thimbleberries

Rarely cultivated commercially, thimbleberries thrive in the Bear Creek Valley and are an excellent introduction to foraging for young and old.  Look for thimbleberries in areas which are shady, moist and cool.  Similar to raspberries, the name is self descriptive, as thimbleberries are a shape of a little thimble.  The berries are delicate and tart, and can be eaten raw or made into a jam, although collecting enough for jam is difficult as they are usually shoved in a mouth as soon as they are collected.  Ripening towards the end of summer/beginning of fall, thimbleberry season is a highlight for those who live among them.