Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Wild mushroom discovery on hike to Lena Lake

My friends and I were hiking up to Lena Lake in the Olympic Mountains this summer and rescued a missing mushroom hunter. While accompanying her to safety, she provided me an education in wild mushrooms. Discovering this Ganoderma Lucidum or Lingzhi mushroom fungi was an exciting first discovery for me. The subtle brown colors and layering were magical!

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 09.2024
Date Uploaded: 10.2024
Photo Location: Seattle, Washington, United States of America
Camera: iPhone 15 Pro Max
Copyright: © Elina Halstrum