I did not know the mushroom man before I followed the sidewalk signs on NE Fremont and 50th to High Desert Spores and met Don Schmidt, the owner. His store sells mushroom spores and related growing medium and equipment. The spores sold here include several that will produce premium edible varieties of mushrooms, as well as allow microscopic imaging for spore classification. While none of the spores themselves contain psilocybin or psilocin, the end user is liable for local laws governing the growing of certain types of mushrooms.
Originally from California, Don and his wife landed in Bend to expand their business interests — hence the name High Desert Spores. Finding a suitable rental property there that would accept their two dogs proved challenging, prompting a move to the Portland area about six years ago. A Milwaukie location had been their business base until they moved to the NE 50th site in early 2023.
The Beaumont-Wilshire location allowed more room for the business’s expanding production needs, as well as offering room for a walk-in retail space that often acts as an ad hoc classroom in mushroom growing science — as it did for me during my visit.
As Don walked me through the products on the display shelves, I learned about the different wood-based substrates or “homes” as well as the varying types of grains or “food” to support mushroom spore growth.
Also available are accessories for handling and cultivating custom mushroom-growing processes. As Don guided me through the production area, I was impressed with the amount of steam-sterilization equipment, semi-automated packaging, and the controlled environment employed during storing of the products.
The process of creating a “farm in a bag” via syringe injection of the spores into a prepackaged environment with proper mixes of substrates and grains makes for an easy method to enjoy the initial “fruiting” or growth of the mushrooms.
Obviously, besides the culinary aspect of mushrooms, there are also the cited medicinal impacts. Customers range from Oregon garden shops to individuals across the country.
High Desert Spores is located at 3605 NE 50th Ave. For more info visit highdesertspores.com.