Frequently Asked

None. Walks are designed for total beginners. Please check the details of each tour, but typically we move slowly, stop often, and identify as we go. Curiosity is the only requirement.

A guided walk with instruction on identification, habitat, and ethical harvesting. On some tours, we are able to take home edible plants and/or mushrooms.

Tickets are non-refundable, but you can reschedule to a future date with at least 48 hours' notice. Email nick@rarecombinations.com to arrange it.

Not through the booking system yet, but email nick@rarecombinations.com and we'll work something out. People have done handwritten gift letters and it works fine.

Foraging knowledge shouldn't be gated by income. We use a sliding scale so people pay what actually fits their situation. No justification required, no questions asked. The model works because most people who can pay more, do.

$30 is a subsidized rate for folks for whom cost is a real barrier. Your spot is partially funded by others who chose the Supporter tier. No explanation needed, just choose the tier that fits.

The base rate that covers costs and keeps tours running. If you can comfortably afford the standard price, this is the right tier for you.

Your extra $10 directly funds a subsidized spot for someone else, making it possible for someone for whom cost is a barrier to join. Thank you!

Please check specific tour details, but generally, closed-toe shoes and pants for poison oak/bugs, layers (the Bay Area is moody), at least 32oz of water, and a bag or basket in case we are able to take something home. For summer walks, add sunscreen, a hat, and bugspray if you have tasty blood. Leave the guidebooks at home, you'll be getting the tour instead.

Typically 5-14 people per walk. This is the Goldilocks group size: small enough to hear the guide and be comfortable stopping and asking questions, large enough to make new friends.

1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the tour. Check the specific event listing for details. Sometimes we go about 30 minutes over the listed timing.

Light rain? We walk. Mushrooms love it and so should you! Rain brings life. Heavy rain or dangerous conditions: we reschedule.

Terrain and trail conditions vary by location, but you should be very comfortable walking at least 3 miles. Each event listing describes the ground conditions as clearly as possible. If you have specific needs or questions, reach out before booking at nick@rarecombinations.com.

The best way to find me is on social media. I'm most active on Instagram (@thebayforager), but you can also find me on YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook under the same handle. DMs are open.

"Banana positive": Be as sure with your identification as you are with seeing a banana! We never identify a mushroom or plant on a single feature alone or trust a single source. Multiple characteristics must align before anything is considered edible. When in doubt, we leave it.

Yes. A liability waiver is required at time of booking through the ticketing system. The final decision to taste, smell, or consume anything is always yours alone.