The Conifer habitat can be easy to hunt if vegetation shading is properly evaluated. Trees such as Shasta, and White fir create large areas of shade. Changes in timber such as Lodgepole to Shasta create an edge. Reliable fruiting can usually be found just inside or outside of this edge, confining search area to a strip 200-300 feet wide. Noting stands of timber is important.
Small stands surrounded by young trees provide a variety of thermal situations.
Fruiting is likely to occur 100 feet inside or outside this edge. Reading vegetation shading is a primary key in locating matsutake. Reliable mushroom formation usually occurs slightly to the cooler side of the top, somewhere along the ridge. Similar situations are created by a pocket, bowl or saddle. A wide variety of vegetation can be found in matsutake fruiting areas.