Mid-July brings the ripening of thimbleberries (Rubus parviflorus), with soft, bright red berries appearing on thornless shrubs throughout Pacific Northwest forests. These unique berries are shaped like thimbles or raspberries but are much softer and more delicate, often crushing at the slightest pressure. The berries have a mild, slightly tart flavor and are beloved by foragers despite being somewhat seedy. Thimbleberries grow prolifically in moist forests, along streams, and in disturbed areas, often forming dense stands in partial shade. The large maple-like leaves make the plants easy to identify even before berries appear. Indigenous peoples throughout the region ate thimbleberries fresh and sometimes dried them, though their soft texture makes preservation challenging. Today, thimbleberries are enjoyed fresh by hikers and wildlife alike, providing important food for birds, bears, and small mammals throughout the summer.