[3] Fruiting bodies of C. formosus range from 2–15 cm (3⁄4–6 in) wide,[4] with cap colors varying depending on light levels and weather.

In low light conditions, caps may not develop the yellow pigmentation, resulting in salmon to rosy buff colors.

[2] Several other species of chanterelle may be found in western North America:[5] Additionally, Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca, Chroogomphus tomentosus, and species in the genera Craterellus, Gomphus (namely G. floccosus and G. kauffmanii), Omphalotus (particularly the poisonous O. olivascens in California),[6] and Polyozellus may have a somewhat similar appearance to C. formosus.

Cantharellus formosus has been reported from British Columbia to California, and is particularly abundant in the conifer forests of Washington and Oregon.

[10] Commonly sold in grocery markets and restaurants,[6] it is the most important commercially harvested Cantharellus species in the Pacific Northwest.