Apple season is here! And if your kids are like ours, who in one year alone eat enough apples to keep the doctor away until, roughly, 2050, then apple picking is pretty much a mandatory activity.
Even if your children would not happily subsist on apples alone, the wonderful thing about this fruit is that it can keep for a long time. Fresh-picked apples can stay crisp in the fridge for a few months, or be processed into apple sauce and remain good for years (not that we ever even make it to the spring with our supply).
Plus, there’s just something wonderful about getting outside on one of those clear-blue days with the smell of leaves in the air, and teaching your children about where their food comes from. Here are a few of our favorite places to do just that.
Be sure to check farm websites or social accounts for crop updates before you go.
Sherwood Orchards
We love the Hood River Fruit Loop, but it is a schlep. Sherwood Orchards is only about 30 minutes away from Portland, but still offers the feel of being far away from town. Located just off 99W, this 26-acre farm boasts 70 varieties of apples and has been a fruit orchard for over 150 years. The trees offer low-bearing fruit that even the youngest kids can pick, as well as crab apples perfect for little hands. Every time we’ve come, we’ve also been incredibly impressed with the staff. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to give you tips on finding and picking the most delicious fruit — and they have much more than just apples. There are peaches, plums and pears to be had, too! Sherwood.
Bells Orchard
Another great choice for those looking to U-Pick without having to drive out to the Fruit Loop is Bells Orchard, a family-owned and home-based farm in Beaverton. This orchard is pruned to be short. This means no ladders are needed, and kids of all sizes can be involved in the harvest. You’ll find apples, peaches, and pears at this short orchard. Beaverton
Draper Girls Country Farm
Once your kids can handle an hour-plus drive into Hood River, Draper Girls Country Farm is a great choice. Take your time and enjoy the drive out there.
The farm is a bit more rule-heavy than many of the other U-pick farms (for instance, excessive sampling of the fruit is prohibited), but they have a lot of kid-friendly extras to make up for it. Chief among them are the goats, which you can feed for a few dollars. They also have a wooden swing, and picnic tables set up for enjoying a snack while admiring the view of Mount Hood. And what a view: On a clear day, Mount Hood looms startlingly large, much larger than we are used to seeing when catching a glimpse over the Ross Island Bridge. U-pick is priced by the bucket, so if you only want to pick a few apples, you’re better off shopping the farm store. Their largest bucket is a great deal, especially at peak season when many varieties are available.
They carry a number of varieties of apples (and other kinds of fruit), many of which hang low enough for kids to reach. Plus they have a good supply of wagons for carting around tired kiddos. Draper Girls also has a well-stocked farm stand, which, in addition to the obligatory honey sticks, also carries a good variety of (unpasteurized) apple cider.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards
The name Kiyokawa Family Orchards may sound familiar if you’ve been to a local farmers market lately — they set up stands at fourteen around town, including the Portland Farmers Market at PSU. But there’s nothing quite like getting the apples right from the source.
Located in Parkdale, just off the Fruit Loop, the farm boasts 200 acres of well-maintained, easily walked orchards, bursting with more than 150 varieties of apples, pears, cherries, and stone fruit (to name just a few). This orchard is a favorite for families not just because of the friendly staff and delicious apples, but also because of the kid-friendly perks. They have hay wagon rides, live music on some weekends and a kids’ play area. Pro tip: Plan snack time to coincide with your visit, since they offer free samples of all varieties. Parkdale.
Mt. View Orchards
Another Hood River Fruit Loop favorite, Mt. View Orchards has been in operation for over 60 years. They offer u-pick, photo ops, farm-to-table dinners, a playground, and more. Plan to stay for a delicious lunch at the Grateful Vineyard winery on site and enjoy an unbeatable view. Be sure to make a reservation as they are usually booked on weekends. Mt. View is pup-friendly, too! Please note that Carlos the Steer has passed away. Hats in his honor are for sale at the fruit stand. Mt. Hood
Pearl’s Place Fruit Stand
Stop number one on the Hood River Fruit Loop, Pearl’s Place is small and charming. Take a break from picking on one of the swings hanging from a tree that’s just begging to be climbed, and enjoy the view. If you’re in the mood to linger, there are picnic tables where you can enjoy the goodies you picked up at the farm stand. Mt. Hood
Douglas Farm
On Sauvie Island, check out Douglas Farm, a 5th generation family farm specializing in u-pick. At only 15 minutes from Portland, this is great spot close to home. Keep kids close, leave pets at home, and don’t sample the produce while picking, per farm rules. You’ll find apples, veggies, peaches, and more at this local farm. Sauvie Island
Beilke Family Farm
Head to Salem for Beilke Family Farm, a u-pick apple orchard established in 1950. They offer 18 varieties of apples along with other produce, so check their blog or sign up for email updates to know when your favorite is ripe. Their orchard features dwarf trees, perfect for children to reach. Salem
Oregon Heritage Farms
PLEASE NOTE: Oregon Heritage Farms is NOT a u-pick farm. This fourth generation farm has over 200 acres of apples, animals to visit, and a well-stocked farm store. Unfortunately, you can’t walk through the orchards. That said, we include this farm on the list because people love their farm store goodies, including fresh caramel apples, apple slushies, cider donuts and more. Stock up on fresh apples and enjoy a farm visit. Well-behaved dogs allowed on leash. Hillsboro
Looking for a FREE apple orchard? Head to the Jenkins Estate (owned by Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District) to pick free apples and pears. They just ask that you take only what you need, to leave enough for others to enjoy.
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