Sometimes, we’re a bit basic here at Renegade PNW. Sure, being “alternative” can make you feel super cool, but it’s worth noting that the tried-and-true, “basic” activities are so for a reason. Sometimes, the changing of the seasons or a special event overrides your need to be cool and you instead dive headfirst into the most expected, run-of-the-mill activities you can think of. This is how we feel when it comes to apple picking around Portland in the fall.
In Oregon, orchard picking can almost be a year-round endeavor. For freshly plucked PNW apples, check out one of these local U-pick orchards between July – November. Less than 30 minutes outside of Portland, you can pick your own apples, and maybe sip some kind of pumpkin-tinged hot beverage while you’re at it. We certainly won’t judge.
Apple Picking Orchards Near Portland
Draper Girls Country Farm
This family-owned orchard has been in the Draper family for 60 years. Located just south of Hood River–about an hour and a half from Portland–visitors can pick their own fresh produce with majestic views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams. Enjoy a cup of homemade cider and a bag of cinnamon sugar apples while you peruse the orchards. Then, pay a visit to the furry friends at the petting zoo. On your way out, you can stop by the farm store stocked with local preserves and fresh produce.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards
This popular spot for picking is about an hour and a half from Portland, but the picturesque orchards and deep family history are worth the trek. Kiyokawa Orchards has been open to the public for more than 100 years. Now run by a third-generation orchardist, the farm offers dozens of apple varieties as well as local honey, jams, and peaches to cart back home.
Mt. View Orchards
If you have yet to notice, apple picking with a view is a big theme here around Portland. With 50 acres of apple and pear orchards at the base of Mt. Hood, Mt. View Orchards certainly lives up to its name. Located in Parkdale–90 minutes from the city–this orchard also has a winery, cidery, and brewery. If you’re looking for a more kid-friendly endeavor, you can forego the booze and instead check out the hay rides and pumpkin patches. During apple season, you’ll have the pick of the litter with over 100 varieties to choose from.
Douglas Farm
Though panoramic views of Mt. Hood are lovely, perhaps you’re looking for a closer commute. Douglas Farm is a quick 20-minute drive from Portland, located on the local’s favorite, Sauvie Island. Five generations of Douglas farmers have tended this land, as is evident by the original work trucks on-site. The fall harvest starts with Gravenstein apples, before moving into the cooler temperatures and wider varieties of apples, pears, and vegetables. If you’re feeling super fall, you could also check out the nearby corn maze on Sauvie Island.
Bells Orchard
Located just outside of Portland near Beaverton, Bells Orchard is a perfect place for those with vertically challenged pickers. With their treasured “short orchards,” Bells has trees low enough to the ground that young kids can help pick them without a ladder. Across the 1,300 trees at the Orchard, you can find Fuji, Honeycrisp, and many more. The season starts with Gravenstein in late August to Braeburn in late October. If you’re on the hunt for low-hanging fruit, Bay Family Farm is another nearby orchard with ground-level snacks.
Hood River U-Pick Organic
This Hood River orchard is certified organic and houses 10-year-old Gala and Honeycrisp apple trees. Visitors can utilize the onsite ladders, buckets, and bags to collect their fruity loot. Be sure to say hello to the roaming chickens and Alpacas that also call this farm home. Hood River’s apple season starts in mid-September, so be sure to check their website and Facebook for updated information.
Mason Hill Orchard
Located off the beaten path, this u-pick orchard in North Plains is a nice spot for apple picking near Portland, minus the crowds. A quick skip of 18 miles west of Portland, this tri-county orchard has Gravenstein, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, and Melrose apples to pick this fall.
Jossy Farms
Peter Jossy founded the Jossy Farm in Hillsboro in 1885. Nearly 150 years later, the Jossy family continues to grow peaches, apples, pears, and nuts on their 195-acre farm. An unusually cold spring might make crops run short, but the Jossy Farm is still open for u-pick this season. Updates are posted on the website regularly.
