Renowned for its verdant orchards and bountiful fruit yields, the state of Washington holds the distinction of being the leading apple grower in the United States, with an astounding 10 to 12 billion apples being gathered in the state annually.
It makes sense that Washington is an apple lover’s dream come true with a climate and topography ideal for apple growing. We’ll look at some of the state’s top orchards for apple-picking season in this guide.
1. Bailey Family Farm
Address: 12968 Springhetti Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
Tucked away in the middle of Washington’s farming country, the Bailey Family Farm is a living example of tradition and good-natured family enjoyment. Open June through October, this century-plus family farm provides guests with a unique U-pick experience. As the farm conducts its colorful fall festival on the last weekend of September and select weekends in October, the farm really comes to life.
2. Curran Apple Orchard
Address: 3920 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
The Curran Apple Orchard is a hidden gem that is just waiting to be found, tucked away just south of Tacoma. This lovely orchard, which occupies a vast 7.33 acres, has more than 250 apple trees, including Gravenstein, Macintosh, and Golden Delicious kinds. The traditional cider squeeze may be postponed this year owing to unanticipated events, but the orchard is still open to the public for a free apple-picking season.
3. The Farm at Swan’s Trail
Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
Nestled along the scenic banks of the Snohomish River, The Farm at Swan’s Trail is a century-old agricultural treasure. Mid-September marks the opening of this picturesque location, which celebrates the arrival of fall with a lively celebration. The pinnacle? Enjoy apple picking on five beautiful acres of orchards, providing an opportunity to taste the delicious, crisp apples that Washington is known for!
4. Raising Cane Ranch
Address: 5719 Riverview Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
A modest family farm, Raising Cane Ranch is the epitome of rustic charm and gracious hospitality. This warm location welcomes guests to enter a world replete with the sights, sounds, and scents of real farm life. Their U-pick season begins in early June with berries and nuts, but it really comes to life in early September when the apples ripen.
5. Skipley Farm
Address: 7228 Skipley Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
The best time of year to harvest fruit is in late summer at Skipley Farm, a verdant 7.5-acre haven. These trees boast tempting varieties such as William’s Pride, Gravenstein, and Zestar, all of which are ripe and ready to be picked. But Skipley Farm has more to offer than simply apples; before these apples go out of season, guests can enjoy harvesting blueberries, blackberries, Seneca plums, and Bartlett pears.
6. Piper’s Orchard
Address: 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd, Seattle, WA 98177
Piper’s Orchard in Carkeek Park offers a genuinely unique apple-picking experience infused with historically significant elements. This orchard is a live example of the great agricultural legacy of the area; local historians estimate it to be over 130 years old. Explore 29 distinct apple types that are reminiscent of those that were available in the 1890s, and take advantage of this opportunity for visitors to relive history. Pear and nut trees add even more historical appeal to the orchard.
7. Jones Creek Farms
Address: 32260 Burrese Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
Tucked away in the lush Skagit Valley, Jones Creek Farms bears witness to the once-thriving apple orchards in the region. This tiny, family-owned business takes pride in providing guests with a wide variety of over a hundred distinct apple types. For those looking for heirloom apple varieties, it’s the best place to go because it guarantees a unique apple-picking experience.
8. Ray French Orchard
Address: 921 Harvest Lane PR NE, Richland, WA 99352
For those who yearn to harvest their own fruit, Ray French Orchard is a haven, open daily but Sunday. Once a 160-acre sagebrush encampment, the area is now a commercial enterprise with cherries, peaches, apples, and even nectarines. The orchard is now a true treasure in the Washington apple-picking landscape, driven by the growing desire of people to interact with their food and choose their own fruit.
9. Stutzman Ranch
Address: 2202 Easy St, Wenatchee, WA 98801
Fruit lovers are drawn to the picturesque 100-year-old Stutzman Ranch because of its abundant picking options. Come to this idyllic location and enjoy picking from a wide variety of fruits, such as late-summer cobbler-worthy Elberta peaches, Gala apples, Bartlett pears, and red gold nectarines. In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, customers are kindly asked to bring their own picking buckets due to pandemic measures.
10. Bellewood Farms
Address: 6140 WA-539 #3, Lynden, WA 98264
One of the biggest farms in Western Washington, Bellewood Farms is a vast wonderland with more than 25,000 apple trees. Bellewood Farms U-pick apple season opens on September 1st, with early-ripening types like Gravensteins, Tsugarus, and Zestars. With nine different apple kinds that are ready to be picked, the harvest is in full swing as the season continues into October.
11. Sm’Apples Orchard
Address: 1197 Willeys Lake Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
Apple lovers can find a gorgeous haven at Sm’Apples Orchard, which is only two hours north of Seattle. Apple picking season begins when this quaint orchard opens, offering a selection of apples including Akane and Red Free, then the eagerly awaited Gala apples, and finally Honeycrisp and Fuji apples.
12. Wilson Banner Ranch
Address: 16397 US-12, Clarkston, WA 99403
With a history spanning more than a century, Wilson Banner Ranch, a farm-to-fork heritage attraction, is situated near Clarkston, Washington. This amazing farm grows its vegetables while maintaining the vitality of the soil by using tried-and-true farming practices and eco-friendly ways.
In addition to presenting a variety of special events including live music, farm tours, special dinners, and presentations from nearby wineries and brewers, the farm offers more than just typical apple picking. For the most recent information on their picking schedule, check out their Facebook page. Don’t forget to pack lots of water and wear clothes appropriate for the weather!
13. West Valley U-Pick
Address: 11901 Zier Rd, Yakima, WA 98908
Nestled among organically cultivated berries and tree fruit, West Valley U-Pick provides guests with a variety of picking possibilities. From mid-August through October, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Blondee apples here. Families can also take advantage of the chance to harvest tomatillos, pears, blueberries, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers.
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