With more than 3,000 farms calling the Yakima Valley home, it’s a delicious place to be during fall harvest season. All our favorite farm-fresh experiences around the valley are in full swing.
Your Farm-Fresh Road Trip
Hardy, fall crops are abundant and Yakima apple harvests will be well underway in September. Yakima Valley farms and farm stands will be loaded up with apples, pears, peppers, pumpkins and more! Whether you’re looking for a good, old-fashioned u-pick adventure for harvest family fun or want to load up on just-picked, farm-fresh produce, we have the road trip for you.
Plan your trip to pick apples straight from the trees, press your own apple cider, take a hay ride, stroll through corn mazes and enjoy cider and pumpkin doughnuts right at the farm! Shop farm markets for artisan foods and house-made bakery treats filled with just-picked fruits.
Locals’ Favorite Farms, Farm Stands and Markets
Imperial’s Garden
This multi-generation farm stand is a must-see stop for many in the Valley. It’s a traditional part of the fall experience! In addition to the hay pyramid packed with beautiful pumpkins and gourds, enjoy the hay maze and all the late summer and fall produce you could wish. Take home an array of just-picked peppers, tomatoes, corn and squash.
Jones Farms
Jones Farm has been a family operation since 1946. They open the farm stand in Zillah in July when harvests are abundant and run through the end of the harvest season. Find everything from sweet tree fruits, such as nectarines and peaches, to tomatoes, corn, squash, pumpkins and more. During October, they create a wonderful harvest experience on their grounds complete with picnic areas and a pond. This is a must-visit on your farm stand tour of the Lower Yakima Valley.
Johnson Orchards
Farming since 1904, Johnson Orchards produce stand is located right in the city of Yakima. Their quaint, on-the-farm market is packed with an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables from growers from around the valley, in addition to their own tree fruit harvests. You’ll also find a wide variety of gifts and locally made artisan foods and goods, from handcrafted candles and preserves to a selection of local wines. They’re especially known for their bake shop treats such as hand pies, pastries and cookies. All the locals know this is the place to order delicious, handcrafted pies for the holiday season (or any time of year). Plan ahead for your trip and take one home to serve or freeze.
Thompson’s Farm U-Pick, Farm Market and Pumpkin Festival
Apple u-pick begins in September and goes on into October, when they kick off the annual pumpkin festival. Watch the giant pumpkin cannon fire pumpkins every hour, followed by delightful pig races. Take a hayride through the orchard or search the pumpkin patch for the perfect pumpkin. Get lost in the corn maze, enjoy freshly made pumpkin doughnuts and other treats. Bring your box to pick your own apples! Find a colorful array of pumpkins, ornamental squash, gourds and corn stalks all ready for the perfect photo op, and to bring home! Be sure to stop by the Thompson Farm Market in Naches, a true country store packed with artisan goods, wine, old-time candies and unique gift items, in addition to boxes of freshly picked apples and other seasonal fruits.
Union Gap Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
You don’t want to miss this family-friendly favorite that attracts people from throughout central Washington during the month of October. It starts with the amazing corn maze and the fun continues with hay rides, apple cannons, perfect pumpkins, tasty treats and more. Children love the hay maze, hay pyramid and slide and s’mores roasted in the fire pits. Capture memories with all the photo ops and cutouts and take home carving and specialty pumpkins, gourds, squash, straw bales and corn stalks. Watch a scary movie or two on Friday nights when the maze turns scary with Friday Night Frights!
Washington Fruit Place & Gift Shop
Get ready for October Days at the big, red barn in the city of Yakima! Stop by for hay rides, antique cider pressing (take home a quart or more), a pumpkin patch, hay maze, scarecrow photo ops, games and more. Visit the gift shop in the barn for a selection of unique artisan gifts, gourmet foods, décor that captures the essence of the Valley, handmade Winegar’s ice cream, hot spiced cider and sample apples for holiday apple pies!
West Valley U-Pick
This family-owned farm is dedicated to u-pick experiences. Watch their social channels closely as you plan a visit. They update it regularly with what’s coming into harvest as the season progresses. In the fall, count on a variety of late summer vegetables, such as tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, squash and, of course, organic apples. Be sure to press your own cider on the old-fashioned, hand-cranked presses.
Check out all of the other Yakima Valley farm fresh fun activities.
Categorized in: Family Fun, Farm Fresh Fun, Food and Dining, Fresh Produce, History and Culture, Live Music
