Take a trip to tour acres of orchards in bloom
Springtime means “bloom watch” in all corners of the PNW. Beginning in March, flowering cherry trees around the region burst into bloom from Portland, OR, to Vancouver, B.C., If you’re looking for a bloom-spotting road trip, though, head to the Yakima Valley to find acres and acres of orchards in bloom.
As the region’s leading producer of cherries, apricots, apples, peaches, plums, nectarines and more, it’s no wonder this is the place to be for springtime fruit tree blossoms. In fact, the Valley is home to upwards of 70,000 acres of orchards – all of which, will bloom during a brief window starting now!
Touring Trees in Bloom
Mother Nature is in charge when it comes to bloom times. Just like different fruits are ready to pick at different times in the season, various types of fruit trees bloom at different times over the course of several weeks.
Wondering when to go? The answer is now! Apricot orchards are well into bloom already, with cherries likely beginning the first week of April and apples just behind. So, don’t wait to take a trip. Bloom time is brief and will be over before you know it.
Please don’t pick! Tree fruit blossoms become the farmer’s crop. Breaking off branches (even tiny twigs) injures the trees. Take plenty pictures, but don’t take home blooming “souvenirs.” Most Yakima Valley orchards in bloom are best viewed from the road or from picturesque stops below. Please only enter orchards when granted explicit permission.
Top Stops for Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Driving Tour at Chukar Cherries – If you love the delectable dried cherry and chocolate creations from Chukar Cherries, you won’t want to miss this scenic, self-guided tour of surrounding orchards, beginning at Chukar headquarters in Prosser. Download a map or pick one up in person while you enjoy complementary samples of their cherry treats. In addition to orchards in bloom, you’ll see sweeping agricultural landscapes and views of Mt. Adams and Horse Heaven Hills. Chukar’s bloom forecast predicts peak cherry tree blossoms between April 5 and April 18.
Tip: See the differences between cherry fruit trees and cherry blossom trees with this handy guide from Chukar Cherries.
Washington Fruit Place at Barret Orchards – Take a stroll through the fifth generation cherry orchards surrounding the iconic Big Red Barn. You can even pack a picnic to enjoy at tables beneath the orchard canopy while you listen to the buzz of bees busy pollenating. Leave plenty of time to shop for tasty treats, décor and gifts in the market. Be sure to come back at the end of June when cherries are ready for u-pick. Watch their socials for the annual Cherry Festival.
Wineries with a view – Just a few minutes from Downtown Yakima, find a handful of wineries perched on the hillsides with sweeping views of the Yakima Valley below and Mt. Adams in the distance. At Owen Roe Estates, enjoy tastings right in the production facility and then take in the views from the expansive lawn. Check out the brand new spring wine releases at Fortuity Cellars and stay awhile on the lovely lawn surrounded on all sides by orchards. Sip flights of sparkling wines on the picturesque patio at Treveri Cellars, Washington’s first sparkling wine house. Enoy an afternoon at Freehand Cellars, with pours of single-varietal wines and delicious bites from the kitchen on the deck or picnic tables in the lawn surrounded by apricot and apple orchards. At LaPierre Farms and Winery, enjoy wine by the glass, bottle or flight on the high-top deck while you take in the views of their very own organic orchards, along with Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier.
Tour and Taste from Naches Heights to the City of Naches. Just off of Highway 12, drive up the winding hills of Naches Heights Road and then throughout the endless orchards of Naches Heights. Stop to spend an afternoon on the deck of the vintage farmhouse tasting room at Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery. Surrounded by orchards and their estate vineyards, the wide-open lawn and picnic tables are made for leisurely afternoons. Find more breathtaking views at DoodleVines Winery + Event Center, with serene grounds surrounded by orchards and vineyards. From there, take Naches-Tieton Road or Schuler Grade and descend to the Valley floor. Drive along Highway 12, lined with even more orchards, to Bron Yr Aur Brewing Co.
E-bike tours with Cycle Yakima – One of the best ways to enjoy the orchard views along Naches Heights is on e-bike with knowledgeable and entertaining guide, Kyle Bosconner. His tours can include stops at Wilridge Vineyard, Winery & Distillery, DoodleVines Winery and even Cowiche Creek Brewing, where you’ll find (you guessed it) more orchard views.
Take a Hike for Blossoms from Above
For even more expansive views of the Valley, take a high to the top of Ahtanum Ridge. The trail starts at Union Gap’s Central Washington Agricultural Museum and Fulbright Park. Trek to the top of the ridge for iconic views in both directions of the Valley.
Check out more Springtime Hikes with Valley Views and Locals’ Favorite Wildflower Hikes.
Categorized in: Farm Fresh Fun, Outdoor Recreation