Top spots for u-pick cherries, berries, bake shop treats and more
Cherries, berries and more! The much-anticipated Yakima Valley cherry u-pick season is well underway, with strawberries and blueberries ready for-u-pick this week. Don’t wait to plan your visit! The season for u-pick cherries only lasts a few weeks, beginning in late June, though we can enjoy blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and more throughout summer months. Nothing tastes quite like a freshly picked cherry or berry – especially one you harvested yourself! Plan your farm-fresh road trip and visit one of the many family-owned farms offering u-pick experiences for your family all around the Yakima Valley.
With more than 3,000 farms in the Yakima Valley you’ll find farm stands and farmers markets packed with an array of just-picked produce from one end of the Yakima Valley to the other all throughout the summer.
Check out our farm-fresh road trip itineraries for more inspiration!
Remember, Mother Nature determines when fruits are ready to be picked, so always check your favorite farms’ websites and social channels for updates about availability!
Where to Find Farm-Fresh Flavors
Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards
U-pick cherries last for just a few weeks and takes kicks off June 23 at Washington Fruit Place. Check their social channels for updates. Rainier and Bing cherries will be available but both may not be available on any given day. It all depends on Mother Nature! There’s no entrance fee but expect a $5 parking fee. Picked cherries, washed, sorted and packed, will be available for sale as well. Be sure to check out the Big Red Barn for unique gift items, handcrafted goods, local products and Winegars ice cream! It’s your stop for delicious gift-giving and for seasonal fruit throughout summer and fall.
West Valley U-pick
Cherry and berry picking kicks off the season of fun for the whole family in late June and early July! Head to Yakima’s beautiful West Valley for an incredible variety of u-pick produce. Enjoy a day in the field harvesting cherries and berries beginning in June followed by apples, peaches, pears, pluots, grapes, apricots, vegetables and more later in the season. Look for updates on fruit and on their Facebook page.
Blueberry Hill Berries
Three generations have farmed the land at Blueberry Hills. Dedicated to providing a quality organic product, Blueberry Hills is a place where families can hand-pick blueberries in the beautiful Yakima Valley and enjoy their signature frozen berry treat, Sorbato™. They grow 15 different varieties of organic blueberries, available mid-June through August. They also grow raspberries and blackcaps, ripe for the picking late June through August, and blackberries July through August. You can also pre-order berries for pick-up or visit their store to purchase pre-packaged berries in clamshell containers. Leave time to linger on their lovely patio for a house-made blueberry lemonade and other treats. They’re open Sundays through Fridays, but closed on Saturdays.
Ahtanum Berry Patch
Visit this family-friendly berry farm and bake shop for a wide variety of u-pick thornless blackberries, red, gold and black raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries and rhubarb. The bake shop features handmade premium desserts baked with simple, whole ingredients and their delicious berries. Visit them June through October and enjoy picked berries, u-pick fun and a yummy bakery treat. They’re open Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer with expanded hours as berries ripen.
Thompson’s Farm
This 45-acre family farm offers u-pick on weekends as Bing, Rainier, and two kinds of pie cherries ripen, usually between mid-June and mid-July. The best way to know about u-pick availability is to get on their email list or check the website. Make a stop at their farm market in Naches for all kinds of artisan food products, gifts and just-picked fruit all season long.
Johnson Orchards
While they don’t offer u-pick currently, beginning mid-June, you can enjoy tree-ripened cherries in season at their farmstand in the middle of town. Try Bing, Rainier, Van, Lapin, Skeena and Sweetheart varieties and purchase your cherries sorted, washed and packaged. All you have to do is eat them! Don’t forget about their delectable bake shop. You’ll find a wide array of freshly baked, farm-fresh treats to purchase!
McIlrath Farm Market
While they don’t host u-pick, McIlrath Farm Market is a must-stop farm stand right on Highway 12. The family began farming in the Yakima Valley in 1976. With more than 300 acres in production, McIlrath Farms now grows more than 10 varieties of apples, pears certified organic cherries, peaches, pluots and strawberries. You’ll also find locally grown in-season vegetables, colorful hanging baskets locally made artisan goods! They expect to have cherries in early July with bountiful harvests to come throughout summer and fall.
Selah Ridge Lavender Farm
This is a small family farm located in Selah, growing and distilling lavender to craft a premium skincare line and home items since 2000. While visiting the farm you can stroll through their beautiful and fragrant rows of lavender, pick fresh bouquets, shop our wonderful product line. Take a peaceful journey in our Lavender Labyrinth or just relax all while being surrounded by scenic country views and the intoxicating aroma of lavender. Visit May thru October and join them at the annual Lavender Harvest Days Festival always the second weekend of July. Open by appointment.
Be sure to leave time for a stop at the Downtown Yakima Farmers Market in the heart of downtown Yakima in front of the historic Capitol Theatre on Sunday mornings. They’re dedicated to providing only fruits, vegetables and artisan goods directly from local and regional producers. Visit for a taste of the Valley, with local, seasonal produce, handcrafted goods and artisan products.
Check out more farm-fresh fun in our guides for farm-fresh road trips from now through October!
Categorized in: Family Fun, Farm Fresh Fun
