The Best U-Pick Farms in the West

Late spring is when much of the West’s natural bounty of produce first comes into season, and there’s no better way to taste fresh berries, stone fruit, and more than to pick them yourself. U-pick farms also make for a timeless family-friendly activity, and bonus: you’re supporting local farmers right at the source.

Try one of these destinations across the West, or visit pickyourown.org for more options. Remember to pack sunscreen and a hat, and you may want to bring your own containers. Wear sturdy shoes and clothes you don't mind getting dirty or stained. Weather and other factors can impact harvest times; call ahead before visiting to confirm seasonal hours and availability.

California

Fifty-five miles east of San Francisco, a multitude of farms in Brentwood grows everything including berries, stone fruits, tomatoes, and corn. Visit Smith Family Farm for velvety peaches, tangy plums, and hybrid apriums. After collecting fruit in the orchard, visitors can check out planting demonstrations, hayrides, and beehives. Call ahead to confirm the schedule of events.

El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills may be famous for autumn apples, but it's early summer cherries that shine at the American River Cherry Company. The company once shipped firm, flavorful Utah Giants to U.S. presidents and the emperor of Japan; today you're more likely to encounter Bings. Pick a basketful, then have a picnic and gaze at the resident koi.

On the Santa Cruz coast, Swanton Berry Farm near Davenport makes a great stop for organic u-pick strawberries. Its farm stand also sells baked goods and small-batch preserves.

Nevada

Some 60 miles east of Reno, the Lahontan Valley desert area is known for growing ultrasweet Hearts of Gold cantaloupes. Buy them straight from the source at Lattin Farms, which also offers u-pick raspberries.

Utah

Carefully maintained fruit and nut orchards—living relics from the Fruita pioneer community—still yield their historic harvest at Capitol Reef National Park in south central Utah. In mid-June, u-pickers can fuel up on heirloom cherries and apricots, then explore the park's red rock landscape.

Oregon

Blueberries abound in the valleys outside of Eugene. At Upriver Organics, visitors can pick strawberries and five varieties of blueberries, including sweet Jerseys and aromatic Bluerays.

U-pick farms dot Sauvie Island, a rural paradise on the Columbia River just 15 minutes north of Portland. Try Columbia Farms or Douglas Farm for fields of summer berries. Late in July, Douglas has u-pick peaches, too.

Idaho

Fruit growers in the bucolic communities of Buhl and Filer have farmed the Snake River Canyon west of Twin Falls for more than a century. Visit Kelley's Canyon Orchard, which got its start in 1908, for u-pick cherries, peaches, pears and more. Kelley’s also offers already picked options for purchase, including watermelon, cantaloupe, and tomatoes.