The late summer and early fall is apple picking time at the Washington apple orchards and u-pick farms and pumpkin patches surrounding the city of Seattle. Did you know that Washington State is the country’s Apple Capital? It’s true, and an estimated 56% of all apples consumed in the U.S. are grown in Washington. The state is also well known for its cherries.
The best apple picking around the Seattle metropolitan area is in King, Kitsap, and Snohomish counties. So whether you are looking to pick fruit, go on a hayride, or buy fresh baked goods, Family Travel Forum has you covered.
Before you shell out $20 for an empty bushel bag or up to $5 per pound, keep in mind that different varieties are better suited for different purposes. Honeycrisp, Idared, Red Delicious, Fuji, Macintosh, Empire, and the Jonathon are great for eating. For sauces or pies, use the Cortland, Mutsu, Golden Delicious, or Russet instead. If lavender appeals more, this new crop is also plentiful at many of these farms.
For a complete guide to apple-picking orchards and farms across the country, check out the FTF Guide to Top U-Pick Farms in the US.
Apple-Picking in the Seattle Metro Area
There are several PYO Washington apple farms, fruit orchards, and pumpkin patches located in Seattle’s surrounding counties. Skipley Farm, just a half-hour’s drive north in Snohomish, is one of the more interesting ones because it offers guided farm tours led by naturalists as well as horticultural classes. A working farm and plant nursery (especially edible plants), feature organic produce and apples.
Among their 2,000 dwarf apple trees, there are 320 varieties. Because there’s fruit ripening all the way from July through October, Skipley is also a fun U-Pick destination with smaller children. Depending on the season, there are also many other fruits and berries to harvest; in fact, they’ve begun growing trees and bushes of Serviceberry, Aronia, Autumn Olive, Thimbleberry, Elderberry and Cranberry. September is the best month for apple varietal choice, but some species are available to pick in August and into mid-October.
Need an inexpensive rental car for apple picking?
The Farm at Swan’s Trail is a much livelier option in Snohomish, with tons to do. Check out the 55-acre pumpkin patch open from late September to Halloween, which is free. PYO apples have been picked by July, but there’s access to the early bird breakfast or hot food. Activities that require a paid wristband include a Washington State corn maze, petting farm, hay pyramid, jumping pillow, wagon rides, pig races, and more, open daily in the fall.
Fun Apple Picking Farms around Washington
Will you drive two hours to Whatcom County, just outside Bellingham? If so, then Bellewood Farm & Distillery is the farm of choice. This is the largest apple and pear orchard in Western Washington. At two locations, they have over 25,000 trees of 15 varieties being sustainably cultivated. Bellewood’s retail focus is on the farm store, distillery (fruit brandy, vodka, and gin), gift shop, and cafe, selling locally grown wines, hard ciders, gourmet cheese, and seasonal fruit.
The orchard, open for u-pick in September and October, is best known for its Honey Crisp and Cosmic Crisp varietals. Look for Honeycrisp and Tsugaru apples in mid-September, plus several other varieties at the farm store. There’s a corn maze, a small train, and other free activities. Check their online calendar for live music performances on summer weekends. They become a UPick tree farm with Christmas displays on December weekends.
Affordable Apple Picking in Washington State
Before you plan your apple-picking adventure, let’s dive deeper into the affordable options available in Washington State:
- Budget-Friendly Orchards: While apple picking is a delightful activity, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Look for orchards and farms that offer affordable u-pick options.
- Family-Friendly Fruit Picking: Apple picking is a fantastic family outing. Explore orchards that cater to families with kid-friendly activities.
- Varieties of Apples: Washington has a diverse range of apple varieties. Discover the unique flavors of different apple types and find the ones that suit your taste.
- Organic Options: If you prefer organic produce, consider organic apple orchards that offer pesticide-free options.
- Seasonal Fruit: Beyond apples, Washington orchards offer various seasonal fruits. Plan your visit to enjoy raspberries, blueberries, and more.
Yakima’s Harvest – Queen of Washington State PYO
With 163 certified (or awaiting certification) organic farms among its 3,100 farms, Yakima Valley is one of the largest producers in the Pacific Northwest. Crops include grapes for their famous wines, hops for their award-winning beer, cherries, and, of course, apples, apples, and apples. Although Yakima is not very close to Seattle (allow 2 1/2 hours for the 150-mile drive), it’s well worth a day trip.
West Valley U-Pick is one of many small, family-owned farms in the county. Beginning in June, buy or pick your own blueberries, raspberries, apples, pears, pluots, and other fruits and vegetables. Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Blondee apples are available for u-pick mid-August to October, then it’s pumpkins. Bring a jug or buy one at the farmstand and press your apple cider. Kids will love the hand-cranked, old-fashioned press. Experiment by adding other fruits to enhance the flavor.
We want to shout out to Johnson Orchards, where the fruit is in season almost all year. While it was USA Today‘s pick as a ‘top 10 apple picking spot,’ this place is about buying quality fruit, not the raucous fall U-Pick festival that some orchards have become. They feature cherries, cherries, and more cherries from mid-June to late July, so expect Bing, Rainier, Van, Lapin, Skeena, and Sweetheart varieties.
Come back in August for apricots, peaches, or nectarines, as well as pluots, plums, and pears. As for apples, they’ve raised apple orchards there since 1904, and the best harvest is from September to December. In addition to the many varietals, you can enjoy Johnson’s beautiful rolling hills, changing leaves, extensive bakery items baked each weekend, and classic ca. 1916 apple warehouse.
Don’t Forget Washington State Pumpkins!
As you get closer to Seattle, many of the farms go purely pumpkin and only sell apples through their farm store. Carleton Farm, about a half hour from Seattle, is one of them. It’s owned by third-generation Carleton’s and offers much more than PYO on its 60 acres. Look for pumpkins by the thousands each October, in addition to other vegetables.
Go have fun with the pumpkin cannon, exactly what it sounds like. Along with the zip line, hay rides, farm animals, soccer bowling, bucket train, and corn maze, it has a fee. The annual Fall Festival includes Family Fun Nights with games and after-dark carnival activities (think Flashlight Maze.) Brave kids can hang out for the Halloween-themed Haunted Swamp and Zombie Hunt.
Find the best deals on Washington hotels for your apple-picking adventures. Booking.com guarantees the best prices for any type of property and no booking fees!
Remlinger Farms is home to a very commercial Family Fun Park with over 25 kid-friendly rides and attractions. Admission to the Fun Park (open weekends in early summer, then Wednesday to Sunday through late October) includes pony rides, a 4H Animal Barnyard, authentic half-sized steam train rides, pony rides, antique cars, a zipline, and more.
Inquire about the self-guided tours that take you around to learning stations to hear about pioneer life, farm animals, corn milling, and more from guides at each station. Their U-Pick offering jumps from raspberry and strawberry weekends in spring to pumpkins from late September to late October. A cafe, craft brewery, and ice cream stand are open. This is when Remlinger shines.
Visit this place for its variety of pumpkins. In addition to pumpkin patches, the Carpinito Brothers Farm, which grows tomatoes and other vegetables, sells bark and nursery supplies. Their market also features produce from farms around the state. Get lost in their fun corn maze, open through the end of October.
Budget-Friendly Apple Picking Tips
To make the most of your apple-picking adventure without overspending, consider these budget-friendly tips. Note the keywords to use when searching for a suitable orchard near you:
- Share the Experience: Split the costs with friends or family to make it even more affordable. Keywords: ‘shared apple picking,’ ‘group fruit picking.’
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag): Instead of buying bags on-site, bring your own reusable containers to save on expenses. Keywords: ‘BYOB apple picking,’ ‘reusable fruit containers.’
- Early Bird Discounts: Some orchards offer discounts for early morning visitors. Take advantage of these deals. Keywords: ‘early bird apple picking,’ ‘morning discounts at orchards.’
- Promotions and Coupons: Keep an eye out for promotions, coupons, and special offers from orchards. Keywords: ‘apple picking discounts,’ ‘orchard coupons.’
- Homemade Apple Treats: After picking apples, try making homemade apple pies, crisps, or cider to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Keywords: ‘homemade apple recipes,’ ‘DIY apple desserts.’
FAVORITE WASHINGTON STATE PICK YOUR FRUIT FARMS
- Carleton Farm, 830 Sunnyside Blvd SE, Lake Stevens, Washington 98258 – 425/343-4963
- Carpinito Brothers Farm, 1148 Central Ave North, Kent, Washington 98032- 253/854-5692
- Bellewood Farmstead & Distillery, 6140 Guide Meridian, Lynden, Washington 98264 – 360/318-7720
- West Valley U-Pick Farm, 11901 Zier Road, Yakima, Washington 98908 – 509/945-5406
- Johnson Orchards, 4906 Summitview Avenue, Yakima, Washington – 509/966-7479
- Remlinger Farms, 32610 NE 32nd St, Carnation, Washington 98014 – 425/333-4135
- Skipley Farm, 7228 Skipley Rd., Snohomish, Washington 98290 – 206/679-6576
- Farm at Swan’s Trail, 7301 Rivershore Rd., Snohomish, Washington 98290 – 425/334-4124
Enjoy your day out, and share your favorite apple recipes!
If you liked this Washington apple picking article, consider checking out these other articles below –
- Apple Picking In New York Tri-State Area: Farms To PYO And Enjoy
- Best Apple Picking U-Pick Farms
- Illinois Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
- Best U Pick Apple Farms in and around Boston, Massachusetts
- California Apple Farms – U-Pick ‘Em And Enjoy
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4 Replies to “Washington Apple Pick: Your Guide to Fruitful Adventures”
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Dr. Artinian, thank you so much for posting that memory. How exciting it must have been, to share the skies with Apollo 11. I agree that today it seems like a remarkable achievement but of course we have not worked together, so hard for so long, on other projects that really need to be addressed. Education is one place to start!
The Lunar Landings
As I was landing in the northern desert of Saudi Arabia in a DC3 plane on July 20, 1969, the Americans were landing on the moon. That evening, the staff of Badana Base Hospital, that belonged to the Trans Arabian Pipeline Company (Tapline), were listening to the news, (Television was not available in the desert). They welcomed me as the new Internist at the hospital.
Soon I learned that the Saudis found it hard to believe that human beings could defile the moon by landing on it, which could have initiated the moon landing conspiracy theories, that persist today.
Now, 50 years later, the lunar landings were, and remain, the greatest achievement of humanity since the birth of intelligence on earth!
Boghos L. Artinian MD
Great information while traveling with children. Children safety first.
I want to do a car trip with my infant child and wife. But, I was afraid how can I travel with my infant child. After reading your blog I got some courage. Thanks for sharing such information. Thanks a lot.
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CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS, NEW YORK
The Corning Museum of Glass – the world’s largest collection of glass – is showing “Journey to the Moon: How Glass Got Us There” and actual glassy pieces of moon meteorites to touch and see. For scavenger buffs, visitors to the museum can test their super-sleuthing skills and see if they can find the glass-tronaut hidden amongst the galleries.
Awesome Article!
Thanks for sharing..
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON TO TEST CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH IN SPACE OVEN
In a partnership with Zero G Kitchen which is supplying a prototype space oven, and NanoRacks, a commercial space station company, Hilton’s DoubleTree brand is aiding efforts to bring freshly cooked food to the International Space Station. Some time in late 2019, their cookie dough hopes to be the source of the first fresh-baked chocolate chip cookie in space. Here’s more info about this and a cool student competition sponsored by Scholastic.
ok, thanks for the reply!
Thanks for sharing this! you’ll be able to do good as well as have fun and make a difference in the world. Whereas volunteer is always appreciated by all people.
Indeed, a good list. Everyday. At home or on the road.
hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. We checked on those images and you’re right, that one with the pirate ship in the pool is not from the Bahia Resort. We removed it and checked the others, and the Bahia still has their famous Moorish style pool and pretty beachfront. Hope you have a great trip there.
Thank you Lisa d. So glad that Laura’s review of both Fairmont resorts helped you to make a choice, especially since you can’t really go wrong in Bermuda.
thank you I have been deciding between the two properties and your post was very helpful in my decision.
One of the pictures with a slide doesn’t look like the pool I remember seeing at the bahia. Did they add a new pool?
Dubai is an amazing destination for tourists from across the world. The city tour, desert safari and dhow cruise are among the most famous things to do in Dubai.
Thank you for sharing a really useful and informative article. The way you have detailed and described is really helpful. Hope to see more amazing articles like this. Keep it up to the good work!
Spring Break in Dubai is more exciting with Adventure Plus Desert Safari Dubai tours in Dubai
Great suggestions! The only action item Id say “Oh Hayyllll Nawww” to would be horse-drawn carriage rides. Check out the internet and youll see whats going on with those poor horses. But your other ideas for educational and just-plain fun – really excited to try them out with the family! Thank again.
Hello Omar and Katie,
The Scholasrship Submission form is working again, please revisit the page: https://myfamilytravels.com/Teen_travel_writing to apply for the 2019 Teen Travel Writing Scholarship.
Thanks and good luck!
I would love to participate but I keep getting page not found
Hello Omar, thank you for your note. We have noted this error and our web development team is working to fix it right away. We will let you know when it’s working again. Good luck!
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I am very interested in participating in this scholarship opportunity. However, every time I click on the essay submission form, it takes me to a ‘Page not found’ link and says that there is an error with the link. Is there another link that I could possibly submit my essay and photos?
I had a travel blog in the past. But I was going through a rough phase so I shut it down. This article has inspired me to start once again.
SCHLITTERBAHN OPENS INFINITY RACERS, A MAJOR SPACE-THEMED WATERSLIDE
June 7, Colonel Terry Virts, a U.S. Air Force test/fighter pilot and NASA veteran of two spaceflights, will dedicate the newest, only one of its kind, 8-story-tall waterslide at Schlitterbahn Galveston. Infinity Racers is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides that race through enclosed colorful tubes as long as three space stations.
Nice Post. Thanks for Sharing with us……
Right?? It’s like a dream. I really didn’t believe them at all when I heard that, but looked it up, and sure enough, it’s really that sunny! I can’t wait to head back to the area.
I’m not sure as the rates tend to vary depending on the season. It’s probably best to contact them directly – (727) 363-5100. If you’re curious about their overall rates, I would ask if the rate changes depending on the season, and when their high and low season is. Hope that helps!
I remember visiting KSC during my school days with my friends where we got to learn a lot of interesting things related to space and comsos.
My husband and I are actually scheduled to stay at the Sirata Resort, in just a few days. I was wondering, if you happened to know the cost for the Private Cabana Rentals, you mentioned in your article?? Thank You!!
great useful info you have shared , being a traveler i need it most and it’s really helpful for the first time travelers. thanks for sharing.
I think curious teens would love this road trip. If you schedule enough time for Santa Cruz — which has a great amusement park and places to take surf lessons, that could be a 2-3 day stay for you. Going south, the Hearst Castle with all its tales of intrigue and the story of William Randolph Hearst’s life… it’s pretty fun as house tours go.
The scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway is beautiful, too, if you think your son would enjoy that. At many points, he can look out and see surfers! Towns like San Luis Obispo (now hip enough that locals call it SLO) have become destinations for wine and craft beers, so there are lots of cafes with young people that are fun, even if you’re not drinking.
The whole California coast is special, so ask your son to do some research and pick out spots that interest him, then incorporate them into your itinerary. That way, he’ll have a vested interest in making sure the trip is fun.
Do you think a 13 yr old would like this trip?
MALDIVES AND THE MOON FOR OUR PACIFIC FRIENDS
This just in from the Maldives:
Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives has the largest telescope and observatory in the Indian Ocean so it’s slated as one of the best places in the southern hemisphere to observe and study the stars, planets and the moon. And it’s the moon that is taking centre stage for festivities on July 20th as Anantara Kihavah commemorates the 50th anniversary of man’s landing on the moon. To celebrate, Anantara guests are invited to join Shameem, the islands’ resident Star Guru for a ‘Star Gazing’ breakfast. Lay back to gaze at the stars that glitter overhead, and be regaled by Shameem’s knowledge as he takes you on an intergalactic journey before taking a look through the powerful telescope at the craters on the moon that still amaze people 50 years after the first landing.
For guests who like a later start to the day the SKY Bartenders at Kihavah have created a complimentary cocktail for all guests to mark the occasion – The ‘Buzz’ Aldrin ……
Dubai is an awesome place to spend a great time with the loved one or alone be experiencing the local attractions. Thanks for the details, i have missed the dinner night which i will surely book this time and experience it. Keep posting!
I would definitely go for JURASSIC DINOSAUR DIG. Thanks for suggestions
So many good suggestions! It will be hard to choose but surely through these we will have the most beautiful memories in this summer vacation!
361 days of sunshine a year? Wow! It looks like it’s a perfect destination for families! I’ll be more interested in this place!
Glad that you have a great time and a better idea of Vietnam. If you came back, consider visiting Ninh Binh
We are a family who likes to travel and volunteer where possible. We give gifts of time and service. We find that finding small grass roots organisations when on the ground or at your destination creates the best win-win for all concerned. For example we taught English in a small village in Indonesia – https://sabretoothedchickenstour.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/it-takes-a-village/
In the end it is not the actual work you do as a volunteer that is of the greatest impact but the stereotypes you breakdown and the connections made 🙂
Camping holidays in France are extremely popular and you’ll find some fantastic family friendly campsites with a whole host of activities including some brilliant swimming pools.
NEW YORK HALL OF SCIENCE SUMMER MOON FESTIVAL
We’ve just heard that the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission with a summer filled with flight and space-themed exhibits, workshops, demonstrations, installations and a new film. The celebration kicks off on May 17 with Apollo 11: First Steps Edition, a film with never-before-seen footage and audio recordings of the historic mission. Other highlights include NYSCI’s summer exhibition, Above and Beyond – The Ultimate Flight Exhibition, and Apollo, A Party!, an evening event celebrating the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Check out their schedule for tons of workshops and special family events and go in to see a real Saturn V rocket like the one that took Apollo to the moon.
Man on the Moon in Zurich
The art exhibition “Fly Me to the Moon: The Moon Landing 50 Years On” will be featured at Kunsthaus Zurich in Switzerland, from May 4-June 30. The art show examines how the moon landing, and seeing images of the Earth from far away, changed man’s perception of his place in his environment and the universe. Look for moon works by artists John Russell, Rene Burri, Rene Magritte, Andy Warhol and many more.
Moon Walk Celebration in Ohio!
In southeast Ohio’s Hocking Hills region, the John Glenn Astronomy Park (JGAP) is celebrating its first birthday, while marking the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing. The observatory has 12 telescopes that offer dark sky views due to a lack of light pollution, allowing visitors to discover a distinct view of the moons, planets, stars and galaxies at each visit. The #Apollo50 events begin at 4 p.m. EDT July 20, 2019 and end at 1 a.m. July 21, 2019.
Nice post. I am traveler and I like adventure trips. Its really amazing. I wish to go there one by one. Thanks for sharing about these parks.
Thank you for useful information. It is very detailed.
Traveling with kids is fun but also very tired as we have to take care of them and don’t have much time for ourselves. Sometime I prefer traveling alone.