Berry Picking in the Portland and Hillsboro Area
Where to Pick the Best Fruit in Washington County, Oregon
Jun 3, 2009
There is nothing better than fresh picked berries, warmed by the sun in the summertime. Picking them is just a bit of work and a fun activity for kids of all ages.
The Pumpkin Patch
The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island is open for u-pick and already picked strawberries on June 6, 2009. The farm also has u-pick patches for raspberries, marionberries, peaches and nectarines. They are located at 16511 NW Gillihan Rd on Sauvie Island in Portland, Oregon. The Patch is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Call ahead for specific crop information at 503-621-3874.
Duyck’s Peachy Pig Farm
Located at 34840 SW Johnson School Road in Cornelius, Oregon, Duyck’s Peachy Pig Farm has something for everyone.
- Early Spring: rhubarb
- June and onward: strawberries, red raspberries, blueberries,
- July and onward: marionberries, blackberries, peaches
They also have pre-picked cherries available in June and July, apricots in July, and apples, pears and peaches from August to October. Hours and more information are available by calling 503-357-3570.
Sara’s Blueberries
Sara’s Blueberries is located at 24375 SW Drake Lane in Hillsboro, Oregon. The blueberry picking season here runs from July 5through August 15. They provide a shady picnic area, clean picking area and farm animals for the kids to enjoy. A phone recording will provide crop updates and available picking times: 503-649-6000.
Smith Berry Barn
The Smith Berry Barn is located at 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road in Hillsboro, Oregon. They offer a variety of raspberries to be picked all summer long, blackberries from June 21 through July, as well as loganberries, blueberries, and boysenberries at different times throughout the summer. The farm is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Smith Berry Barn also has a Berry Festival on the Fourth of July, with live music all day long, lots of family activities, and many foods and treats celebrating the berry harvest. Activities for kids include face painting, a petting zoo, balloons and a “berried treasure” hunt. The 7th Annual Berry Festival will be from 12 noon to 4:00 pm on July 4, 2009.
Jossy Farms
Jossy Farms at 31965 NW Beach Road in Hillsboro, Oregon has apples, peaches and pears available for picking from July through August. Containers are not available at the farm. Call Jossy Farms at 503-647-5234 to check hours and crop availability.
Berry Picking Tips
To have the best berry picking experience, follow these tips:
- Pick only the reddest, plump, firm strawberries. The smallest are often the most flavorful.
- Berries will not ripen after picking; make sure they are ripe when picked.
- Berries are typically sold by the pound.
- Some farms will not provide containers, check first.
- It typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to pick a quart of berries.
- Call the farm first to check availability of the crop.
- Arrive early on weekends, as a field can be picked clean quickly.
- Don’t wash berries until you are ready to use them. Washed berries will spoil quickly.
Remember to dress for the weather including hats and sunscreen for kids and adults. Bring water to drink and wear comfortable shoes.
Berries have so many nutritional benefits, picking them or buying them at a local farm is good for everyone, the consumer and the farmer.
Many of these farms also have pumpkin patches and fall produce available in the fall season.
For other summer activities to enjoy with children, see Nature Walks with Kids.
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