It’s hard to believe, but with the rainy spring season winding to a close, it’s time for warmer days, red juice-drenched chins and pales full of berries! Heading out to the U-Pick fields is one of the hallmarks of summer around here, so get your garden gloves and five gallon pale ready! We’ve rounded up some of the best farms for the whole crew to pick their own—read on for more!
Sauvie Island
Columbia Farms
A simple site on the other side of the island from Kruger, Columbia offers quiet fields, a wide expanse, beautiful picnic options under their gazebo, and delicious berries. They offer buckets and wagons to get to the furthest fields, and are always happy to point to the the best picking of the day. Varieties grown are Hood, Puget Reliance, and Honeoye.
Season: Open!
21024 NW Gillihan Rd.
503-621-3909
Online: columbiafarmsu-pick.com
Topaz Farm
This farm and store is arguably one of the best known around! Because of that, it does get busy, but for good reason. It’s big enough that you’ll still find plenty of berries whenever you go. Wagons can help tote your little ones and their buckets to and from the fields. And if everyone ends up famished, stop by their food court for freshly grilled corn, hot dogs, and a glass of beer!
Season: Strawberries are currently in season (please check daily for farm hours)
17100 SW Sauvie Island Rd.
503-621-3489
Online: krugersfarm.com
Bella Organic
This farm is proudly certified organic, and it now runs on 100% solar energy! What’s more, the berries are delicious. With rides to the fields or wagons available, getting there is easy, and you can fuel up before or after at their food pavilion. They serve burgers (veggie ones, too!), lamb gyros, cider, wine, and local beer!
Season Opens June 11.
16205 SW Gillihan Rd.
503-621-9545
Online: bellaorganic.com
The Pumpkin Patch
Don’t let the name confuse you– this farm is great anytime before autumn, too! With plenty of fields to pick from (many nearby for a shorter walk), and the bonus of a real indoor bathroom, this is a great spot for kids. The Big Red Animal Barn holds enough excitement for any little one, and the patio cafe makes a perfect watering hole after (or before!) a day in the fields.
Season Opens: June 1
16511 NW Gillihan Rd.
503-621-3874
Online: thepumpkinpatch.com
West Side
Smith Berry Barn
A fantastic no spray farm that offers strawberries in several varieties! Sweet as sugar Hoods, Benton, and hearty Shuksan varieties all grow in satisfying rows in their fields. Bring your own containers to weigh before picking, or they provide buckets to fill up. You’ll always get directions to the best places to pick, and when you’re back at the store, you can find honey, jam, tea blends, and a range of seed packets to grow your very own!
Season Opens: Mid May
Tue.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road
Hillsboro, Or.
503-628-2172
Online: smithberrybarn.com
Hoffman Farms
This family owned farm out in Scholls has beautiful grounds waiting for you! Fields of berries, a farm store, and a gorgeous old barn makes a perfect backdrop to your day in the sun. And the best part are the fresh milkshakes and other goodies waiting for you after you’re done!
Season Open
22242 SW Scholls Ferry Rd.
Beaverton
503-628-5418
Online: hoffmanfarmsstore.com
Tom’s Berry Patch
This farm likes to focus on their CSA boxes, which means the little-known fields are often free of U-pick crowds. Kids are welcomed by the friendly staff, and the fields are full of delicious berries. If you didn’t get enough, sign up for a CSA on the way out to make the season last even longer!
Season Opens
Call for hours
43775 NW Greenville Rd.
Forest Grove, Or 97116
503-327-3717
Online: facebook.com/tomsberrypatch
—Annette Benedetti
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