Nothing says summer in Seattle like picking fresh strawberries at a local farm (except maybe the return of the sun). There’s a reason berry picking is everyone’s favorite June activity. Not only is it inexpensive and outside, but when you bring home your delish haul from a local U-pick strawberry patch, the possibilities are endless (hello, pies, preserves and nutritious snacks!). Although the berry picking season is a bit delayed this year (most farms are aiming to open mid-June), thanks to our cool spring, you and the kids will be out in the fields before you know it, picking your fair share of strawberries, raspberries and other summer berries. Here’s where you and your little sweeties can pick till your hearts’ content.
Picha's Berry Farm
Third generation farmers, Dan and Russ Picha, are carrying on the family business begun by their grandfather Mathias Picha in 1904 and continued by their father Ted Picha. Known for producing some of the juiciest, sweetest berries in the South Sound, it’s no wonder families flock to Picha’s Berry Farm every summer. Strawberries are the only U-pick berries, but the Farm does offer pre-picked blackberries and raspberries in July. They offer a robust selection of strawberries, including Shuksan, Totem, Rainier, Puget Summer and Marys Peak. Just remember your hat and sunscreen! As for this year's late-ish picking season, the Puyallup farm will open first, followed by the Tacoma location.
Good to know: Picha’s berries are available at two convenient locations—in Puyallup and Tacoma—although strawberry U-pick is only available in Puyallup.
Opening date: Mid-June
Picha's Berry Farm
6502 52nd St. E.
Puyallup, WA 98371
253-841-4443
Hours: Daily, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (or once sold out)
Picha's Berry Pick Up
74th & Tyler
Tacoma, WA 98409
253-678-3920
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (or once sold out)
Online: pichafarms.com and on Facebook
Schuh Farms
At this farm, you may come for the u-pick berries, but we have a feeling you'll stay for the fresh-baked goodies available in the 100-year old barn. That's also where you need to stop when you first get there to get directions to the u-pick field. Schuh is hoping to open their fields for pickers sometime around June 15 or 16, but that will depend on Mother Nature. They'll provide flats for berry picking, but suggest you bring your own buckets or other containers to bring the berries home (flats can be purchased for a minimal fee). When you've had your fill in the fields, make your way back to the barn for an espresso drink, ice cream, fresh baked bread or some of Schuh's famous cinnamon rolls (hint: they're only available on Fridays and Saturdays). Or bring home one of their fruit pies, made with berries grown on the farm.
Good to know: The farm is open from April to October for all kinds of family fun.
Opening Date: Mid-June
Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
15565 WA-536
Mt. Vernon, WA
360-424-6982
Online: schuhfarmswa.com
Duris Farm
The story goes like this: in 1955, Hazel Duris just wanted to make a few pickles and asked her husband to help her plant a garden. Today, the Duris Farm grows a lot of cucumbers, alongside beans, zucchini, and strawberries ripe for the picking. Drop everything and come on out. You can't beat the price and they are providing free u-pick boxes, too. While you’re there, pick out other fresh produce from local growers at their roadside market. As the strawberries ripen, call the farm for updated u-pick information.
Opening Date: Mid-June
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
6012 44th St. E.
Puyallup, WA 98371
253-922-7635
Online: duriscucumberfarm.com and on Facebook
Garden Treasures Nursery & Organic Farm
Part nursery, part farm, part popular U-Pick destination, Garden Treasures in Arlington has a lot to offer to those looking for a farm adventure ending in an all-organic basketful of berries. This is a smaller scale operation, but it is lovingly maintained with a few U-pick patches. And they do sell pre-picked berries by the half and full flat. Check out their strawberries, raspberries and tayberries for a sweet take-home treat. Alongside u-pick strawberries and tayberries, you can also plan to pick your own herbs, onions and summer squash for a real summer feast.
Good to know: Garden Treasures offers a unique U-Pick experience during most of the year. You can pick a variety of fruits and vegetables from May to October.
Opening date: June
Hours: Tues.-Sun., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
3328 State Route 530 N.W.
Arlington, WA 98223
360-435-9272
Online: gardentreasuresfarm.com and on Facebook
Bailey Family Farm
Located on 350 acres in the Snohomish Valley, Bailey U-Pick Farm started in 1986 with only two acres of U-Pick and has since grown to over 40 acres. Bailey Farm is family owned and operated and has been in the family for over 100 years. Started in 1913, five generations of Baileys have lived and worked on the farm. The Farm operates June through October with strawberries available for U-pick in mid-June, raspberries in July, vegetables (potatoes, cucumbers, green beans, zucchini, peas, carrots, beets, flowers, cabbage and onions) July through October, apples mid September to mid October and a pumpkin patch in October. Psst…the Farm partnered with Washington Farmland Trust to ensure that it will never be developed, it will forever be a farm. How cool is that? If you miss their U-pick dates, you can find their berries at the Snohomish Farmers Market.
Opening date: Mid-June
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
12711 Springhetti Rd.
Snohomish, WA 98296
360-568-8826
Online: baileyveg.com and on Facebook
Know before you go:
1. All picking dates and times are weather dependent and can change based on availability. We suggest calling ahead or checking websites or social media feeds for day-of confirmation that berry patches are open.
2. Heirloom berries (which is what you'll be picking at these farms) are best eaten or processed (frozen or turned into jam) within a day or two of being picked. Be sure to plan ahead and plan to make something tasty, maybe shortcake or smoothies or strawberry pancakes, for a summertime feast when you return.
What to bring:
1. Sunscreen and hats. Strawberry patches are in full sun, so be prepared to be out in the heat while you are picking.
2. Wet wipes and a change of clothes (for the kids, and for you!). Rule of berry picking #47 - you will kneel on a berry. You will dribble strawberry juice down your shirt. Bring a few extra duds and some wet wipes for hands and faces and your drive home will be much more comfortable.
3. A small stool or gardening pad. Strawberries are low hanging fruit. They're easy to spot, and (thankfully) have no thorns to worry about, but you'll be kneeling or sitting on the ground as you pick. Your knees and lower back will thank you if you bring along something to sit on. Fortunately, kids are small and already closer to the berries, and you know they'll love the excuse to sit in the dirt, so really, this is just for you.
4. Cash. Many of the farms accept plastic, but some don't and often you can jump to the front of the line if you pay cash.
5. Room in the trunk (and in the freezer). Berries take up more room than you think, so take out the stroller before heading out so you can lay them flat. Freeze whole berries quickly and easily by laying them (washed and dried) on a cookie sheet. That does, however, mean that you'll need a bit of extra space before you bring those little sweeties home.
—Allison Sutcliffe, Abbey McGee, Jeffrey Totey, Kristina Moy & Katie Gruver
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