JOURNAL

It is truly summer once fruit picking starts. Nobody looks forward to this time of year more than the pickers at Fruit Lady Farm. U-pick reports are preparation for our summer weekends. ❤️

We consume fruit all year long. Picking season is when we visit farms and enjoy all they offer. This journal chronicles that experience. Follow our adventure on the fruit trail! 🍓 🫐 🍒 🍇 🍑 🍐 🍎 🍉 🍅

August 23, 2023

TK Orchards
Aurora, OR (8mi S of Tualatin)

Story: The end of season enticed us to pick a few more 🍑 peaches. Plus, we needed to try the Veterans for comparison. They were literally falling off the trees, so we knew they would have fully developed sugars. We weren't disappointed, but can't be sure whether to credit the variety or ripeness. Regardless, it was a win!

Notes: (for next time)
🚗 Second orchard is near highway

Fruit Picked: Peaches
Experience: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Fruit Usage: Freezing, Snacking, Crisp

August 17, 2023

Hoffman Farms Store
Beaverton, OR (12mi NW of Tualatin)

Story: After an intense heat wave, we questioned if 🫐 blueberries would remain. The inside of the bushes were unphased and still plentiful. Several pounds of Liberty and Aurora varieties were easy to gather. The picking field was quite toasty once the sun appeared, so this visit was punctuated with a well-deserved milkshake!

Notes: (for next time)
🫐 Bushes are beside the farm store.
🍦 Great milkshakes with fresh berries.

Fruit Picked: Blueberries
Experience: 🫐🫐🫐🫐
Fruit Usage: Freezing, Snacking

August 12, 2023

Bells Orchard
Beaverton, OR (9mi SE of Hillsboro)

Story: We were fresh out of 🍑 peaches again, so we returned here on a weekend to compare experiences! It was still not overly crowded. We picked sixteen pounds of reliance peaches and a few pears.

Notes: (for next time)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Playground & wagons for children.
🚗 Still parking spots on weekend.

Fruit Picked: Peaches, Pears
Experience: 🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑
Fruit Usage: Snacking, Pies

August 6, 2023

Bella Organic Farm
Sauvie Island, OR (13mi NW of Portland)

Story: We rolled onto Sauvie Island in need of lunch. We enjoyed the atmosphere at a shaded picnic table. Staff told us to pass on the 🫐 field, so we bought a couple pints before heading down the road.

Notes: (for next time)
🥪 Food is available at grill and in store.
🧺 Limited picnic tables available in shade.

Fruit Picked: N/A
Experience: 😍😍😍
Fruit Usage: N/A

Columbia Farms U-Pick
Sauvie Island, OR (16mi NW of Portland)

Story: We arrived as the sun made it's weekend debut. The 🫐 were plentiful but needed a few days to ripen. We picked a pint of chandler and legacy before satisfying our curiousity about the pink lemonade variety.

Notes: (for next time)
🍦 Farm popsicles are tasty.

Fruit Picked: Blueberries
Experience: 🫐🫐🫐
Fruit Usage: Snacking

August 3, 2023

Bells Orchard
Beaverton, OR (9mi SE of Hillsboro)

Story: Our 🍑 peach supply was dry, so we replenished on a weekday morning. The property was charming, and the peaches were loaded. Early Elberta and Red Havens were available, but we only picked Red Havens. The apples and pears were already tempting, and we can't wait to go back!

Notes: (for next time)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Playground for children.
🚗 Parking is limited. Avoid crowds.

Fruit Picked: Peaches
Experience: 🍑🍑🍑🍑🍑
Fruit Usage: Snacking

July 30, 2023

Thank You Berry Much Farms
Salem, OR (7mi SE of Salem)

Story: On our return road trip, we found a 🫐 blueberry field once internet was available. It was late afternoon, but their extended hours let us pick in the shade of tall bushes. The 🫐 were abundant, and every grasp resulted in another handful. 6 pounds later we finished our journey home.

Notes: (for next time)
🧰 Sifting table available for debris.
⏱ Evening hours were available daily.

Fruit Picked: Blueberries
Experience: 🫐🫐🫐🫐🫐
Fruit Usage: Freezing, Snacking

July 27, 2023

Fordyce Farms
Salem, OR (7mi E of Salem)

Story: We stopped by during a road trip to stretch our legs, so picking triple crowns at the back of the property was perfect for us this day. The vines were a day or two away from being abundant with ripe berries, but we found plenty to last for our weekend getaway.

Notes: (for next time)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Playground for children.
🚜 Hay bale fort was in-progress.
🚗 Park next to field when picking.

Fruit Picked: Blackberries (Triple Crowns)
Experience: 😋😋😋😋
Fruit Usage: Snacking

July 22, 2023

Perryhill Farm
Dallas, OR (18mi NW of Salem)

Story: We started late and arrived at the field with less than a hour to pick. The 🍑 peaches were ready for us though, and we quickly found more than enough to satisfy our needs thru the following week.

Notes: (for next time)
🚗 Parking is next to the field.
💰 Bring small bills for self pay.

Fruit Picked: Peaches
Experience: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Fruit Usage: Cobbler, Snacking, Milkshakes

Salt Creek Fruit
Dallas, OR (18mi NW of Salem)

Story: It was a hot afternoon, but we didn't need go far to find trees loaded with lapin cherries. The provided ladders helped speed the picking along, and we left excited to try the recipes found at checkout.

Notes: (for next time)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Visit Salt Creek Cider House
- Bring a lunch
- Playground & frog pond

Fruit Picked: Cherries
Experience: 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒
Fruit Usage: Snacking

July 8, 2023

West Union Gardens
Hillsboro, OR (10mi NE of Hillsboro)

Story: We arrived late morning. It was a cool, overcast day. Our goal was to try something new. We were quickly convinced by field signs that black currants were for us. Luckily, they were right next to the gooseberries. We struggled choosing between many varieties of raspberries and blackberries, so we settled on tayberries before calling it quits.

Notes: (for next time)
🗒 Details of fruit and usage in field.
🧺 Many shaded picnic tables available.
📍 Location is near city conveniences.

Fruit Picked: Black Currants, Gooseberries & Tayberries
Experience: 😋😋😋😋😋
Fruit Usage: Cassis Liqueur (TBD), Snacking

July 2, 2023

Rowell Bros. Berry Farm
Hillsboro, OR (11mi NW of Tualatin)

Story: We arrived late morning after a stop for cash. Prepaying by container size was a different experience. We opted for a large bucket of 🫐. That was ambitious nearing the heat of the day, but we found all the required berries in a single row. On exit of the field, we noted the ripening Chandlers will be huge compared to the tasty Dukes we picked.

Notes: (for next time)
💰 Prepaid containers
💰 Check or cash only
🐴 Visit the horses

Fruit Picked: Blueberries
Experience: 🫐🫐🫐
Fruit Usage: Snacking

July 1, 2023

Burns Farm at Aldersyde
Troutdale, OR (21mi E of Portland)

Story: We arrived early afternoon with raspberries and marionberries in mind. After stopping at the store for directions, we drove to park beside the nearby fields. The raspberries were plentiful. We noted extra wide rows and views of Mt Hood in the field! We attempted marionberries on our return to the store, but the remaining ones needed a little more sun. Next time!

Notes: (for next time)
🏔 Views of Mt Hood in field
🚗 Busy parking lot at store

Fruit Picked: Raspberries
Experience: 😋😋😋😋
Fruit Usage: Snacking

Rosedale Fruit Farm
Mosier, OR (10mi E of Hood River)

Story: We arrived late afternoon interested in pie cherries and haskaps. We drove past the haskaps on entry, through a field of farm equipment, and parked beside the orchard. The pie cherries were abundant on small, easily picked trees. After paying for cherries, we picked a few haskaps on exit. They were delicious and the self checkout saved us a trip back to the cashier.

Notes: (for next time)
⏱ Pick haskaps on entry
💰 Pay with card at main stand

Fruit Picked: Pie Cherries
Experience: 🍒🍒🍒
Fruit Usage: Cherry Pie

Root Orchards
Mosier, OR (10mi E of Hood River)

Story: We could not resist stopping at this neighboring orchard. Our experience here differed in larger trees and variety of cherries. We enjoyed the shade and the delicious Rainiers. A few minutes and two pints later, we were back on the road.

Notes: (for next time)
🚗 Easy parking

Fruit Picked: Cherries
Experience: 🍒🍒🍒
Fruit Usage: Snacking

Evans Fruit Company
Mosier, OR (9mi E of Hood River)

Story: Burns Farm mentioned this stand, so we made time to stop on the way home. We easily picked a lot of Bing and Rainier cherries into the provided, hands-free containers. The fruit quality, valley views and "grandma's recipe box" made this our favorite cherry picking of the day!

Notes: (for next time)
🧺 Picnic tables with valley views

Fruit Picked: Cherries
Experience: 🍒🍒🍒🍒
Fruit Usage: Snacking

June 23, 2023

Greens Bridge Gardens
Jefferson, OR (11mi NE of Albany)

Story: We stopped here, knowing what to expect, in need of a few extra 🍓 pints. Fields were plentiful for late in the season. We opted for Mary's Peak instead of more Hoods. We left pleased and feeling nostalgic, as usual.

Notes: (for next time)
🌤 Bring sunscreen or shade.
🐓 View the chickens while there.

Fruit Picked: Strawberries
Experience: 🍓🍓🍓🍓
Fruit Usage: Snacks & Drinks

June 21, 2023

Fordyce Farms
Salem, OR (7mi E of Salem)

Story: We arrived mid-morning wanting to pick a few last pints of 🍓 this season. There were plenty of young Hoods in the field. We picked, paid in the store, and headed to lunch.

Notes: (for next time)
🚗 Park next to the field.
💰 Bring cash to pay at field.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Playground for children.

Fruit Picked: Strawberries
Experience: 🍓🍓🍓🍓
Fruit Usage: Shortcake

Willamette Valley Pie Company
Salem, OR (9mi E of Salem)

Story: A pie factory, gift shop and restaurant! We enjoyed lunch and dessert on their outdoor patio. It was fun watching 🍓s be received into the facility on conveyer belts.

Notes: (for next time)
🥪 Delicious food options.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Playground for children.
🥧 Pies are made and sold.

Fruit Picked: N/A
Experience: 😍😍😍😍😍
Fruit Usage: N/A

Olson Farms
Salem, OR (8mi E of Salem)

Story: Hail prevented our visit earlier in the week, so we were excited to finally pick 🍒 cherries. The shade of the trees was delightful in the afternoon sun, and a few pounds of bing 🍒 quickly filled our box.

Notes: (for next time)
🛺 ATV rides to field available.
📦 Must use and purchase their boxes.
🪜 Bring a tall friend. No ladders.

Fruit Picked: Cherries
Experience: 🍒🍒🍒🍒
Fruit Usage: Snacking

Minto Island Growers
Salem, OR (5mi SW of Salem)

Story: We already had plenty of berries, but we craved some entertainment. This farm was hosting many artists for Make Music Salem. We saw the option of 🍓 picking, but we delighted in the unique vibe offered here.

Notes: (for next time)
🗓 Check the event calendar.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Playground for children.
🍕 Food carts found onsite.

Fruit Picked: None
Experience: 😍😍😍😍
Fruit Usage: N/A

June 20, 2023

Wildman Farm
Dallas, OR (12mi W of Salem)

Story: Confession time! The Fruit Lady doesn't like raspberries, but that's what was available on this day. The owner gave us personalized picking instruction, and the berries were plentiful. We quickly picked a pint, viewed the chickens, and hit the road.

Notes: (for next time)
🚗 Easy access and parking off highway.
🍒 Cherry trees were low for picking.
🐓 View the chickens while there.

Fruit Picked: Raspberries
Experience: 😋😋😋
Fruit Usage: Snacking

June 11, 2023

Smith Berry Barn
Hillsboro, OR (11mi W of Tualatin)

Story: We arrived late morning during rising temperatures. A small variety (Shuksan) of 🍓 was already picked over. We were content with gathering 2.5lbs, but the chickens and goats entertained us most. The shaded patio was a delightful spot to enjoy a 🍓 milkshake.

Notes: (for next time)
🚗 The parking lot fills fast. Go early.
🐓 Bring quarters for chicken feed.
☕️ Dine at the cafe across the street.

Fruit Picked: Strawberries
Experience: 🍓🍓🍓
Fruit Usage: Snacking & Cereal

Hoffman Farms Store
Beaverton, OR (12mi NW of Tualatin)

Story: We arrived early afternoon with empty stomachs. The affordable boxed lunches were a delicious remedy. We watched children take delight in a farm themed playground while a minature railroad lapped the nearby berry fields. We glanced at the picking fields but purchased a half-flat of Tillamook 🍓.

Notes: (for next time)
🚂 Ride train to the picking field.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great designation for families.

Fruit Picked: Strawberries
Experience: 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
Fruit Usage: Rhubarb & Strawberry Muffins

June 3, 2023

Boones Ferry Berry Farm
Hubbard, OR (5mi N of Woodburn)

Story: We arrived mid-morning craving the Hood variety of 🍓. Picking began after a few photos and visiting the animals (goats, turkeys). The 🍓 were plentiful, ripe and delicious. We picked until lunch where the deli was on-par with the 🍓. The Boones Berry Delight sandwich was exceptional. The bread itself was notable. We left gleeful with 13lbs of 🍓 and full bellies.

Notes: (for next time)
🍓 U-pick began early in season.
🥯 Breads alone are worth the trip.

Fruit Picked: Strawberries
Experience: 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓
Fruit Usage: Rhubarb & Strawberry Crisp, Snacks

These recollections are subjective and based on encountered conditions. The stories are intended to entertain and preserve memories. With so many farms to choose, there are undoubtedly similar options for any given outing. We'd love to hear your thoughts!