Summer is an ideal time for berry picking. It’s an excellent opportunity to spend time with your family and fill your tummy with delicious berries. Not to mention that berry picking is extremely affordable, so you’ll be able to go more than once. So grab a pail and let’s explore the best areas to go picking!

Sauvie Island Farm

Offering a variety of picking options, people love the strawberries here, and you can bring the whole family. Pets are not allowed, unfortunately, but your family can have a wonderful time picking blueberries and strawberries for a little over three dollars a pound. Not to mention, the farm is incredibly friendly and helpful because they have a strong sense of community. This farm is worth checking out!

Bella Organic 

Also located on Sauvie Island, the goal of this farm is to provide sustainable and responsible options for its community. They’re family-owned and grow over 70 different kinds of crops. You can pick or buy fresh berries, and they have an online calendar that lets you see what’s available. Strawberries are the first-picking crop of this year. But it will be followed by blueberries, blackberries, and Marionberries. 

Hoffman Farms 

Head over to Beaverton, and you’ll come across the Hoffmans’ farm. It’s been in their family for six generations, and in the summer, they grow a wide variety of berries, including tayberries. There is a lot of walking, but the farm is accessible to people of all abilities. You can also take the train for five dollars. They provide you with the containers for picking, and you’ll pay almost three dollars a pound. Like others, pets are not allowed here.

Columbia Farms 

The family that runs this farm has strived to keep the essence of a working farm for all of its visitors. Pets are not allowed here for safety reasons, but everyone else is welcome. They have strawberries and raspberries available for picking as well as pre-picked peonies if you’re looking for some lovely flowers. They will provide containers for your trip, and they promise you’ll have a fantastic time!

Sauvie Island Blueberry Farm 

The farm has been in business since 1976, and they take great care to ensure that the crops and the people who visit receive the best care. They have blueberries to pick for $4.50 a pound, as well as the most beautiful Dahlias at $1 per flower. During picking season, they’re open until six at night, which gives you plenty of time to pick berries to your heart’s content. 

Smith Berry Barn

For almost fifty years, this farm has been servicing the community with a smile. They have a wide variety of berries, including several types of blackberries. They have a special area on the site that lets you see what is available on the day you want to go. For instance, at the moment, they have no spray strawberries available, but a wide variety to choose from. However, the strawberries are running out, so you should head over before they’re gone!

The Croft 

A river-island farm, they are committed to providing organically minded vegetables, fruits, honey, and more. They also have a produce stand that helps feed Portland. In late June, they offer a blueberry pick that lasts until early August. They’ll provide baskets for picking, but you’ll need your container to take them home. Currently, they are understocked and encouraging people to come and take as many as they can. The best part? One pound is only two dollars and fifty cents! As this is one of the most affordable options, people often take advantage of it. 

West Union Gardens 

The farm is run by a family that has been in business since the late eighties. They take pride in their work and in providing the community with high-quality produce that uses minimal chemicals. Their picking season begins in late June and lasts until September (for some crops), and they provide containers for you. They remain open in the summer months until eight at night and then close earlier once September starts. 

Come Have Fun!

Berry picking is such a fun activity to do with your children this summer, and it can create wonderful memories for you. Please remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes to ensure this experience goes as smoothly as possible, and keep them safe from the sun. Then you can start using the berries for pies and other yummy treats!