
There’s something about a crisp fall day spent wandering through an apple orchard in Oregon that makes the season feel extra special.
Apple season generally gets underway in late summer and continues into the fall, with different varieties ripening throughout the season. Before you head out, check each farm’s website or social media for the latest picking availability since weather and crop conditions can change quickly.
Here are some of the best places around Oregon to go apple picking this fall.
Kiyokawa Family Orchards
If you want to turn apple picking into a full fall day trip, put Kiyokawa Family Orchards at the top of your list. Located in Parkdale along the Hood River Fruit Loop, this family-owned orchard grows more than 150 varieties of apples, pears, Asian pears, cherries, and other fruit.
The U-pick orchard is especially impressive for families who want to try something beyond the usual supermarket apples. Kids can also burn off some energy at the orchard’s fruit-bin fort while parents take in views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.
- Best for: Families who love variety and beautiful mountain views
- Good to know: U-pick apples are available during the fall harvest season, but check the farm’s current availability before visiting.
Draper Girls Country Farm
Another Hood River Valley favorite, Draper Girls Country Farm combines apple picking with plenty of other farm fun. The family-owned farm has been operating for generations and features historic apple trees, a country store, farm animals, and gorgeous views of the valley.
Fall is apple-picking season, and the farm’s U-pick experience makes it easy to spend an afternoon here. Kids can also visit and feed the goats before stopping at the country store for cider and other local goodies.
- Best for: A classic family farm experience
- Good to know: U-pick hours and available fruit vary throughout the season.
Mt. View Orchards
For spectacular scenery, it’s hard to beat Mt. View Orchards. This 50-acre apple and pear farm is just south of Hood River with sweeping views of Mount Hood.
The orchard offers dozens of apple varieties, along with pears and other seasonal fruit. Families can pick their own fruit, spread out for a picnic, and enjoy the farm’s seasonal activities. In October, the farm also offers tractor-wagon rides and a pumpkin patch.
- Best for: Mountain views and seasonal activities
- Good to know: Apple varieties and U-pick availability change throughout the season.
Sherwood Orchards
You don’t have to drive all the way to Hood River for a great apple-picking adventure. Just southwest of Portland,Sherwood Orchards is a 26-acre U-pick orchard with approximately 1,300 fruit trees and more than 70 varieties of apples.
It’s particularly fun for adventurous apple pickers who want to discover unusual varieties. The orchard has been a fruit orchard for more than 150 years, making this a great place to combine a little Oregon history with your fall outing.
- Best for: Apple lovers looking for unusual varieties
- Good to know: Bring your own containers and check the farm’s website for what’s ripe before you go.
Douglas Farm
For an option near Portland, head to Douglas Farm on Sauvie Island. This fifth-generation family farm offers seasonal U-pick fruits and vegetables, including apples.
The farm’s apple orchard has traditionally featured varieties such as Gravenstein, McIntosh, Rome, and Golden Delicious. It’s an easy option when you want a farm outing without committing to a full-day road trip.
- Best for: A quick apple-picking trip from Portland
- Good to know: Apple availability changes throughout the season, so check the farm’s current updates before heading out.
Bells Orchard
For families with younger children, Bells Orchard in Beaverton is worth checking out. The orchard’s short apple trees mean kids can often reach the fruit themselves without needing a ladder, making the experience a little easier for little apple pickers.
The orchard grows popular varieties including Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith, as well as pears.
- Best for: Young kids
- Good to know: Check current U-pick availability before visiting, since individual varieties ripen at different times.
Beilke Family Farm
Head to Salem for a traditional family-owned orchard experience at Beilke Family Farm. The farm has been growing apples since 1959 and has a 10-acre U-pick orchard with numerous varieties.
The trees are relatively short, which makes picking easier for children, and the season can extend well into fall.
- Best for: A classic apple-picking experience
- Good to know: Apple varieties and picking availability change as the season progresses.
Final Thoughts
If you can’t choose just one orchard, make the drive to the Hood River Fruit Loop. The scenic 35-mile loop winds through the Hood River Valley and includes more than 30 farm stands, orchards, wineries, cideries, and other farm experiences.
Several farms along the loop offer U-pick apples in the fall, so you can make stops at multiple orchards in one trip. It’s an especially beautiful way to experience Oregon’s fall colors, mountain scenery, and harvest season all at once.
A Few Apple-Picking Tips
- Check before you go. Apple varieties don’t all ripen at the same time, and U-pick fields can sell out quickly. Always check the farm’s website or social media before leaving.
- Bring layers. Fall mornings in Oregon can be chilly, while sunny afternoons can warm up quickly.
- Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Orchards can be muddy, uneven or grassy, especially after rain.
- Bring containers when required. Some farms provide bags or boxes, while others ask visitors to bring their own.
- Don’t forget the cider! If you’re already making the trip to an orchard, leave room in the car for fresh-pressed cider, apple donuts, pies, and other fall treats.
- Go early for the best selection. Popular varieties such as Honeycrisp can disappear quickly, especially on busy fall weekends.
Whether you’re looking for a quick outing close to Portland or a scenic fall road trip through the Hood River Valley, Oregon has plenty of orchards where you can pick your own perfect fall apples.

Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.
