One of my all-time favorite activities and fondest memories of growing up in the Northwest are of summer berry picking trips. There was something so amazing about filling buckets to the brim with fresh berries; eating them until my lips and teeth were stained, and my stomach was aching. Since moving to Portland and becoming a Mom, I’ve been on the hunt for u-pick farms that grow sustainably, are certified organic or spray-free to stock-up on the season’s best and have a fun day with the family in the sunshine. There are farms on both the East and Westside of Portland, and a few on Sauvie Island, but Washington County has the widest selection with farms offering berries, organic vegetables and fun activities for families. Strawberries generally start in June and are harder to come by organically, but blueberries, blackberries and other specialty berries are more widely available and show up in July and August. Don’t forget to bring your own buckets and some sunscreen. –KSL
Dairy Creek Farm and Produce
Uses natural growing practices, beans, blackberries, broccoli, corn (sweet), cucumbers, eggplant, herbs/spices, melons, peas, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, winter squash, strawberries, tomatoes, other vegetables, honey from hives on the farm, fresh eggs, picnic area, farm animals. 23295 NW highway 47, Buxton. dairycreekfarm.com
Lolich’s Family Farm
Pesticide-free blueberries, snacks and refreshment stand, restrooms, picnic area, birthday parties, weddings and wedding parties . 18407 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton. lolichsfamilyfarm.com
Love Farm Organics
Organic blueberries, black raspberries, marionberries Call ahead for directions. 46125 NW Hillside Road, Forest Grove. lovefarmorganics.com
Smith Berry Barn
Spray-free, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, gooseberries, loganberries, marionberries, other berries, peppers, raspberries, tayberries, tomatoes, pre-picked produce, gift shop, restrooms, picnic area, farm animals. 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro. Fresh berry milkshakes. smithberrybarn.com
West Union Gardens
Sustainably grown, summer and fall raspberries, boysenberries, black raspberries, marionberries, loganberries, tayberries, thornless blackberries, gooseberries, red and black currants, rhubarb, tomatoes, cucumbers. Farm stand and pigs.7775 NW Cornelius Pass Road, Hillsboro. westuniongardens.com
