Apple picking near Seattle (and Washington, in general) usually kicks off in late August and can stretch through October, depending on the weather and variety. Some farms open for just a weekend; others stay open into fall with multiple types of apples. It’s one of the most quintessential fall activities for families there is.
And trust us — an apple fresh from the tree has a crispness and complexity you’ll never find in a supermarket. It’s a sensory adventure: muddy boots, farm smells, wide-open orchards. Totally worth it. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip apple picking near Seattle.
These beauts could soon be yours! (Image: Bellewood Acres)
When is Apple Picking Season in Washington?
Most u-pick farms near Seattle open between late August and mid-September for apple picking. Early-season varieties like Gravenstein and Zestar come first; Honeycrisp and Jonagold ripen a bit later. Always double-check with the farm before heading out — picking windows can be short, and weather plays a big role.
Seattle-area Farms with U-Pick Apples
Bailey Farm
- Address: 12968 Springhetti Rd, Snohomish, WA 98296
- Hours: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily for an array of veggies.
- Updates: Facebook
- Opening Day for U-Pick Apples: TBD. Check for varieties offered on the website.
- Driving time from Seattle: 35-50 minutes
Bailey’s U-Pick is part of a fifth-generation family farm located in the Snohomish Valley. U-pick apples start in late September; check the website closer to the date. The garden is open mid-June through October.
Future CEO of Apple (Orchard Division). (Image: Bailey Farm)
Swans Trail Farms
- Address: 7301 Rivershore Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
- Updates: Facebook
- Opening Day for U-Pick Apple Orchard & Harvest Festival: September 13, 2025
- Driving time from Seattle: 45 minutes to 1.25 hours.
This farm is a well-known hub of family farm fun (including a 12-acre corn maze replicating the map of Washington State). It also has 5 acres of a variety of apples, including Jonagold and Honeycrisp apples, for picking. The Fall Harvest Festival and Apple Orchards begin on September 13, and are great activities for families.
Jones Creek Farms
- Address: 32260 Burrese Rd, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
- Opening Day for U-Pick: August 22- September 8, 2025. See the website for the U-pick variety
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays through Mondays, August through roughly the end of October (check to be sure).
- Driving time from Seattle: 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours
This Skagit Valley farm grows more than 80 varieties of apples and pears, some familiar and many that are bound to be new discoveries.
Curran Apple Orchard
- Address: 3920 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
- Opening Day for U-Pick: August 31, 2025. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Driving time from Seattle: 50 minutes
The Curran Apple Orchard Park is a 7.33-acre apple orchard in the City of University Place. The Curran Orchard offers an Adopt a Tree program for each harvest year. Tree adopters pay for their trees and take care of them throughout the year, and then, in return, they are entitled to harvest from their trees. The orchard offers public apple picking on their Community Harvest Day on Sunday, August 31st at 10 a.m. (Do not pick from trees that are taped or display a “do not pick” sign.)
Bellewood Acres
- Address: 6140 WA-539 #3, Lynden, WA 98264
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday, September and October
- Updates: For the latest harvest information, go to the farm’s Facebook or Instagram
- Opening Day for U-Pick: August 30, 2025. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Driving time from Seattle: 2 to 2.5 hours
This farm has Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Jonamac, Gala, Jonagold, and many more varieties. Check the website for which apples are available for the U-pick. The farm also offers tractor train rides, a corn maze, apple cider donuts (weekends only), a gift shop, and more. If you’re looking to hit two birds with one stone, the pumpkin patch is open on October 1.
Smiles and apples all around at Bellewood Acres. (Image: Bellewood Acres)
Stutzman Ranch
- Address: 2202 Easy St, Wenatchee, WA 98801
- Updates: For the latest harvest information, check the website or Facebook
- Opening Day for Apple U-Pick: August 22, 2025. 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Driving time from Seattle: 2.35 hours to 2.75 hours
This u-pick orchard in central Washington has Gala, Fuji, and Golden Delicious apples. Due to the winter frost, they will not have cherries or peaches this year. Most apple varieties will be ready sometime between August and September. Always double-check hours and availability on the day you want to go. Check the Facebook page or call and listen to their message for current U-pick information.
Skipley Farm
- Address: 7228 Skipley Rd, Snohomish, WA 98290
- Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Note: Come after 2 p.m. on weekends to avoid crowds.
- Website: Check their Facebook page for updates before arriving
- Opening Day for U-Pick: August 13, 2025
- Driving time from Seattle: 1 hour
Fall activities for families don’t get much better than this: Skipley grows more than 300 varieties of apples! Check the website to learn what’s being picked right now and when you can go. The apple cider press is available through the end of August.
Sm’Apples
- Address: 1197 Willeys Lake Rd, Ferndale, WA 98248
- Hours: 9 a.m.- Dark, Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sundays.
- Opening Day for U-Pick: August 25, 2025- picking starts with the Ruby Mac apples.
- Driving time from Seattle: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Pick a variety of fall fruits at Sm’Apples in Ferndale. Current offerings and details are on their website. Note that they accept cash or check only, U.S. dollars only. Different types of apple varieties will be available during different months. Honeycrisp and Jonagold will be ready around September 13.
(Image courtesy Sm’Apples)
Raising Cane Ranch
- Address: 5719 Riverview Rd., Snohomish, WA 98290
- Hours: Friday, 3-7, Saturday 12-7, Sunday 12-5
- Opening Day for U-Pick: August 30-31; Please check the blog for the latest information.
- Driving time from Seattle: 1 hour
Raising Cane Ranch in Snohomish is a sustainable, organic U-Pick farm offering more than two dozen apple varieties, berries, and nuts. Visitors can enjoy cider tastings in the orchard’s cidery and seasonal cider-pressing parties for a true farm-to-glass experience.
What to Bring (and What to Wear)
A little prep goes a long way toward these great fall activities for families:
- Wear boots or waterproof shoes — orchards can be muddy
- Bring cash — some farms don’t accept cards
- Pack reusable bags or bins — not all farms provide containers
- Wipes or gloves — especially if sampling or picking with kids
- Arrive early — popular apples like Honeycrisp go fast
- Bring your camera — fall colors + happy kids = memories
Come prepared! (Image: Bellewood Acres)
More Fall Family Outings You’ll Love
Looking for more fall activities for families?
- Pumpkin patches near Seattle
- Celebrate autumn with your family
- 3 fall apple recipes your kids can help make
Or get baking right away with our favorite: apple & peanut butter tarts.
