Wondering where to pick blackberries in Seattle this summer? Whether you’re after wild berries in local Seattle parks or want a kid-friendly u-pick experience, we’ve got tips to help you make the most of blackberry season.
Wild blackberries in Seattle can be a bit of a challenge. The vines have thorns (unless you are lucky enough to find a thornless variety). But show up in long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and sneakers with socks, and most problems will disappear.
When is Blackberry Season in Seattle?
Blackberry season in Seattle typically runs from mid-July through late August, with peak picking often landing in early August. Wild blackberries — especially the ever-present Himalayan variety — begin ripening first, followed by thornless or cultivated types found at local farms. Keep an eye out during your summer walks; if the berries look deep purple-black and come off the vine easily, you’ve hit prime time.
Not sure how to pick blackberries without getting poked or coming home with sour ones? Here’s what to know.
How to Pick Blackberries Like a Pro
- Ripe blackberries are not shiny but have gone past to a dull purple-black color. Stay away from anything raspberry colored; they’ll be super-pucker-crunchy-sour instead of oozy-melt-in-your-mouth-sweet.
- Ready blackberries want to be picked. A light pull will drop the berry, core and all, into your hand. If you bend the twig and the berry stays put, it’s not ready. Only pick ripe blackberries; once picked, they won’t get any riper, once picked.
- Not too squishy. If they are already too soft to eat, leave them there.
- Refrigerate or freeze if you have no plans for them before bedtime.
Where to Pick Blackberries Near Seattle
Depending on where you live in Seattle, you may find wild blackberries in Seattle growing near parks, trails, and quiet alleyways. Avoid picking on main roads. Too much traffic leaves behind blech on the berries we don’t really want to be eating. Discovery Park, Lincoln Park, and Seward Park are always laden with these berries (and large enough that it’s easy to find a place no one else has picked through)! The bushes along Mt. Baker Blvd are also often ripe, as are the alleyways of Capitol Hill.
If you’re up for a short drive, these family-friendly farms offer u-pick blackberries near Seattle (and more):
Broers Farms Inc
18228 Tualco Rd, Monroe, WA
This organic u-pick farm in Monroe offers strawberries, raspberries, blueberries — and best of all, thornless blackberries! A great option for families looking for u-pick blackberries near Seattle (and to skip the scratches).
Schuh Farms
15565 WA-536, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Located in Skagit Valley, Schuh Farms is a one-stop spot for summer produce, u-pick berries, pies, and more. Blackberry u-pick typically begins in July and continues through August.
Spooner Farms
1200 Orting Kapowsin Hwy E, Orting, WA 98360
This long-standing family farm in Orting offers u-pick blackberries and raspberries during the summer season, plus a well-stocked farm store and seasonal events.
What to Do After Blackberry Picking in Seattle
If you’ve consumed all the berries you possibly can, and there are still a few left over, here are a few quick things to do.
- Freeze ‘em. Blackberries only need a quick bath and drain. To keep them from squishing, freeze them in a single layer on a flat pan. When solid, seal it in a zip-top bag.
- Popsicles! Paper cups, popsicle sticks, vanilla yogurt, orange juice, and blackberries. The kids can do this for themselves. For each cup of vanilla yogurt, stir in ½ cup of orange juice and as many blackberries as will fit. Spoon into the paper cups and pop in a stick. Place in the freezer until solid. Perfect for, “Mom, I’m hungry, and it’s too hot!” Peel off the paper cups and enjoy.
- Cook down some blackberries to make them versatile and store better. (The fancy word for this is “compote.”) Toss rinsed blackberries in a sauce pan. For each cup add 3 Tbs orange juice and 2 Tbs sugar. Cook over medium heat until the liquid is purple-y and thickened and makes you want to eat it up with a spoon. Freeze it in one cup amounts for later, or serve with something cakey or creamy right away.
- Smoothies! Pop one cup blackberries (fresh or partly thawed), ½ cup yogurt and enough orange juice to make thing work into the blender for a spin. Fresh basil or mint or shiso makes a surprising, yummy addition if you have some lying around.
Enjoy blackberry season around Seattle!
