Visiting a U-pick strawberry farm is quintessentially summer, and thank goodness for so many berry-picking options around the Puget Sound. Strawberry season has just sprouted, and local farms are opening their U-pick fields all through the month of June. Here are nine of our favorites.
A few tips to make the most of your berry-picking outing:
- Always check farm websites (or better yet, Facebook pages) on the day you plan to go to make sure they’re open. Some farms are open daily; others only on select days and times. Farms can be weather-dependent and will often close early if picked over.
- The early bird gets the … berry. Mornings are your best bet as fields can get picked over by lunchtime.
- U-pick fields mean lots of direct sun, so bring your sunscreen, hats and plenty of water.
- While most farms accept plastic, do bring along cash or checks just in case.
- Many farms provide containers free of charge, but consider packing along a few extra pails of your own.
And if your berry picking doesn’t go as planned (we’ve all been there), no worries! Most farms sell boxes of fresh-picked berries (along with other must-try goodies).
(Photo by Molly White)
Snohomish and Skagit County
Bolles Organic Berry Farm, Monroe
Bolles may not be as large as some of the other U-pick strawberry farms on this list, but as we know, good things often come in small packages. The farm is Washington state certified-organic, and offers varieties of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. Pick up some organic honey on your way out. Dogs are welcome. Check the Facebook page for daily updates on what’s available.
Opening date: Mid-June
17930 Tualco Loop Road / Monroe / 425-876-9878
The Farm at Swan’s Trail, Snohomish
You may have been to The Farm for its fall festival and pumpkin picking, but the berries aren’t to be missed! The strawberry U-pick fields are open, but before you go, check the Facebook page or the What’s Happening Now page to confirm days and times. Boxes are provided.
Opening date: May 29
7301 Rivershore Road / Snohomish / 425-334-4124
Bailey Family Farm, Snohomish
Bailey’s is a fifth-generation family farm in the Snohomish Valley, offering acres of veggies, fruit, pumpkins and more. The farm’s strawberries are ripe for picking — check the Facebook page for the daily status before heading out.
Opening date: June 3
12711 Springhetti Road / Snohomish / 360-568-8826
North
Biringer Farm, Arlington
Biringer Farm has been delighting families since 1938. Kids can get their post-picking wiggles out on the little playground, or take a spin on the Jolly Trolley. The farm grows strawberries, raspberries and tayberries, following up with black caps and blackberries in July. Check the berry alert homepage or Facebook page to make sure fields are open.
Opening date: June 8 to 10
21412 59th Ave. NE / Arlington / 425-259-0255
Schuh Farms, Mount Vernon
This Skagit Valley family farm has been serving up fresh baked pies, canned goods and local produce (including berries!) for years. You can find the farm represented at many Seattle-area farmers markets, as well as gather berries straight from the vine at the farm’s U-picks for strawberries, raspberries, and tayberries.
Opening date: Early June
15565 State Route 536 / Mount Vernon / 360-424-6982
Eastside
Remlinger Farms is the Disneyland of Carnation, attracting families with its Family Fun Park, farm animals, steam train and – of course — berries. Strawberries kick off the picking season in mid-June, followed by raspberries, and wrapped up with blueberries in late July and August. (And then come the pumpkins)! The U-pick is cash only, and containers are provided. Check the website or Facebook page for daily updates and times.
Opening date: Mid-June
32610 NE 32nd St. / Carnation / 425-333-4135
Remlinger Farms (pre-COVID). (Photo by Allison Holm)
Harvold Berry Farms, Carnation
This Carnation berry farm is a family favorite for U-pick strawberries (mid-June through first week of July) and raspberries (first week of July through August). Call first or check the Facebook page to make sure fields are open.
Opening date: Mid-June
7701 Carnation-Duvall Road NE / Carnation
Snacking on strawberries. (Photo by Allison Holm)
South Sound / South King County
Picha’s Berry Farm, Puyallup
This family farm has been in operation since 1904 and has a reputation of growing some of the sweetest berries you can pick! Grab your pails and choose from seven different varieties of strawberries. Pick up cartons of pre-picked berries at both the Puyallup and Tacoma locations; U-pick is only available at the Puyallup location. Check the Facebook page for updates.
Opening date: Early June
6502 52nd St. E., Puyallup / 253-841-4443
74th and Tyler, Tacoma / 253-286-9060
(Photo by Molly White)
Duris Farm, Puyallup, Kent
Since 1955, Duris Cucumber Farm has grown from harvesting, well, cucumbers, to producing green beans, zucchini, squash, and lots of sweet berries. Get your fill of U-pick at the Kent and Puyallup locations. Just be sure to call ahead or check Facebook to make sure it’s open.
Opening date: Early June
Puyallup: 6012 44th St. E. / 253-922-7635
Kent: 25175 Frager Road S. / 253-922-7635
Happy picking! Where is your favorite U-pick berry spot?
This story was first published on June 3, 2021.
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