Orchards Near Me
Cherry Picking in Oregon: What You Need to Know
Oregon is home to a range of spots for cherry picking, spread across the state's different growing regions. This page rounds up every cherry picking location listed in Oregon so you can compare distance, ratings, and reviews before deciding where to go.
Pacific Northwest: Cherry Country
The Pacific Northwest is the cherry-growing capital of the United States, producing the majority of the country's sweet cherry crop with a quality that sets the international standard. Washington's Columbia River basin and the Yakima and Wenatchee valleys grow Bing, Rainier, Chelan, and Lapins varieties in conditions that are essentially ideal—warm days, cool nights, low humidity, and volcanic soils with excellent drainage. Oregon's Willamette Valley and Hood River region contribute their own high-quality harvest, with some cherry varieties available from May through July depending on elevation and variety. Pick-your-own cherry operations in this region welcome visitors from around the country during the harvest window, and the experience of picking ripe Rainier cherries in a Washington orchard on a warm June morning is one of the country's finest agricultural tourism experiences.
Best Time for Cherry Picking in Oregon
Mid-May through July for the Willamette Valley and Hood River cherry orchards, with the Dalles area along the Columbia River typically producing the earliest and most productive harvests.
Tips for Cherry Picking in Oregon
Call ahead or check a location's website before visiting, since hours and availability for cherry picking can change with the weather and time of year. Weekday visits are usually less crowded than weekends.