Orchards Near Me
Cherry Picking in Washington: What You Need to Know
Looking for cherry picking in Washington? Below is every location mapped across the state, filterable by city or ZIP code so you can find the one closest to you.
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 Washington
May through July depending on variety and elevation, with the Yakima Valley Bings typically ready in late May and the higher-elevation Rainiers peaking in late June.
Tips for Cherry Picking in Washington
Conditions for cherry picking in Washington can shift quickly with the weather, so it's worth checking a location's current status before making the drive. Bring cash, since smaller family-run spots aren't always set up to take cards.