Farms for Strawberry Picking Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound
Photo:
Ride the Jolly Trolley out to the Biringer Farms strawberry picking fields. Photo: Elisa Murray
Snohomish and Skagit County strawberry picking
Swans Trail Farms, Snohomish
Location: 7301 Rivershore Rd. in Snohomish
When to pick strawberries: The U-pick strawberry fields open May 30. Be sure to check the website and Facebook for daily status and closures.
This farm is well known for its fun fall festivities around the pumpkin patch, but don’t miss its strawberry game. Snag your tickets for its Baby Animals and Berries Strawberry Festival on June 14–15, 19–22 and 28–29. The festival includes visiting baby animals and all kinds of other kiddie farm fun. There is no entry fee for the U-pick fields, country store, cidery or food areas.
Bailey Family Farm, Snohomish
Location: 12968 Springhetti Rd. in Snohomish
When to pick strawberries and raspberries: Bailey Farm opens for U-pick strawberries on June 4 and U-pick raspberries in July. Check the website or Facebook page for daily status before heading out.
This family farm has been offering U-pick produce since 1986. The fifth generation of the Bailey family currently farms 350 acres, 50 of which are devoted to U-pick produce. In addition to summer berries, the farm has lettuce and other greens, garlic, potatoes, snap peas, onions, beets and more later in the season. Holstein cows graze the pasture, adding to the magic of spending a day at the farm.
Biringer Farm, Arlington
Location: 21412 59th Ave. N.E. in Arlington
When to pick strawberries and raspberries: Biringer Farm opens for strawberry picking in June. Pick raspberries and tayberries starting in late June. Check the website or Facebook page or call the berry line at 425-259-0255 before you go.
Operating since 1938, Biringer Farm is a family favorite. The farm has a small playground with a climb-on tractor that kids will love to play on before and after picking. They’ll also love riding the Jolly Trolley out to the berry fields, where they can pick to their heart’s content. After picking, picnic near the historic barn, or shop the market for slicers (containers of fresh sliced and sugared strawberries that come ready to eat and freeze). You can also pick black caps (black raspberries), blackberries and blueberries in late July, but blueberry availability is limited.
Schuh Farms, Mount Vernon
Location: 15565 State Rte. 536 in Mount Vernon
When to pick strawberries and raspberries: While the farm is open April–December, strawberry picking starts in June and raspberries are ready in early July. Check the farm’s Facebook page or call for updates.
Second-generation farmers Steve and Susan Schuh have been selling U-pick berries for three decades. They grow strawberries, raspberries and tayberries (a cross between a raspberry and a blackberry) as well as cherries. The 500-acre farm includes a 100-year-old home, barn and henhouse, complete with goats and chickens. Their fresh produce is available at local farmers markets around the Seattle area, and the little retail shop offers tasty treats such as raspberry honey and tayberry jam. Tip: Grandma Schuh’s cinnamon rolls are amazing.
Terra Valley Farms, Monroe
Location: 19501 Tualco Rd. in Monroe
When to pick strawberries and raspberries: The farm’s U-pick season starts in June with strawberries, followed by blueberries and raspberries later in the summer. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook for U-pick announcements.
This 65-acre event venue and farm — formerly Willie Green’s Organic Farm — has U-pick fields with organically grown strawberries, raspberries, grapes and kiwiberries, as well as cut flowers. Pack a picnic to enjoy while you take in the views of the countryside.
Bolles Organic Berry Farm, Monroe
Location: 17930 Tualco Loop Rd. in Monroe
When to pick strawberries: Bolles Farm opens for U-pick on June 4 this year. Check the farm’s Facebook page for daily updates.
Founded in 1997, Bolles Farm is one of the few Washington state-certified organic strawberry farms around. It’s a small farm, so be sure to check ahead to make sure U-pick is happening and they have berries left.
