Washington grows more apples than any other state, and Oregon is not far behind. The orchards of the Yakima Valley, Wenatchee, and the Hood River valley sit under dry eastern sunshine against a backdrop of volcanoes and high desert — some of the most scenic picking country in the United States. Here is how to make the most of it.
When to go
Northwest apple season is long. Early varieties — Gala, Honeycrisp, and Jonagold — ripen in September. The main crop of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Granny Smith runs October through early November. Because the eastern side of both states is arid and sunny, the season often stretches later than you would expect, with late varieties picked into November.
For the widest selection, aim for mid-September through mid-October. That is when the u-pick rows are fullest and the early and mid-season apples overlap.
The big regions
The Yakima Valley and Wenatchee (central Washington) are the heart of the state’s apple country. This is commercial orchard land, but plenty of farms open rows to the public for u-pick in the fall.
The Hood River valley (Oregon) sits right under Mount Hood. Orchards here grow apples, pears, and cherries, and the u-pick season doubles as a leaf-peeping trip up the Columbia River Gorge.
The Skagit Valley and Puget Sound (western Washington) have a cooler, wetter climate. Orchards here ripen later and are smaller, but they are close to Seattle and paired with cideries and farm stands.
Varieties to look for
Honeycrisp is the crowd favorite — explosively crisp and sweet-tart. It is the first thing people ask for, and the u-pick rows go fast.
Gala is the sweet, mild everyday apple. Great for kids and for eating out of hand.
Fuji is dense, sweet, and keeps for months. Good for both eating and baking.
Granny Smith is the tart green baking apple — the one to grab if you are making pie.
Jonagold is a Honeycrisp-adjacent cross of Jonathan and Golden Delicious, sweet-tart and great for sauce.
Pink Lady and Cripps Pink ripen last, in late October and November — the late-season apples that finish out the year.
How to pick
Northwest apples come off the tree with a twist and a lift — if the stem does not separate cleanly, leave it. Pick from the outside of the tree first, where the fruit ripens fastest, and set apples in your bag rather than dropping them.
One quirk of the region: many orchards sell by the box or the half-bushel rather than the pound. A half-bushel is roughly 20-25 pounds — plan for pies, sauce, or cider before you fill one.
What to bring
Sun protection. The eastern orchards are high desert — sunny even in October. A hat and water go a long way.
Boots. Orchard floors are grass, mud after the region’s autumn rains, and often dusty on the dry side.
Layers. The high desert drops hard once the sun goes down, and the Gorge can be windy.
Find an orchard
Washington and Oregon have hundreds of orchards in the directory. Browse Washington farms or Oregon farms to find an orchard near you — and check the farm’s page for what is currently ripe before you drive out.