Farms for Berry Picking Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound
Photo:
Blueberry picking season starts later in the summer. Credit: iStock
Eastside blueberry picking
Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm, Bellevue
Find it: 700 148th Ave. S.E. in Bellevue
When to pick blueberries: The blueberry picking season typically starts in mid-July. Check the website or call ahead for status. They accept checks, cash or Venmo.
Located in the lovely Lake Hills Greenbelt area, Larsen Lake is operated by the Bellevue Parks and Community Services Department in order to preserve Bellevue’s agricultural heritage. After filling your pails, stroll the trail near the lake or do some fishing. If it’s hot, head up to the shaded produce stand, where you can shop for reasonably priced fruit and veggies. Or just put your feet up on the porch swing. Bring a valid Washington state ID as a deposit for your picking bucket.
Mercer Slough Blueberry Farm, Bellevue
Find it: 2380 Bellevue Way S.E. in Bellevue
When to pick blueberries: Blueberries typically ripen in mid-July. Keep your eye on the website for details on the new farmstand opening this year.
Located just off I-90 in Bellevue, this historic blueberry farm has been closed during Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail construction. While the park is now open to the public for walking through (and casual blueberry grazing!), you won’t be able to access the farmstand or purchase produce. There is ongoing construction of a new farmstand, which will hopefully be completed later this year. In the meantime, the berries will be harvested and sold at the Larsen Lake produce stand.
Henna Blueberry Farm, Carnation
Find it: 32500 60th Street N.E. in Carnation
When to pick blueberries: Blueberry picking season is expected to begin the last week of June. Check the farm’s Facebook page for updates before heading out.
Located in the Snoqualmie River Valley and surrounded by a nature slough, Henna Blueberry Farm grows several varieties of exceptionally sweet berries on 15 acres. They don’t use synthetic pesticides or chemicals. Frogs, turtles, beavers, cranes and other animals make their home in the slough, so pack a picnic and go “critter viewing.”
Pearson’s Bees and Berries, Renton
Find it: 1733 N.E. 20th St. in Renton
When to pick blueberries: The farm welcomes pickers for U-pick by appointment. Check back in July for appointment times to be released when the berries are closer to ripe. You can also find up-to-date info on Facebook.
Pearson’s just got into the U-pick game recently after the Pearson family bought and began restoring the old Kennydale Blueberry Farm. Heirloom blueberries have been planted on top of peatland, and the farm does not use any herbicides or pesticides. Check out the raw, unfiltered honey the farm produces as well, and read up on the farm’s detailed list of tips and instructions for U-pick before you go.
