Farms for Berry Picking Around Seattle, the Eastside and South Sound
Photo:
Expect blueberry farms to open in July this year. Credit: iStock
South Sound and South King County blueberry picking
Canter-Berry Farms, Auburn
Find it: 19102 S.E. Green Valley Rd. in Auburn
When to pick blueberries: Blueberry season typically opens in mid-July. Call or check the Facebook page before heading out to confirm that the farm is open when you want to pick.
Canter-Berry Farms grows eight different varieties of blueberries, boasting flavors from sweet to tart to (a little) spicy. Though not certified organic, the farm does not use sprays and limits chemical use. Buckets are provided to pick with, but bring your own to carry the berries home in. In the farm store, you’ll find chocolate-covered blueberries, raw honey, blueberry teas and hand-painted blueberry pottery. There is a nice area for a post-picking picnic too.
Linbo Blueberry Farm, Puyallup
Find it: 1201 S. Fruitland in Puyallup
When to pick blueberries: Blueberry U-pick typically opens in mid-July. Check the Facebook page for updates and opening times.
Linbo Farm cultivates 20 varieties of blueberries, all of which are grown pesticide-free. Richard Linbo purchased the farm in 1998, and today his legacy continues with his son and daughter-in-law, Tor and Tiffany Linbo, continuing the U-pick operations. Head to nearby Decoursey Park afterward to have a picnic or play on the playground.
Charlotte’s Blueberry Park, Tacoma
Find it: 7402 E. D St. in Tacoma
When to pick blueberries: Picking season is typically July to September, depending on the weather. You can pick five varieties of blueberries, all free and first-come, first-serve.
Looking for free blueberry picking? We have you covered. Volunteers maintain more than 3,000 blueberry bushes in this city park, which has been farmed since 1929. It’s named after Charlotte Valbert, founder of Friends of Blueberry Park. Metro Parks does not use any pesticides or fertilizers on the blueberry bushes. There is also a community garden and playground. Volunteer opportunities are posted on the park’s website.
Rusty Plow Farm, Enumclaw
Find it: 23206 S.E. 448th St. in Enumclaw
When to pick blueberries: The 2024 season opens in July, but be sure to check the website or the Facebook page for updates before heading out.
Rusty Plow is a farm on the Enumclaw plateau that specializes in blueberries. This farm has some 5,000 blueberry plants with six varieties to choose from. Although the farm is not yet certified organic, they use many of the same sustainable practices organic farms use. They cater to U-pick customers and provide buckets for picking and containers to take your berries home. If you are looking for a quick fix, you can call ahead or just stop by for pre-picked berries.
