Once you’ve tasted an Oregon grown strawberry, there is no going back. That will become the standard by which you compare all other strawberries, and I assure you, they will fall short.
Luckily those juicy ripe morsels will arrive at the Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market in early June and keep returning in different varieties throughout the summer while joined by their equally delicious family members: blackberries (July-September), blueberries (July-September), boysenberries (June-July), marionberries (July), raspberries (June-September), and tayberries(mid to late summer).
To add to the berry experience, many Lake Oswegans go berry picking at one of the u-pick farms located within a short drive from town. The only thing you have to be careful of is getting carried away and bringing home more berries than you can eat. Fortunately there are recipes for cobbler, jam, and if you’ve really gone overboard, berries freeze really well too.
Here’s a roundup of some spots you might want to check out. It’s always good to check online and/or call ahead first to see what’s available. Covid guidelines vary from farm to farm so that’s another thing to look into.
LEE FARMS. Three generations are involved in this location which is closest to Lake Oswego and also a go-to spot for pumpkins in the fall and Christmas trees in the winter. They will have six varieties of strawberries available for u-pick: Shucksans, Hoods, Sweet Sunrise, Charm, Stella and Chandler. Call for availability: 503.638.1869 or text 503.832.6594 to hop on the texting train and be notified when the picking starts. Buy tickets for their Summer and Berry Festival running Fridays through Sundays from June 4 through June 20. Admission is $5/person or you can choose an activity wristband available for $16 (includes admission price) that entitles you to participate in attractions like the bounce pillow, hay maze, slides, hayrides, barrel wagon rides. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. 21975 SW 65th Avenue, Tualatin.
HOFFMAN FARMS STORE. This is a six-generation operation with a rotating crop of summer berries available for u-pick: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, marionberries, boysenberries and tayberries. Be sure to hop aboard the Hoffman Farms Express ($5/person) for a scenic train ride around the berry fields before you head out. Call ahead for availability. 22242 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton. 503.628.5418.
ALBEKE FARMS. Located in Oregon City, this farm offers a wide variety of u-pick options so you may have to visit it often during the summer. Choose from strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, marionberries, Gravenstein apples, Macintosh apples, Melrose apples, peaches, pickles, tomatoes, beans, pumpkins and concord grapes. Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 16107 S. Wilson Road, Oregon City. 503.632.3989.
RED BERRY BARN. There is lots to entice you here in addition to the fresh fruit. The garden center offers beautiful hanging baskets and pots to take home with you and the bakery is sure to tempt you as well. Not to mention the homemade ice cream that would go perfectly with your fresh-picked berries! Throughout the season you’ll find strawberries, raspberries, marionberries, boysenberries, blueberries and blackberries. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. 19200 SW Chapman Road, Sherwood. 503.925.1700.
DAVE HEIKES BERRY FARM AND FRESH MARKET. Head out to Hillsboro and you’ll find strawberries, blueberries, red and black raspberries and boysenberries. Hours: Call 503.628.7226. 9400 SW Heikes Drive, Hillsboro.
SMITH BERRY BARN FARM AND GARDEN MARKET. There are over 20 varieties of berries to savor from late May to early October, including the ever-popular and early Hood strawberries to the late fall raspberries. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro. 503.628.2172.
TOPAZ FARM. Formerly known as Kruger Farm, Sauvie Island residents Kat and Jim Topaz are now running the show and filling up their calendar not only with growing seasons for their wide variety of fruits and vegetables but also farm-to-plate brunches and dinners and other special events. Come June you’ll find u-pick strawberries and flowers followed by raspberries, marionberries and boysenberries in July and blueberries and cucumbers in August. The list goes on so be sure to check their website. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. June through October; open until sunset on Thursdays through Saturdays. 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland. 503.621.3489.
COLUMBIA FARMS. You’ll find 15 types of berries to choose from on this 80 acre farm as well as pre-cut peonies if you get there early enough in the season. Call for hours and availability. 21024 NW Gillihan Road, Portland. 503.621.3909.
DOUGLAS FARM. This fifth generation farm will open the end of June and offer u-pick berries as well as beans, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, cucumbers, peaches, apples, pears, prunes, nectarines, sweet corn, squash and flowers. Call for hours and availability. 15330 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland. 503.621.3177.
THE PUMPKIN PATCH. This popular spot opened May 28th starting with u-pick strawberries followed by raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, marionberries, peaches, tomoatoes, flowers and pumpkins. Enjoy free hayrides daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fridays through Sundays from Juen through September. 15611 NW Gillihan Road, Portland. 503.621.3874.
SAUVIE ISLAND FARMS. The third generation of this family continues the tradition of offering a wide variety of u-pick berries, peaches, corn, flowers and pumpkins. You’ll also find cherries, pears, beans, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, corn, flowers and herbs. Call for hours and availability: 503.621.3988. 19818 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland.
BELLA ORGANIC. This 100-acre certified organic farm and winery grows over 70 varieties of berries, fruits, vegetables, pumpkins, vineyard grapes, herbs, and nursery stock. It’s a popular spot so best to head out early in the day and/or check that day’s availability by calling ahead. In June look for strawberries, possibly blueberries, and early variety blackberries. Marionberries are ripe for picking in July followed by blackberries in August. Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday through Sunday. 16205 NW Gillihan Road, Portland. 503.621.9545.
Find a complete list of farms here.
U-pick summer berries are just one of the many reasons to love Lake Oswego. Subscribe to my blog by clicking the “sign me up button in the top right hand column and discover many more reasons to move to Lake Oswego. I’m a Realtor here and would love to help you with your next move, whether it’s in, around or out of Lake Oswego. Give me a call at 503.939.9801, email me at costellok@hasson.com and/or check out my website. I look forward to hearing from you!
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