If you live in the Portland metro area or have spent any time around Lake Oswego in the summer, you’ve likely encountered the deep purple gem that is the marionberry. It’s more than just a delicious fruit—it’s a point of local pride, a symbol of Oregon’s rich agricultural heritage, and a seasonal treat that inspires festivals (Marionberry Festival at Whiskey Hill in Hubbard on July 12), roadside stands, and mouthwatering baked goods.

What Are Marionberries?

Often referred to as the “Cabernet of Blackberries,” the marionberry is a cultivar developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service in cooperation with Oregon State University. It’s a hybrid of the Chehalem and Olallie blackberries, combining the best attributes of both: the sweet-tart complexity, rich color, and firm texture. First released in 1956 and named after Marion County, Oregon, the marionberry now accounts for over half of all blackberry production in the state.

Why Are Marionberries So Popular?

Flavor is everything. Marionberries deliver a unique balance of sweetness and acidity, making them perfect for pies, jams, cobblers, and syrups. Their season is brief—just a few precious weeks in July—which adds to their appeal. Locals anticipate the marionberry’s arrival much like one might await the first tomatoes of summer or Hood strawberries.

And while you might find marionberry jam in specialty stores across the U.S., nothing compares to enjoying fresh berries straight from an Oregon farm or a Lake Oswego farmer’s market.

Where and When to Find Them

Marionberries ripen in mid-to-late July, with the season typically running from early July to early August. Because they’re so delicate, marionberries are not ideal for long-distance shipping, making them a hyper-local delicacy best enjoyed in Oregon.

You can find marionberries at local farmer’s markets throughout the Portland metro area, including:

• Lake Oswego Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, Millennium Plaza Park)
• Portland Farmers Market at PSU
• Beaverton Farmers Market
• Milwaukie Farmers Market

U-Pick Farms Near Lake Oswego

For a hands-on experience, consider visiting one of the many U-pick farms within an easy drive of Lake Oswego:

• Hoffman Farms Store 22242 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Beaverton
• Columbia Farms 21024 NW Gillihan Road, Portland
• Bella Organic 16205 NW Gillihan Road, Portland
• Sauvie Island Farms 19818 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland
• The Pumpkin Patch 16511 NW Gillihan Road, Portland
• Topaz Farm 17100 NW Sauvie Island Road, Portland
• Smith Berry Barn 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Road, Hillsboro

Most U-pick farms open for marionberries in late June, early July. Check each farm’s website or social media for ripeness updates and picking conditions.

Local Products and Treats

From marionberry ice cream at Lake Oswego Ice Creamery or Salt & Straw to marionberry jam at Made in Oregon stores, you’ll find this berry featured in a range of iconic Pacific Northwest treats. And at the 4th of July pancake breakfast, the marionberry syrup is always in demand! Popular items include:

• Oregon Growers Marionberry Fruit Syrup
• Blue Raeven Marionberry Pies
• Lauretta Jean’s Marionberry Pies
• Alchemist’s Marionberry Fruit Spread
• Portland Syrups Marionberry Syrup Concentrate
• Incline Marionberry Cider
• Wild Roots Marionberry Infused Vodka

As Lake Oswego Realtors, we often tell our clients: living in Oregon means access to natural beauty, vibrant community events—and seasonal joys like the marionberry. Whether you’re strolling through the Saturday market with a pint of fresh marionberries in your bag or picking your own on a sunny July afternoon, it’s just another reason to fall in love with living in Lake Oswego.

Kevin Costello 503.939.9801 kevin.costello@cascadehasson.com

Riley Costello 971.322.6205 riley.costello@cascadehasson.com