Best Places for Apple Picking and Apple Cider Making

Fall in the Pacific Northwest is a season unlike any other. As the air turns crisp and the leaves blaze with color, local orchards burst with apples ready to be picked. Around Vancouver, Washington—and just across the river in Oregon—you’ll find a rich mix of family farms, scenic valleys, and cideries that turn apple season into a true celebration. From tart, juicy varieties perfect for baking to sweet, crunchy apples best enjoyed right off the branch, the region offers something for everyone.

But apple picking here is about more than just the fruit—it’s a tradition that brings people together. Many of these farms invite you to sip fresh-pressed cider, wander pumpkin patches, take hayrides, or simply soak in the views of Mt. Hood rising over the orchards. Whether you’re planning a fun family outing, a romantic fall day trip, or just looking for the perfect apples to turn into homemade cider, Vancouver and its neighboring towns are surrounded by some of the best apple-picking experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

Why Apple Picking Is So Special

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its fertile soil, lush landscapes, and vibrant farming community. Orchards around Vancouver benefit from our mild climate and long growing season, producing apples that are fresh, flavorful, and diverse in variety. From tart Granny Smiths to sweet Honeycrisps, local farms offer something for every taste (and recipe). Plus, many of these orchards also host seasonal festivals, hayrides, and cider-pressing events — making apple picking more than just a harvest chore; it’s a full-on fall tradition.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best spots near Vancouver where you can enjoy apple picking and fresh cider firsthand — starting with a local favorite.

Pomeroy Farm – Yacolt, WA

Located just a short drive northeast of Vancouver, Pomeroy Farm is a local favorite for seasonal activities and family fun. While best known for its pumpkin patches and fall festivals, Pomeroy Farm also offers apple picking and fresh-pressed cider during the harvest season.

• What to expect: U-pick apples (check seasonal availability), farm events, fall family activities.

• Why visit: Great for kids and families who want the full fall farm experience, not just apple picking.

• Location: 20902 NE Lucia Falls Rd, Yacolt, WA

Hood River Fruit Loop (Hood River, OR)

The Fruit Loop is a self-guided scenic driving tour through dozens of orchards, farms, and cideries in Hood River Valley. It’s an apple lover’s paradise. You can pick your own apples, taste cider flights, and even explore seasonal harvest festivals.

• What to try: U-pick apples at multiple farms, cider tastings, baked apple treats.

• Pro tip: Plan a day trip and hit several stops for the full experience.

Bi-Zi Farms – Vancouver, WA

Bi-Zi Farms has been a cornerstone of Vancouver agriculture since 1872, and their fall harvest festival is one of the most anticipated events in Clark County. While pumpkins are the big draw, they also feature apple picking and some of the freshest cider around.

• What to expect: U-pick apples (seasonal), cider pressing demonstrations, hayrides, a market stocked with jams, honey, and cider.

• Why visit: It’s one of the closest options to downtown Vancouver, making it super convenient for a weekend trip.

• Location: 9504 NE 119th St, Vancouver, WA

Kiyokawa Family Orchards – Parkdale, OR

If you’re up for a beautiful drive into the Hood River Valley, Kiyokawa Family Orchards is a must-visit. This family-run orchard has been growing fruit since 1911 and offers one of the largest U-pick experiences in the region, with over 150 varieties of apples and pears.

• What to expect: U-pick apples and pears, a farm stand with fresh cider, honey, jams, and seasonal produce.

• Why visit: Incredible variety and unbeatable views of Mt. Hood — a true Pacific Northwest apple-picking experience.

• Location: 5625 Hutson Rd, Parkdale, OR

📅 Hours (2025 season):

• July 5 – Aug 17: Weekends only (9am–5pm)

• Aug 22 – Nov 2: Open daily (Mon–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat/Sun 9am–5pm)

• Nov 3 – Nov 23: Open daily (10am–4pm)

Draper Girls Country Farm – Hood River, OR

Another gem in the Hood River Valley, Draper Girls Country Farm is known for its welcoming atmosphere and stunning orchard setting. Here, you can pick your own apples and pears, sip on fresh-pressed cider, and even buy homemade jams and baked goods.

• What to expect: U-pick apples, cider, local farm goods, and beautiful views of Mt. Hood.

• Why visit: Perfect for families or couples looking for a scenic fall adventure.

• Location: 6200 Hwy 35, Mt. Hood, OR

Bella Organic Farm (Sauvie Island, OR)

For those who love apples and cider, Bella Organic is a must. This certified organic farm is known for its variety of U-pick produce and its on-site cider house, offering both non-alcoholic and hard ciders made from their own apples.

• What to try: Hard cider tasting, U-pick apples, fall corn maze.

• Extra fun: They host fall festivals and seasonal events, making it a lively destination.

Cider Tasting in the PNW

Apple season isn’t just about picking fruit — it’s also about enjoying the delicious cider that comes from it. In and around Vancouver, WA, you’ll find cider houses that celebrate the art of small-batch, craft cider. For adults 21+, these spots offer crisp, refreshing hard ciders made from local apples — perfect for savoring fall in a glass. Some locations even provide non-alcoholic versions, so everyone in the family can join in on the tasting fun.

• Jester & Judge (Stevenson, WA): Known for hard ciders with bold flavors.

• Runcible Cider (Hood River, OR): Family-run orchard and cider tasting room.

• Portland Cider Co. (Clackamas, OR): A regional favorite with creative cider blends.

These stops are perfect for adults who want to turn apple-picking into a full-day fall experience.

Make Your Own Apple Cider at Home 🍎

If you can’t make it to a cider house—or you just want to enjoy the full farm-to-table experience—try making cider yourself. All you need are apples, spices, and a little patience.

Here’s a cozy recipe inspired by The Rooted Farmhouse’s Dutch Oven Apple Cider. It’s a fun and easy recipe that I love, especially on chilly fall days when the house smells like cinnamon, cloves, and apples simmering away. Whether you serve it warm in mugs or chilled over ice, it’s the perfect way to bring those autumn vibes right into your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 10–12 apples (a mix of sweet and tart)

• 1 orange (sliced)

• 3 cinnamon sticks

• 1 tablespoon whole cloves

• ½ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)

• Water

Instructions:

1. Wash and quarter the apples (no need to peel or core).

2. Place apples, orange slices, cinnamon, and cloves in a large Dutch oven or crockpot.

3. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2–3 hours.

4. Mash the apples with a spoon, then simmer another hour.

5. Strain through a fine mesh sieve. Stir in sugar to taste.

Enjoy warm with a cinnamon stick—or chill and serve cold. Perfect for Thanksgiving, cozy nights, or even spicing up with a splash of rum for the adults.

Tips for the Best Apple Picking Experience

• Go early in the season for the crispest apples and the best selection.

• Bring your own bags or buckets—some farms charge extra for containers.

• Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking through orchards.

• Check farm websites or social media before heading out; harvest times change quickly.

• Make it a full day—pair apple picking with cider tasting or pumpkin patch visits.

Final Thoughts: Apple Picking in Vancouver, WA

From local family farms like Bi-Zi to the scenic orchards of Hood River Valley, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the best apple-picking and cider-making experiences you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re grabbing a jug of fresh-pressed cider, taking kids out for a U-pick adventure, or simmering your own cider at home, there are endless ways to celebrate fall in Vancouver, WA.

So grab your basket, pull on a cozy sweater, and enjoy one of the sweetest traditions of the season. 

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Cassandra Marks (Realtor Cas)
REALTOR® · REAL Broker · Licensed in WA & OR
⭐ 5.0 Rating | 44 Google Reviews | 105 Homes Sold | $55.7M in Sales

Written by Cassandra Marks, known as Realtor Cas, is a top-rated real estate agent helping families and retirees relocate to Vancouver, WA, and Portland, OR. With over a decade of industry experience and a reputation for tough-but-kind negotiation, she makes moving organized, confident, and even fun.

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