We’re thrilled to share that Bellewood Farms, a beloved family-owned farm nestled in the heart of Whatcom County, has received national recognition as one of the top apple orchards in the country! Featured in USA Today’s “10 Best Apple Orchards” list for 2024, this is a testament to the dedication of the team at Bellewood Farms to provide an exceptional experience for visitors.
Bellewood Farms has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike, not just for their sprawling orchards (containing 25,000 apple trees!) but also for their warm hospitality and variety of offerings. In addition to u-pick apples, Bellewood offers fresh-pressed cider, a farm-to-table café, and even a distillery producing award-winning spirits. The farm truly embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, with its breathtaking views of Mt. Baker, making it a must-visit destination for any apple lover or adventure-seeker.
Photo courtesy of Bellewood Farms
This recognition is a proud moment for both the farm and our local community, shining a spotlight on the beauty and bounty of Washington State’s agricultural landscape.
U-Pick Orchards & Pumpkin Patches Across Washington
Washington is home to numerous other incredible u-pick orchards that offer unique experiences to be a part of the local food system. U-pick orchards are a fantastic way to connect with the food you eat, support local agriculture, and create fun family memories.
One of the best resources for finding these hidden gems is Eat Local First, which highlights local farms and orchards across the state. Here are just a few exceptional u-pick orchards that you can find through Eat Local First:
Photo courtesy of Hidden Acres Orchards
- Jones Creek Farms (Sedro-Woolley, WA) – Known for their extensive apple varieties, Jones Creek Farms is an apple lover’s paradise. From rare heirloom varieties to familiar favorites, you’ll find a broad spectrum of flavors in their u-pick orchard.
- Hidden Acres Orchards (Mead, WA) — Hidden Acres is a 50+ acre u-pick/picked, no spray/low spray, fruit, vegetable, and flower farm. They are a solar, wind, and biodiesel powered farm owned and operated by the same family in the same location since 1970. You’ll find mini pumpkin donuts, hayrides, u-press apple cider, fresh pressed apple cider, caramel apples, pumpkin waffles, kettle corn, sweet and savory hand pies, take and bake pies, fresh baked sourdough bread… an autumnal wonderland!
- Bellewood Farms (Lynden, WA) – Of course, no list would be complete without celebrating Bellewood once more! Known for its friendly atmosphere and variety of offerings, it’s a must-visit for u-pick apples, pumpkins, and more.
- Swans Trail Farms (Snohomish, WA) – Beyond apples, Swans Trail Farms offers a fun fall experience with a corn maze, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo, making it perfect for a day out with the family.
- Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm (Olympia, WA) – While this isn’t a u-pick farm, it still deserves a spot on this list because it’s the perfect place to celebrate fall. Lattin’s Country Cider Mill & Farm is home to a cider mill, farm, bakery, and store. Enjoy a hot or cold fresh and delicious cider with a warm apple fritter while roaming 26 acres to see or feed goats, birds, sheep, and bunnies.
Photo courtesy of Swans Trail Farms
Visiting u-pick orchards isn’t just about bringing home the freshest fruit—it’s about supporting our local farmers, reducing our environmental impact by cutting down on transportation, and fostering a deeper connection to the food we eat. Eat Local First provides a wealth of information on how to support Washington farmers, and the u-pick orchards listed on the site make it easy to plan your next weekend adventure.
We encourage you to explore the many wonderful orchards and farms that call Washington home. Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, a way to stock up on fresh produce, or a chance to connect with nature, Washington’s u-pick orchards & pumpkin patches offer something for everyone.
So, grab your baskets, head to a nearby farm, and enjoy the best that Washington has to offer!
Find u-pick farms of all types near you here.