By Erin Chamberlain
If our weather is any indication so far, we are in for a hot and sunny summer and berries are ripening at record rate. Strawberry season was off to an early start and raspberries are not far behind. Berry picking is a sweet activity for families of all ages and there are many local options and varieties when it comes to u-pick berry farms in the area.-á Here's a round-up of some favorite places to pick-your-own, and tips for your outing.
Before you go: - Most u-pick farms accept cash only.
- Farms will often close if they are picked out or need to allow a couple days for more berries to ripen. Plan to arrive early in the day, and call, check the website or Facebook page to make sure the farm is open and has availability.-á
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat to stay protected from the sun. Most berry fields offer little in the way of shade.
- Bring snacks for the kids. Your local farmer will appreciate that (not too many of) his profits are consumed in the field.
Sky Valley Area U-Pick Farms
Bolles Organic Berries | 17930 Tualco Loop Rd, Monroe | (425) 876-9878 Offering: Certified organic strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, plus raw unfiltered wildflower honey from their own hives.
Cost: Strawberries are $2.50 per pound; raspberries are $4 per pound. Honey is $10 for a pound jar. Debit and credit cards are also accepted. When: Check Facebook for updates on picking times. Broers Farms | 18228 Tualco Rd, Monroe | (360) 794-8125 Offering: Certified organic raspberries and blueberries, thornless blackberries and thornless Marion berries. When: Check Facebook for updates on picking times.
Special Note: Broers experienced a strawberry crop failure over the winter and will not be offering u-pick strawberries in 2015. Johnson's Blueberries | 17520 187th Ave SE, Monroe | (425) 345-4538
Offering: Early-ripening, spray free blueberries. When: Anticipated opening dates June 25GÇô August 10; 8 a.m. GÇô dusk, seven days a week. Check their Facebook page for updates on picking times.
Mountainview Blueberry Farm | 7617 East Lowell-Larimer Road, Snohomish | (360) 668-3391
Offering: Nine acres of u-pick blueberries.
When: Normal season starts after July 4 and goes into early September; check Facebook for updates or call for a recorded message.
Willie Green's Organic Farm | 19501 Tualco Rd, Monroe | (206) 390-7929 Offering: Certified organic u-pick blueberries and raspberries.
When:-á late June - August; 9 a.m. GÇô 3 p.m. Mon-Fri; Saturday 10 a.m. GÇô 3 p.m.; closed Sundays. Check Facebook for picking updates
About the Author
Erin Chamberlain is a local mom and publisher of the free weekly e-newsletter, Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid. Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid gives parents the scoop on all kid activities and family fun in Carnation, Duvall, Redmond Ridge, Cottage Lake, Monroe, Sultan and surrounding communities. Subscribe for free at www.cherryvalley.macaronikid.com and find me on Facebook.
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