Break out the flannel, pie crusts and mulling spices: It’s officially apple season. Multiple farms in Whatcom County have opened apple U-Picks ahead of autumn’s official start on Sunday, Sept. 22.
Western Washington’s largest apple orchard, Bellewood Farms (6140 Guide Meridian), has apple U-Pick from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday, now through Oct. 31. The public is currently able to pick Tsugaru apples, which are a juicy, crisp Japanese variety known for their sweetness. More varieties — including the iconic Honeycrisp — will become available once in season.
Visitors can also purchase Gravenstein, Zestar and Tgusaru apples, as well as red and green Clapp pears, at Bellewood’s farm store. Families can also traverse Bellewood’s orchards aboard the “apple bin train” for $2 per ride, or explore a corn maze free of charge. Apple cider donuts are on sale Saturday–Sunday, and the U-Pick pumpkin patch opens Oct. 2.
Also in Whatcom County, Sm’Apples Orchard (1197 Willeys Lake Road, Ferndale) currently has U-Pick options for Akane and Honeycrisp apples. Jonagold apples are ready Sept. 20, followed by other varieties throughout September and October.
In Skagit County, Jones Creek Farm (32260 Burrese Road, Sedro Woolley) is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday–Monday. As of Sept. 6., they have varieties including Mollie’s Delicious, Geneva Crab, Jonamac, Summer Rambo and Bramley.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
