There’s something about September in the Pacific Northwest that makes us ready for all things fall. Crisp mornings, changing leaves and weekends spent outside make it the perfect time to visit a local orchard and fill a bag—or two—with freshly picked apples.
Fortunately, you don’t have to travel far from the Seattle area to find a great U-pick experience. From family-friendly farms in Snohomish to orchards worth a fall day trip, here are a few places to add to your fall bucket list.
Swans Trail Farms | Snohomish
If you want to turn apple picking into a full fall outing, Swans Trail Farms is a great place to start. The farm’s U-pick apple orchard features more than 4,000 trees across five acres, with several apple varieties available throughout the season.
For 2026, U-pick apple season opens September 12. Even better, you don’t need Harvest Festival admission just to visit the U-pick orchard.
Skipley Farm | Snohomish
For serious apple lovers, Skipley Farm offers something a little different.
This smaller Snohomish farm grows an impressive collection of apple varieties, giving visitors the opportunity to discover apples they may never see at the grocery store. In addition to apples, the farm grows grapes, blueberries, pears and other fruits.
Because varieties ripen at different times, what’s available can change throughout the season. Check the farm’s latest picking updates before heading out.
Bailey Farm | Snohomish
Looking for a more traditional U-pick experience? Bailey Farm is another Snohomish Valley favorite.
The family farm offers seasonal U-pick fruits and vegetables, with apples and pumpkins taking center stage as fall arrives. It’s a great option for families who want a relaxed farm visit centered around picking fresh produce rather than a large festival.
Pair your apple picking with a pumpkin-patch visit later in the season and you’ve checked two fall traditions off your list at once.
Jones Creek Farms | Sedro-Woolley
If you’re willing to make a day trip out of it, head north to Jones Creek Farms in the Skagit Valley.
This family-run orchard is especially fun for people who want to explore different apple varieties, including heritage and heirloom apples that can be harder to find elsewhere. Apples and pears are available throughout the harvest season depending on what’s ripe.
Pack a picnic, enjoy the drive north and turn apple picking into a full fall adventure.
Bellewood Farms | Lynden
For a fall day trip with plenty to do, head farther north to Bellewood Farms near Lynden.
The farm is known for its expansive apple orchards and seasonal U-pick experience, but there’s plenty to enjoy beyond picking. Visitors can grab something from the farm market or café, explore the grounds and enjoy seasonal activities.
With views toward Mount Baker, it’s also a beautiful destination when fall colors begin appearing around Western Washington.
Raising Cane Ranch | Snohomish
For another local Snohomish option, Raising Cane Ranch offers a more intimate orchard experience with more than two dozen apple varieties, including heirloom and traditional cider apples. The working orchard is also home to Riverview Road Cidery, where apples grown on the property are turned into cider.
U-pick apples are part of the seasonal experience, and the ranch even offers cider-pressing opportunities during apple season. Check current picking availability before visiting, as harvest conditions can change throughout the season.
Make a Fall Day of It in Snohomish
Some of the best apple picking around Seattle happens right in the Snohomish Valley, making September and October a wonderful time to explore the area.
Start your morning picking apples, stop for lunch in historic downtown Snohomish and spend the afternoon exploring local shops, trails and seasonal attractions.
And for those who love having outdoor recreation and seasonal traditions close to home, Conner Homes’ Greenview Heights offers new townhomes in Snohomish with convenient access to everything this beautiful corner of the Puget Sound has to offer.
Before You Go
Apple availability depends on the weather and when individual varieties ripen, so always check directly with the farm before making the drive. Some farms also have different admission requirements for U-pick areas and fall-festival attractions.
Whether you’re filling a basket with apples for homemade pie, looking for a fun outing with the kids or simply ready to welcome fall, apple picking is one of our favorite ways to celebrate the season in Washington.
