The Pacific Northwest produces some of the best blueberries in the country. The cool nights and long summer days of Oregon and Washington give the berries a sweetness and acidity that supermarket berries cannot match. U-pick season is short and intense. Here is how to make the most of it.
When to go
Blueberry season in the Pacific Northwest runs from mid-June through August, with peak picking in July.
The season starts in the Willamette Valley (Oregon) where farms typically open by mid-June. Western Washington (Skagit Valley, Whatcom County) follows a week or two later. Higher elevations and the Oregon coast may not open until early July.
Blueberry seasons are less weather-dependent than strawberries, but extreme heat can shorten the season. Call ahead in late June to confirm opening dates.
What to bring
- Sun protection. Blueberry fields are open and exposed. Hat, sunscreen, and water.
- Containers. Most farms provide buckets or bags. Bring your own if you want to sort by ripeness.
- Bug spray. Mosquitoes are common in the wetter growing areas, especially in Washington.
- A belt or strap for your bucket. Picking is faster with two hands free. Loop your bucket through a belt.
- Cooler for the drive home. Blueberries are fragile and heat-sensitive.
Which varieties to look for
Pacific Northwest farms grow several blueberry varieties. The ones you are most likely to find:
Bluecrop is the standard. Medium-to-large, sweet, and reliable. If you are picking for freezing or baking, Bluecrop is the workhorse.
Duke is the earliest variety. Firm and slightly tart. Good for eating fresh and for muffins.
Draper is a newer variety that has become popular. Very large berries with a crisp texture and long shelf life. Draper is good for eating fresh.
Legacy ripens later in the season. Sweet and aromatic with a wild blueberry flavor. Worth waiting for.
How to pick
Blueberries ripen unevenly on the same bush. You will see green, pink, and blue berries side by side. Pick only the fully blue ones.
The easiest method: roll the berry gently between your thumb and fingers. A ripe blueberry falls off the stem with no resistance. If you have to pull, it is not ready.
Do not pick berries with any red or pink on them. They will not ripen further after picking.
After the pick
Blueberries are one of the easiest berries to store. Do not wash them until you are ready to eat. Spread them in a single layer on a paper towel in the refrigerator. They will keep for 5-7 days.
For freezing: spread unwashed berries on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag. Frozen blueberries are good for smoothies, baking, and jam for up to a year. Wash them after removing from the freezer, not before.
Find a farm
Oregon and Washington have over 200 farms in our directory. Browse Oregon farms or Washington farms to find a u-pick blueberry operation near you.