Berry Picking Near Olympia: What You Need to Know
Olympia sits near Washington's renowned raspberry country in Whatcom County, often called the Raspberry Capital of the World for its enormous commercial production, alongside excellent blueberry farms throughout the Puget Sound lowlands. Few regions in the country can match the Pacific Northwest's berry-growing pedigree.
Pacific Coast Berry Country
The Pacific Northwest is arguably the finest berry-growing region in the country, with Oregon's Willamette Valley home to the marionberry—a blackberry hybrid developed in Marion County and named for it—alongside major blueberry, raspberry, and boysenberry production. Washington's Whatcom County is often called the Raspberry Capital of the World for its enormous commercial output, and the Puget Sound lowlands support extensive blueberry farming as well. California contributes one of the largest strawberry industries on earth, with u-pick fields scattered through the Central Valley and coastal regions, while Alaska's wild salmonberries, blueberries, and huckleberries sustain a foraging culture distinct from the commercial farms further south.
Best Time to Go Berry Picking Near Olympia
June through August, led by Whatcom County's world-renowned raspberry harvest alongside extensive blueberry production around Puget Sound.
Tips for Your Olympia Berry Picking Trip
Whatcom County raspberry farms are a longer drive from Olympia, but the trip is worth it during peak July season—pair it with a visit to one of the area's blueberry farms for a full Pacific Northwest berry day.