A Local’s Guide to Oregon’s Best Cider Houses and Apple Orchards
In the heart of the Pacific Northwest lies a region bestowed with abundant rain, luscious valleys, and fertile soil – that’s our sunny, apple-loving Oregon for you! This bounty has given rise to a slew of magnificent cider houses and apple orchards that are truly worth the visit, whether you’re an apple enthusiast or a cider connoisseur.
1. E.Z. Orchards Farm Market – Salem
About 10 miles east of downtown Salem, you’ll find E.Z. Orchards Farm Market, a family-owned operation known for growing delicious apples and crafting cider with deep passion. Fall is the perfect time to visit for apple picking, hayrides and cider donuts. The landmark “Short Mead” cider is a must-try!2. Portland Cider Company – Clackamas
Portland Cider Company’s ciderhouse and taproom in Clackamas offers an extensive lineup of award-winning ciders. Made from fresh pressed, Northwest grown apples, their cider lineup captures the spirit of the Portland culture. Don’t miss out on their Hop’ Rageous, cider infused with local hops.
3. Bauman’s Farm and Garden – Gervais
A visit to Bauman’s Farm and Garden in Gervais is like stepping into a countryside fairytale. This farm features over 25 apple varieties for visitors to pick in addition to the fresh cider they craft. Consider attending the fall harvest festival for an unforgettable seasonal adventure.4. Runcible Cider – Mosier
Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, the charming Runcible Cider of Mosier touts itself as a “true orchard-based cidery”. Each batch is crafted from their own estate-grown apples. Pop in for an afternoon tasting – the crisp Light of the Sun cider is not to be missed.5. 2 Towns Ciderhouse – Corvallis
2 Towns Ciderhouse in Corvallis offers a unique cider experience. Aiming to revive America’s cider tradition, they create exciting and innovative ciders. Venture to try the Serious Scrump, an imperial-style, ice cider with a sweet, complex palate.6. Hood River U-Pick Organic – Hood River
Hood River U-Pick Organic gives visitors the authentic experience of harvesting their own organic apples. You can find over a dozen apple varieties here. Remember to wear comfortable gear for the orchard, and don’t forget your camera. The Mt. Hood view is an absolute spectacle.7. Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider – Portland
Right in the heart of Portland is Reverend Nat’s Hard Cider, a cider house notable for their unique and experimental small-batch ciders. Experience the wild side of cider with their infamous sacrilegious series. A sip of The Passion might just make you a believer.8. Mt. View Orchards – Mt. Hood
Commanding awe-inspiring views of Mt. Hood, Mt. View Orchards also boasts over 50 apple varieties. A tractor ride through the orchard is a must while you’re there. Fuel your adventure with a homemade apple donut and some freshly squeezed cider.9. Wildcraft Cider Works – Eugene
Wildcraft Cider Works in Eugene focuses on natural cider and mead making practices, sourcing all fruit from local orchards and backyards. For the eco-conscious, this cider house walks its talk. Swing by to taste some Oregon-grown pears in their Pommeau, a spirited cider, subtly sweet with a bitter edge.10. Smith Berry Barn – Hillsboro
Just outside of Hillsboro resides Smith Berry Barn, famous for its bounty of berries and, of course, apples. A beloved locale for family outings, make sure to relax in their beautiful garden after all that apple picking. The homemade cider is a must for the road home.As the sun sets over our beautiful Oregon, we sip our glasses full of apple-licious cider, reminiscing about the laughter-filled orchard tours. Here’s sharing a secret: the magic that fills each bottle isn’t just the fruit of our land, but a taste of the hearty Oregonian spirit itself. Swing by these cider houses and orchards to experience a piece of Oregon, one sweet sip, one crunchy bite at a time.