Uncovering Oregon: A Guide to the 10 Best Agritourism Spots
Get ready to bask in the sweet scent of lavender fields, pet some friendly alpacas, and feast your eyes on deliciously juicy berries. There’s truly no better way to explore the heart of Oregon than taking a journey through our outstanding farms. Here are the top 10 places to feed your sense of adventure and your love for all things fresh and local.
1. Smith Berry Barn
Situated in lovely Hillsboro, Smith Berry Barn is a paradise for fruit lovers. The farm boasts an impressive array of fruits, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and apples. You can pick your own to take home for a true taste of the Oregon soil. Make sure to visit in the fall when they host their Apple Festival. Trust us, there’s no cider quite as refreshing!
2. Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm
In Woodburn, the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm is home to an annual Tulip Festival that simply cannot be missed. The sight of the blooming tulips against the backdrop of Mount Hood is breathtaking. They also offer wine tasting from locally produced wines. A pro-tip from locals: Visit during sunrise or sunset for a magical view of the colors.
3. Rosse Posse Acres Elk Ranch
If you’re one for wildlife, a trip to Molalla to visit Rosse Posse Acres should be on your agenda. This family-owned farm not only invites you for a guided elk tour but also educates visitors about elk breeding. After a day of spotting elks, kids will also love feeding the farm’s residents in the petting zoo.
4. Terrebonne Lavender Farm
Terrebonne Lavender Farm in Deschutes County is an aromatic haven. Walk around the blooming lavender fields in summer, try your hand at distilling essential oils, or enjoy a picnic in the beautiful naturally shaded areas.
5. Roloff Farms
For fans of “Little People, Big World”, Roloff Farms in Helvetia is a must-visit. The farm hosts a pumpkin season each autumn, with exciting activities like pumpkin patch tours, wagon tours, and a spooky trail maze. And yes, the Roloff family themselves do make appearances!
6. Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch
Another gem in Molalla is the Alpacas at Marquam Hill Ranch. Here, you can learn about alpaca farming practices, take an educational barn tour, and brush and feed these adorable creatures. They also host frequent yarn-spinning demonstrations.
7. Hood River Lavender Farms
Nothing rivals the smell of fresh lavender, and Hood River Lavender Farms in the Columbia River Gorge are full of it. The farm offers U-pick fields, a nursery and locally made lavender products. Don’t forget to attend their annual Lavender Daze Festival for a truly immersive experience.
8. Thyme Garden Herb Company
As Oregon’s largest culinary and medicinal herb nursery, the Thyme Garden Herb Company in Alsea is literally a breath of fresh air. Explore the aromatic gardens, join a tour that talks about Oregon’s native plants, and stay over for a deliciously herbal-inspired lunch.
9. Bushue’s Family Farm Market and Nursery
Just south of Oregon’s bustling Portland, in the rural Boring region you’ll find the Bushue’s Family Farm. Families adore their Lil’ Punkin’s Playground and the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries and pumpkins. A flower greenhouse also sets the scene for Instagram-worthy pictures!
10. E.Z. Orchards
E.Z. Orchards in Salem is all about fruit, and their farm-grown apple cider is as fresh as it gets. You can also pick your own peaches, apples, and pumpkins, depending on the season. Their famous Harvest Festival in October comes complete with a corn maze, pony rides and giant pumpkins.
In Oregon, Agritourism isn’t just about growing things- it’s about growing experiences. From quiet strolls amidst rows of lavender to the excited chatter of children feeding alpacas and elk, each visit to these remarkable farms will be a memory you’ll want to harvest. So, don your sunhat, pack your picnic basket and squeeze into your boots! Trust us, the heart of Oregon awaits and promises not to disappoint.