A Guide to Oregon’s Best Cider Houses and Apple Orchards
Nestled in the lush Pacific Northwest, Oregon is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, bountiful farms, and innovative craft beverages. Its fertile soil, cool climate, and passionate cultivators make it perfect for growing a wide variety of apples, which in turn leads to some of the most flavorful cider and unique apple orchards in the country. Here is an insider’s guide to Oregon’s best cider houses and apple orchards.
1. Oregon Heritage Farms
Oregon Heritage Farms, located just outside of Portland in Hillsboro, is a destination that’s been delighting visitors with its delicious apples for over four decades. Throughout October, they host AppleFest – a celebration featuring hayrides, apple tasting, and fun activities for the whole family. Pro-tip: Try a crisp and crunchy Honeycrisp, it’s a local favorite!
2. 2 Towns Ciderhouse
Nestled in the heart of Willamette Valley in Corvallis, 2 Towns Ciderhouse is renowned for its innovative ciders. Their apples are all locally sourced and their ciders carefully crafted. Stop by their taproom for a flight of ciders; don’t miss their Pacific Pineapple or Rhubarbarian.
3. Kiyokawa Family Orchards
In the quaint town of Parkdale, Mount Hood’s fertile ground brings you Kiyokawa Family Orchards. This spot is famous for its gigantic variety of over 120 apple types, some rarely found elsewhere. It’s a day out – so bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the fantastic mountain views while apple picking.
4. E.Z. Orchards
Farm-market E.Z. Orchards in Salem, combines old-world cider crafting traditions with the unique apple blends. Consider picking up their cider donut and a bottle of their Roman Beauty Cider on the way out, a perfect blend of tart and sweet.
5. Portland Cider Co.
Head down to Clackamas where Portland Cider Co. crafts English-style ciders, sourcing apples from the Northwest. Their welcoming taproom brings the community together and keep an eye out for their cider-making classes – it’s hands-on fun!
6. Baird Family Orchards
Make your way to vibrant Hood River Valley to visit Baird Family Orchards. This fourth-generation farm offers a charming u-pick experience, where you can fill your bag with heirloom and classic apple varieties, all with a picture-perfect valley backdrop.
7. Blue Mountain Cider Company
Take a trip to Eastern Oregon’s Walla Walla Valley, home to the Blue Mountain Cider Company. This cider house doubles as a winery, offering the unique opportunity to sample cider and wine made with the same fruit in one location.
8. Bellinger Farms Gourmet Shoppe & Cidery
Tucked away in the Hermiston region is Bellinger Farms offering visitors fresh-baked apple pastries and a selection of crafted ciders. The charming spot is a great place to chill in the fresh air, sipping apple cider and feasting on apple pies.
9. Smith Berry Barn
Just outside of Hillsboro, Smith Berry Barn is beautiful with a capital B. The farm market carries fresh-pressed and fermented ciders, and the apple sleigh rides in fall are a hit for young and old alike.
10. Draper Girls’ Country Farm
Don’t forget to check out Draper Girls’ Country Farm. With a backdrop of snow-capped Mount Hood, it’s one of the most scenic apple farms in the Hood River area. Carry some cash for their apple cider slushies and mouthwatering homemade cinnamon-sugar doughnuts.
Celebrating the bounty of Oregon, these cider houses and apple orchards offer breathtaking views, unique experiences, and, of course, unforgettable cider. They are not just places to visit; they are experiences waiting to happen, where the sweet, tart taste of an apple becomes a lasting memory. Enjoy exploring and savoring the beauty and bounty of Oregon’s apple heritage.