Get in the Summer Spirit With Berry Picking at Sahalie Falls in Oregon

One of my favorite childhood memories is berry-picking. Sure, I wasn’t very good at it — most of the berries ended up in my mouth instead of the basket — but I savored the chance to be outside with my mother and friends on sun-kissed afternoons. And as much as I adored U-picks, I might’ve loved finding wild berries even more. Learning which ones were edible felt like unlocking a secret. Ever the food-lover, I was enchanted by the idea that delicious things could grow all by themselves — it made nature seem even more magical!

Whether you’re hoping to recapture a bit of childhood whimsy or explore berry-picking for the first time, Oregon is jam-packed with spots worth checking out. One of my favorites is the Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail. Tucked in the Willamette National Forest, this stunning loop pairs native berries with breathtaking views, making it one of my summertime staples.

Of Oregon’s many edible berries, the crown jewel is undoubtedly the huckleberry. Found only at certain elevations between July and September, I like to think of them as the blueberry’s more sophisticated cousin. Ripened in the sun, they boast a tartness and complexity that strikes the perfect balance in desserts. No wonder they star in so many Pacific Northwest-inspired flavors from artisan jams to local ice creams.

Located in the heart of an old-growth forest and boasting not one but two magnificent waterfalls, the Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail offers the ideal habitat for this PNW delicacy to thrive. Unlike many other prime berry-picking spots, this route is also beginner-friendly. As long as they’ve got a reliable pair of shoes and a sweet tooth, even novice hikers can easily manage the 2.4-mile loop. On a side note, I’ve found that time flies when you’re keeping your eyes peeled for native berries.

Still, don’t count on berries alone to keep you fueled for your hike. After all, humans aren’t the only ones who savor these summertime sweets. From bears to birds, forest-dwellers creatures of all shapes and sizes rely on native berries to feed their young and prepare themselves for winter. These animals also play a key role in spreading the plants’ seeds, ensuring more berries for generations to come. I recommend packing a few extra snacks so you’re not tempted to take more than your fair share — usually estimated at around one to two quarts.

Provided you have the experience to identify what’s edible, or a guide to help you learn, foraging for native berries is a fantastic way to spend a summer afternoon. Luckily for us, the Pacific Northwest offers no shortage of breathtaking places to explore. Still, my favorite is easily the Koosah and Sahalie Falls Trail in Willamette National Forest, where even if you strike out on ripe berries, you’re treated to some of Oregon’s most jaw-dropping views.