The Beautiful Washington Farm Where You Can Pick Buckets of Blueberries

If you're anything like me—a self-respecting Washingtonian who craves the sun—you know that the moment outdoor temperatures reach over 60 degrees is when raincoats get replaced with tank tops and sandals. Summertime is perfect for all sorts of outdoor activities, but to me, it mostly means berry picking in Washington.

Not only does the Evergreen State boast an array of delicious native berries, but we've also got farms where you can pick your own! For the prettiest berry picking in Washington, I recommend Bybee Farms in North Bend. Nestled beneath the statuesque Mount Si, Bybee Farms is easily one of Washington's most picturesque and accessible berry patches. It's also near to my heart: There are photos of me picking (well, mostly eating) berries here at just five years old. Here's more about why it's so great.

Why Bybee Farms Is One of Washington's Best U-Pick Spots

Bybee Farms is one of the best U-pick spots in Washington, thanks to its abundant supply and unique blueberry varieties. The farm, which has been family-owned and operated since the early 1940s, cultivates six different types of blueberries each season, with their own unique texture and flavor. My favorite, the Jersey, is one of the oldest blueberry types and has been grown at Bybee since 1946. It grows during late-season patches (August), perfect for last-minute stragglers like me.

Another perk of this North Bend farm is its proximity to major Washington cities. It's only about 37 minutes from Seattle via I-90, making it the perfect day trip, and it's within a short driving distance from several Snoqualmie Valley towns. This puts it among the best berry-picking trails to hit up on a Washington road trip, or on a weekend getaway in the summertime.

The U-pick experience itself is easy, affordable, and super kid-friendly. The farm provides buckets that you can fill as high as you please. At the end, you'll pay per pound—$3.15/lb with cash and $3.25/lb with credit cards—making it a fantastic deal. The farm's wide paths, shady spots for picnics, and the occasional food and drink vendors make it a great place to spend quality time with the family.

I love taking my time while strolling through the rows of blueberry bushes. It might seem monotonous, but berry-picking is incredibly healthy. Not only are blueberries high in antioxidants, but spending time in nature is scientifically proven to impart various health benefits, from reduced anxiety to lowered blood pressure. It's also a fabulous way to connect with your food—a relationship abstracted by the modern industrialized diet.

Best Time to Visit for Fresh Blueberries

I won't say I've made it out to a U-pick every year, but I always regret missing out when the season ends. Bybee Farms is typically open annually from mid-July to late August, depending on blueberry supply. While the farm's normal hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, the U-pick hours may vary. I'd recommend checking the farm's Facebook page for specific availability and updates on when the farm closes during off-season (September to June).

Ideally, it's best to visit right when the season starts. But berries can still be found toward late July and August. So, if you tend to overpack your summer schedule, as most Washingtonians do, there's still time to squeeze in a visit before the season ends. You can also pick wild berries in Washington, but they won't be as consistently delicious as U-picks like Bybee. I highly recommend stopping by this upcoming year!

What to Know Before You Go Berry Picking

Before visiting this stunning North Bend berry farm (or any Washington berry farms, for that matter), there are some things to keep in mind. Because you're likely to spend hours at Bybee Farms, it's important to pack some essentials. I like to bring along a podcast or chatty friend, a large bottle of water, sunscreen, and good outdoor shoes. Even though the farm provides buckets and boxes, I like to bring my own cardboard boxes to transport berries home.

Dogs are not allowed in the picking fields at Bybee; however, the website says there are plenty of shady spots away from the field where you can let Fido chill. Just ask staff about dog-friendly spaces when you arrive. The site also suggests bringing a picnic lunch and a blanket or camping chairs, as you're bound to work up an appetite.

No matter how busy it gets, the farm has plenty of on-site and overflow parking. Entry and parking are free at Bybee, but keep in mind that other popular U-pick farms might charge. So, have cash or other forms of payment ready. After your visit, enjoy hiking trails around Mount Si or visit the stunning Three Forks Natural Area nearby.

Bybee Farms is located at 42930 SE 92nd St, North Bend, WA. Call (425) 444-8175 for more information on hours and U-pick conditions.