What cherry varieties grow in Washington?

Washington's most common u-pick cherry varieties are Bing, Rainier, Lapin, Sweetheart, and Chelan. Many Wenatchee-area farms also offer Montmorency (sour) cherries for baking and jam-making. Ask the farm which varieties are at peak before you drive out — availability changes week to week.

Where is the best place to pick cherries in Washington?

The Wenatchee Valley has the highest concentration of u-pick cherry farms in the state, with fourth-generation orchards along the Columbia River growing a dozen varieties. For the earliest cherries in Washington, the Columbia Gorge farms near White Salmon (Schmerber Farms) typically open 1–2 weeks ahead of the Wenatchee area.

Why do cherry farms close with short notice?

Rain events before harvest cause cherries to absorb water and split, which damages the fruit and forces farms to close picking operations, sometimes overnight. Always call the farm's cherry hotline or check Instagram the day before your visit — farms update conditions daily during the season.

Cherry Picking in Washington 2026 — U-Pick Season Guide

Q: When is cherry season in Washington?

U-pick cherry season in Washington runs mid-June through early July. The Columbia Gorge farms near White Salmon open first (mid-June), followed by the Yakima Valley and Wenatchee area (late June), and finally Green Bluff north of Spokane (early July). The window at any individual farm is typically 2–4 weekends.

June 11, 2026 · 7 min read

Washington produces over 60% of the nation's sweet cherry crop — and for a few weeks each summer, orchards from the Wenatchee Valley to the Columbia Gorge open their gates for u-pick. The season is short, the windows are tight, and the cherries are worth it.

When is cherry season in Washington?

U-pick cherry season runs mid-June through early July, with exact timing shifting by a week or two depending on elevation and weather:

Columbia Gorge (White Salmon, Husum) — The earliest cherries in the state, typically opening mid-June. Lower elevation and south-facing hillsides push the Gorge farms a week or two ahead of the Wenatchee Valley.
Yakima Valley — Opens late June. The valley heat produces large, sweet Bings; some farms offer Rainiers alongside darker varieties.
Wenatchee Valley & Lake Chelan — Peak season late June through early July. Fourth-generation orchards along the Columbia River grow the widest variety selection in the state.
Green Bluff (Spokane area) — The latest cherries in the state, typically opening in early July. A short but sweet window before the orchard moves on to peaches.

The window is short.Most u-pick cherry farms are open for just 2–4 weekends per season. Call the farm's cherry hotline or check their Instagram before making the drive — rain events can cause splitting that closes a farm overnight.

U-pick cherry farms in Washington

Columbia Gorge

The Washington side of the Columbia Gorge has the earliest cherries in the state. Farms here sit on south-facing hillsides above the river — the combination of warm days and cool nights produces exceptionally flavored fruit.

Schmerber FarmsWhite Salmon
Schmerber FarmWhite Salmon

Yakima Valley

Thompson's FarmNaches
Washington Fruit Place at Barrett OrchardsYakima

Wenatchee Valley & Lake Chelan

The Wenatchee area has the highest concentration of u-pick cherry farms in the state. Fourth-generation orchards grow a dozen varieties — from classic Bings to Rainiers to Lapins — across a compressed season.

Green Bluff (Spokane area)

Washington cherry varieties to look for

Bing — The benchmark dark sweet cherry. Deep mahogany skin, dense flesh, classic cherry flavor. Most Washington u-pick farms grow Bings as their primary variety.
Rainier — Yellow-blush skin with an exceptionally sweet, low-acid flavor. More delicate than Bings and a shorter season; farms that offer Rainiers sell out fast.
Lapin — A later-ripening dark cherry with firm flesh that holds well after picking. Good for baking and preserves.
Sweetheart — Heart-shaped, firm, and bright red. One of the last sweet cherries to ripen each season, extending u-pick windows into mid-July at some farms.
Montmorency (sour) — Bright red sour cherries used for pie, jam, and juice. Available at a handful of farms — notably Schmerber Farms in White Salmon.

Tips for cherry picking in Washington

Go early in the day — cherries picked in the morning cool hold better than afternoon-heat fruit. Most farms open at 8 or 9 AM; the best picking is in the first hour.
Call the cherry hotline— many Wenatchee and Gorge farms maintain a recorded hotline updated daily with picking conditions and variety availability. Numbers are listed on each farm's page.
Bring containers— some farms provide buckets; others don't. A gallon zip-lock or lightweight bucket helps you pick faster without stopping to empty.
Watch the forecast — rain before harvest causes cherries to split and crack, which can close a farm on short notice. Check the weather for the Wenatchee area a few days before your trip.

How to pick cherries

How to read cherry ripeness, pick without damaging the spur, and keep your haul fresh on the drive home.

How to pick cherries →