The Best Strawberries: Portland’s U-Pick Farms Offer Flavor, Freshness, and Savings

Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, I never understood the hype around strawberries. They tasted bland, more like a memory of fruit than the real thing. Even strawberry desserts seemed to rely on artificial flavor. When I moved to Portland for work, I was skeptical of the local obsession. But a few years ago, I tried my first Hood strawberry — named for Mount Hood and bred right here in Oregon — and everything changed.

In Portland, we live in a prime strawberry growing region. The Willamette Valley’s balance of sun and rain creates ideal growing conditions. Fresh-picked Oregon strawberries pack more vitamin C than the supermarket kind, which often travel thousands of miles from California or Florida — states that supply nearly all the nation’s strawberries. If you want to taste the difference, head to a local U-pick farm. You’ll support local agriculture and discover what a strawberry is supposed to be. Plus, you can often get a better deal on these local strawberries by going straight to the source. 

The True Value of U-Pick Strawberries

U-pick farms offer more than just a fun outing — they make financial sense too. In the Portland area, U-pick strawberries typically cost $2.50 - $3.50 per pound, while organic strawberries at grocery stores can run $4.99 - $6.99 per pound. Even conventional grocery store berries cost between $2.99 - $4.99 per pound, with prices fluctuating throughout the season.

The savings can be substantial — up to 60% compared to organic store-bought berries during peak season. But the value goes beyond just price. Store-bought berries are often picked 4-7 days before reaching shelves, while U-pick berries go straight from plant to your basket. This freshness translates to significantly higher nutritional content, particularly vitamin C and antioxidants.

There's also the "entertainment value" to consider. For many families, a trip to the berry farm becomes a memorable summer tradition that doubles as an affordable outdoor activity. And if you’re into canning, making jams, or freezing, you can get a whole year’s supply of strawberries in one afternoon.

Here’s your guide to some of the top U-pick strawberry farms within 60 miles of Portland (ordered by closest to furthest).

Sauvie Island Farms

Situated on the island of the same name, Sauvie Island Farms is just 10 miles from downtown Portland, but it feels a world away. This family-run operation is known for its sustainable farming practices and minimal pesticide use, letting the natural sweetness of their berries shine through.

The farm’s strawberry fields feature Pacific Northwest favorites like Puget Crimson — perfect for homemade jam — and Mary’s Peak, a variety celebrated for its intense sweetness. The rows are wide and well-tended, making picking easy for families and serious berry hunters alike.

Sauvie Island Farms isn’t just about strawberries. Throughout the season, you’ll find U-pick peaches, sweet corn, flowers, and pumpkins. The farm provides picking containers, but regulars know to bring their own for big hauls. While pets aren’t allowed in the fields, kids are welcome to roam and explore.

• Location: 19818 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231

• Varieties: Puget Crimson and Mary’s Peak, plus others

• Additional Info: Picking containers provided, or bring your own. No pets in fields. U-pick also available for peaches, sweet corn, flowers, and pumpkins.

Bella Organic Farm

Bella Organic Farm brings a little something extra to Sauvie Island: It’s certified organic and home to a working winery. The farm is known for its year-round calendar of family-friendly events, from spring’s Easter egg hunts to summer concerts and a haunted corn maze in the fall.

All strawberries here are grown organically, thriving in the island’s rich soil. The farm’s café serves up farm-fresh meals and treats, making it easy to turn a berry-picking trip into a full afternoon outing.

Bella Organic’s courtyard is a favorite gathering spot, especially on weekends when live music fills the air. With more than 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables grown on site, there’s always something new to discover.

• Location: 16205 NW Gillihan Rd, Portland, OR 97231

• Varieties: All organic, check with the farm for specific varieties

• Additional Info: Farm-fresh food at the café, summer concerts on weekends, and more than 70 varieties of produce grown on site.

Topaz Farm

Topaz Farm, formerly Kruger’s Farm, is a Sauvie Island staple, known for its festive, family-friendly atmosphere. The farm store and food cart serve up local fare, and the summer concert series draws crowds for evenings of music among the fields.

Their strawberry picking fields are easy to navigate for families and groups. The farm’s weekend events during berry season often feature live music and food vendors, turning a simple picking trip into a celebration.

• Location: 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231

• Varieties: Check with the farm for specific varieties

• Additional Info: Weekend events with live music and food vendors during berry season.

Columbia Farms

Columbia Farms, tucked away on Sauvie Island, is a family operation that prides itself on sustainable practices and a peaceful picking experience. The fields are less crowded than some larger farms, making it a great spot for those seeking a quieter outing.

Strawberry varieties include Hood, Mary’s Peak and Sweet Sunrise. The farm stand sells fresh produce and local honey, and wagons are available to help you haul your bounty from the fields.

• Location: 21024 NW Gillihan Rd, Portland, OR 97231

• Varieties: Hood, Mary’s Peak and Sweet Sunrise

• Additional Info: They also grow peonies, pumpkins, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and marionberries, all available for U-pick.

Hoffman Farms Store

A fixture in the community for more than 40 years, Hoffman Farms Store is known for its exceptionally sweet berries and welcoming atmosphere. It’s not just a U-pick farm, it also houses a farm store, a blueberry packing facility, a wedding venue, a bakery, and more. 

Hoffman Farms grows classic Oregon varieties Hood, Puget Crimson, Mary's Peak, Tillamook, and Albion. The fields are well-marked, and staff are happy to offer tips on which berries are at their peak.

After picking, stop by the farm store for fresh-baked pies and other goodies. They also host numerous events throughout the year.

• Location: 22242 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Beaverton, OR 97007

• Varieties: Hood, Puget Crimson, Mary's Peak, Tillamook, and Albion

• Additional Info: Farm store features fresh pies and other farm-baked goods.

Smith Berry Barn

Smith Berry Barn is a Washington County gem, where a historic barn anchors the property and sets the tone for a classic farm experience. The country store is stocked with homemade jams, local honey, and garden gifts, and their berry milkshakes — made with fruit grown just steps away — are legendary.

The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices is evident in the health of their fields and the flavor of their berries. Here, you’ll find the coveted Hood strawberry, often called the best-tasting strawberry on Earth, alongside Benton (great for jams) and Shuksan (a firm berry that freezes beautifully).

Smith Berry Barn offers more than just picking. They are also a nursery, providing berry plants, flowers, vegetable starts and more. With more than 20 berry varieties grown on site, the U-pick season stretches from early summer into September.

• Location: 24500 SW Scholls Ferry Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123

• Varieties: Benton, Hood, Shuksan, and more

• Additional Info: Over 20 berry varieties extend the U-pick season through September.

Making the Most of Your U-Pick Experience

To maximize your U-pick investment, timing is everything. Mid-June is typically peak season for most strawberry varieties in the Portland area, when berries are most abundant, and you can fill your containers quickly. Weekday visits often mean less crowded fields and more efficient picking.

Many farms allow you to bring your own containers, which can sometimes earn you a small discount. 

When picking, look under leaves where the ripest berries often hide, and focus on fully red berries — those with white tips won't ripen further once picked.

Smart pickers combine their berry trip with visits to other nearby farms or attractions to save on transportation costs. Following local farms on social media can alert you to flash sales or end-of-season discounts. Some farms also offer "seconds" — slightly imperfect berries at reduced prices that are perfect for making jam or freezing. When in doubt, call the farm to confirm details like what’s in season, pricing, and varieties on offer.

Now go pick some strawberries!

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Stumptown Savings