When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Columbia Farms U-Pick
Why Columbia Farms U-Pick is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Columbia Farms U-Pick offers a quintessential farm experience located on the scenic Sauvie Island, just north of Portland, Oregon. Established in the early 1990s with only one acre of strawberries, it has blossomed into an expansive 80-acre berry farm featuring over fifteen different types of berries, including blueberries, blackberries, marionberries, boysenberries, raspberries, and the unique golden raspberries. This family-run farm preserves the authentic atmosphere of a working farm, welcoming visitors to pick fresh berries and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. The farm provides seasonal U-Pick opportunities as well as twilight picking hours on Wednesday evenings, making it convenient and enjoyable for families and groups of friends to gather and immerse themselves in a wholesome outdoor activity. Notably, the farm emphasizes quality — their famous Hoods variety strawberries are among the sweetest and most flavorful you can find, reflecting their commitment to growing premium produce. The picturesque setting with a classic white barn and green roof adds to the farm’s charm and makes it a memorable spot for meetups and day trips. Alongside berry picking, visitors can explore the vibrant Sauvie Island community and its other family-friendly activities, making Columbia Farms a perfect destination to reconnect with nature and loved ones during berry season.
Here's what people think of Columbia Farms U-Pick
As of recent, Columbia Farms U-Pick holds a 4.8-star rating based on 424 reviews.
Reviews of Columbia Farms U-Pick consistently praise the farm's quality berry selection and the authentic farm experience it offers. Many reviewers highlight how the wide variety of berries, such as marionberries, boysenberries, and blackberries, contribute to a delightful pick-your-own outing that appeals to all ages. Positive reviews frequently mention the farm's friendly and helpful staff, well-maintained fields, and the peaceful, beautiful setting on Sauvie Island. Visitors often appreciate the twilight picking hours, which allow for a cooler and less crowded experience. Additionally, customers commend the farm’s attention to sustainable farming practices and the freshness of their produce, which is markedly superior to grocery store berries. Conversely, some negative reviews point out that the farm is closed on certain days during the week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday in summer), which may require planning ahead. A few visitors have noted that some berries, particularly certain strawberry varieties, can be delicate and should be consumed quickly due to their high sugar content causing rapid breakdown after picking. Nonetheless, these critiques are minor when compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback. Overall, the reviews reflect that Columbia Farms U-Pick is a well-loved, high-quality, family-friendly farm that provides a unique and enjoyable berry picking adventure.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ram J
We visited Columbia Farms U-pick every year without fail to pick strawberries and Peony flowers. The Hoods strawberries are absolutely sweet and delicious compared to the other two varieties. Only catch is that you need to freeze it or consume it within 24 hrs. The price is cheap for the quality and is 10x better than any supermarket. The staff is friendly and helpful. Their Peonies are a delight to walk among the beautiful blossoms of Peonies. They come in 3-4 vibrant colors and have a pleasant fragrance. If you have never been here, you are definitely missing out on a "must-do" family activity in Sauvie Island, Portland.
Michael DeGori
My wife and I had so much fun picking strawberries. We got a box with 6 containers it ended up costing 18.00. Good price for as much as we got. Lots of families and kids having a good time. They offer parking.
Q T
We were in oregon during the berries season! I've always wanted to try marionberries and it was so fun picking it myself. The pricing is so great too, one pint for $3.50 if you pick it yourself!
Kira Perez
Fabulous berry picking experience. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable. Great prices for both pre-picked and U-pick. Also loved all the clear signage and that there was not too much walking to access all sorts of berries. Highly recommend following on IG: @columbiafarms for updates and info. I got inspired to pick some fresh “pink lemonade” blueberries based on their IG post. Super tasty, unique berry variety. The red carts at the farm check-in, (free to use), we’re super helpful and sturdy. Thank you to the lovely folks at CF for a perfect, quintessential Oregon summer experience.
Elizabeth Hite
We had the best time at Columbia Farms U-Pick! When we first arrived, there were so many people, we were a little worried the fields might be picked over—but we were so pleasantly surprised! We spent a full hour out there with our two little ones, and easily filled our boxes with the juiciest, most delicious strawberries. The staff was kind, the fields were easy to navigate even with toddlers, and the whole experience felt like a perfect summer morning. Can’t wait to come back again!
How to reach Columbia Farms U-Pick
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Website: None
Why rally at Columbia Farms U-Pick with your friends? Because it offers a unique, immersive experience that combines the joys of nature, fresh air, and delicious berries in a setting designed expressly for fun and relaxation. Nestled on picturesque Sauvie Island just north of Portland, Oregon, Columbia Farms invites groups of friends or family members to gather and engage in a hands-on activity that is both rewarding and memorable. Picking your own berries—whether blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, or marionberries—creates a delightful shared adventure that naturally encourages teamwork, conversation, and lighthearted competition. Beyond the act of picking, the sprawling 80+ acres of farmland provide stunning scenery and a peaceful rural ambiance that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life. The farm’s high 4.8-star rating based on over 400 reviews highlights the consistent quality and enjoyable atmosphere that visitors experience here. With options like twilight picking on Wednesday evenings and seasonal variety in fresh crops, Columbia Farms U-Pick offers a charming backdrop to foster connection with your loved ones while celebrating the bounty of the Pacific Northwest.
What activities are available at Columbia Farms U-Pick, and why is it ideal for a group meetup? The farm is primarily centered around u-pick berry harvesting, featuring over fifteen varieties including classic favorites and unique selections such as golden raspberries and black caps. Groups can explore extensive fields where they pick ripe berries straight off the bushes, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace and preference. This interactive activity is naturally engaging for all ages, making it a wonderful way for families and friends to bond. The farm keeps its ethos rooted in the traditional working farm experience, meaning visitors not only pick fruit but also immerse themselves in authentic agricultural surroundings. In addition to berry picking, visitors can enjoy the farm’s beautiful landscape, perfect for casual strolls, picnic spots, or photography. The availability of twilight picking sessions on Wednesdays further enhances the appeal, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience during the golden hours without the weekend crowds. This variety of activities paired with flexible scheduling makes Columbia Farms an excellent choice for a group looking for a relaxed, joyful, and productive day together.
How does Columbia Farms U-Pick accommodate groups for social gatherings and meetups? The farm’s expansive acreage ensures there is ample space for groups of all sizes to spread out and enjoy themselves comfortably without feeling crowded. The wide-open fields are conducive to team-oriented picking, where groups can split up, share tips on finding the best berries, and compare their harvests at designated gathering spots. Its location on Sauvie Island places it amidst other local attractions and ample outdoor recreation options, so groups can extend their meetup into a full-day outing involving hiking, exploring wildlife refuges, or visiting nearby farm stands. The farm’s facilities are designed to welcome visitors warmly, with clear signage, parking, and helpful staff ensuring smooth logistics for group visits. Furthermore, Columbia Farms’ focus on family-friendly values means that the environment is safe and inclusive, welcoming children and elders alike, which encourages multigenerational gatherings. Seasonal events and updates through their website and social media keep groups informed to optimize planning, so meetups are well-timed to catch peak picking conditions.
Why is berry picking at Columbia Farms more than just picking fruit? The experience at Columbia Farms U-Pick is curated to appeal to the senses and foster a community feel. Unlike standard grocery shopping, picking your own berries transforms eating into a multisensory experience—smelling the fresh berry bushes, tasting fruit straight off the plant, and feeling the soil beneath your feet. This tactile connection to food origins can spur conversations around sustainability, farming, and healthy eating within your group. Moreover, the farm encourages tasting berries while you pick, making it a delicious adventure that sparks delight with every bite. The setting on Sauvie Island, known for its agricultural heritage and natural beauty, complements the intimate farm experience, enabling visitors to appreciate Oregon’s local produce culture. For groups, this creates moments of shared joy and novelty that are rarely replicated by other social activities, strengthening bonds and creating lasting memories. The friendly, knowledgeable farm staff add to the charm, providing insights and stories about the farm’s history, crop cycles, and farming methods that enrich the visit.
What makes the farm’s location on Sauvie Island special for hosting a meetup? Sauvie Island is an iconic agritourism destination just a short drive from Portland, combining rural landscapes with easy accessibility. Columbia Farms is situated approximately 4.8 miles under the Sauvie Island Bridge, making it convenient yet sufficiently detached from city noise. The island itself offers a wealth of complementary attractions such as wildlife refuges, beaches, and other farms, allowing groups to customize their itinerary from berry picking to bird watching or kayaking on nearby waterways. This flexibility in activities makes Columbia Farms not only a place to pick berries but a gateway to a fuller day outdoors. The farm’s standout white barn with a green roof serves as a picturesque landmark and a gathering spot that enhances the farm’s welcoming vibe. The natural environment here is rich with diverse flora and fauna, boosting the restorative quality of the visit. For groups seeking fresh air mixed with genuine hands-on farming experiences, the location strikes an ideal balance between convenience and immersion in nature.
How do seasonal hours and special picking times enhance the group experience? Columbia Farms maintains a thoughtful schedule that accommodates different visitor preferences, with regular hours Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm, and a special twilight picking session every Wednesday from 5 to 8 pm. These twilight sessions offer groups a serene ambiance during the golden hour, which is perfect for those wanting to avoid daytime crowds or to add a romantic or peaceful mood to their outing. Entry to fields closes 30 minutes before closing time, ensuring visitors have sufficient time to enjoy picking without rush. The farm closes on select holidays like Memorial Day and July 4th, but plans mid-day summer hours on holidays like Juneteenth, giving groups opportunities to plan around the best picking times. This scheduling flexibility allows groups to choose times based on their convenience, whether it’s daytime family-friendly visits or relaxed evening get-togethers. It also helps manage crowd sizes, contributing to a safer and more comfortable environment during busy berry seasons.
How does Columbia Farms U-Pick support sustainable and local agriculture, and why does this matter for groups? Columbia Farms has grown organically from a modest one-acre strawberry patch in the early 1990s to an 80-acre farm cultivating dozens of berry varieties, all while maintaining its operational integrity as a working farm. This commitment to local and sustainable agriculture means visitors support regional farmers directly when they pick berries. For groups concerned about the environmental and social impact of their activities, Columbia Farms offers an authentic way to engage in farm-based consumption—cutting out middlemen and reducing the carbon footprint associated with imported fruit. The farm’s family-oriented philosophy enhances the social sustainability of agriculture by fostering a connection between consumers and producers. Sharing this experience during a group meetup underscores the importance of local food systems, sparking conversations and awareness around healthy eating, seasonality, and environmental stewardship. Supporting Columbia Farms means contributing to the preservation of farmland and agricultural heritage on Sauvie Island for future generations to enjoy.
Why is Columbia Farms U-Pick so highly rated by visitors? The farm enjoys an exceptional 4.8-star rating based on more than 400 reviews, reflecting widespread appreciation for its quality produce, friendly staff, and overall visitor experience. Reviewers often praise the freshness and sweetness of the berries, the ease of navigating the fields, and the serene farm atmosphere that invites relaxation and play. Many highlight the joy of tasting berries right off the vine and the inclusive environment that caters to children and adults alike. The occasional twilight picking nights also receive positive remarks for their unique ambiance and fewer crowds. The combination of well-maintained grounds, excellent customer service, and a broad offering of berry varieties creates memorable moments that guests want to relive and recommend. This reputation makes Columbia Farms a dependable choice when planning a group outing, promising consistency and value in the experience.
How can groups best prepare for a visit to Columbia Farms U-Pick? To maximize the experience, groups should check the farm’s website or social media for daily updates on which berries are available, as these can vary seasonally and by weather conditions. Arriving earlier in the day or choosing a twilight session can help avoid peak crowds, enhancing the sense of intimate connection with the farm. Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for farm fields and bringing containers or bags (often provided or available onsite) will make berry picking smoother. Since the farm encourages tasting while picking, groups might plan for light snacks or drinks separately, reserving appetite for fresh berries. It’s also wise to arrange transportation in advance since Sauvie Island is best accessed by car, with plenty of parking available. Groups might consider combining their outing with other Sauvie Island activities to create a full day of outdoor fun. Being flexible and patient can turn the visit into a relaxed, joyful, and effortless group event.
What extra amenities and nearby activities add value to the Columbia Farms U-Pick experience? While the farm specializes in berries, it also offers peonies for picking during their season, adding floral beauty to the visit. The scenic farmstead, marked by the iconic white barn with a green roof, provides perfect photo opportunities for groups wanting to capture memories. Sauvie Island’s broader attractions such as wildlife reserves, hiking trails, and small farm stands complement the berry picking experience by offering varied interests within a short distance. Nearby picnic areas allow groups to enjoy meals outdoors amidst nature. Local farm-to-table restaurants and markets give visitors a taste of Oregon’s vibrant food scene beyond the farm gate. Many groups take advantage of this variety to tailor visits that mix education, relaxation, and gastronomy, facilitating a well-rounded and satisfying day for friends and family alike.
Columbia Farms U-Pick stands out as a premier destination for groups seeking a blend of natural beauty, productive outdoor activity, and quality local food. Its welcoming, family-run atmosphere chains visitors directly to the rhythms of farm life while providing all the conveniences needed for group enjoyment. Whether for casual weekend gatherings, special celebrations, or educational outings, Columbia Farms offers a friendly and fruitful environment that fosters connection, fun, and well-being. Those looking to create meaningful shared experiences with friends or loved ones will find this farm a perfect rallying point on the scenic Sauvie Island landscape.