Thomas Orchards- Kimberly, Oregon

What to Pick: Gala

Tucked along the North Fork of the John Day River in Kimberly, Oregon, the fertile land on which Thomas Orchards is situated has been producing fruit since the early 1900s. Today, the third generation of Thomas family descendants continue the tradition, welcoming visitors to a landscape framed by the Blue Mountains, the John Day River and the geologic wonders of the nearby John Day Fossil Beds. While the organic orchard also grows pit fruits like cherries and peaches, fall belongs to the apples. See kimberlyfruitcompany.com.

Mountain View Organic Orchards- Bonners Ferry, Idaho

What to Pick: Honeycrisp

In Idaho’s far northern corner, where the Selkirk and Cabinet mountains frame the Kootenai River Valley, Mountain View Organic Orchard combines stunning scenery with a passion for preserving apple history. The family-owned orchard was originally established by George and Janice Johnson, who transformed pastureland into a thriving fruit farm today dedicated to growing lapin cherries in the summer and apples in the fall. Visitors can pick an array of apples while taking in panoramic mountain views. See mvorganicorchard.com.

Kiyokawa Family Orchards- Parkdale, Oregon

What to Pick: Gravenstein

In the shadow of Mount Hood, the fruit trees at Kiyokawa Family Orchards thrive in the Hood River Valley’s volcanic soils and cool mountain climate. Family-owned since 1911, the Parkdale, Oregon, orchard reflects generations of Japanese-American farming heritage. The largest U-Pick in the valley, Kiyokawa is known for its robust farm stand, and for growing more than 120 apple varieties—many rare heirlooms and special varieties that are difficult to find anywhere else. In addition to apples, find cider, jams and fresh honey. See kiyokawafamilyorchards.com.

Kelley’s Canyon Orchard- Filer, Idaho

What to Pick: Jonathan

What began as a small farm in the early 1900s has grown into an Idaho U-Pick mainstay. Located in the Snake River Canyon, Kelley’s Canyon Orchard has been family owned for four generations. While apples are the star of autumn, the orchard’s appeal extends with peonies in spring, cherries and peaches in summer, and the option to immerse in farm life with a stay in the cottage once inhabited by the current generation’s grandmother, Mary Anne Gourley Kelley. See kelleyscanyonorchard.com.

Valley View Orchard- Ashland, Oregon

What to Pick: Newtown Pippin

Originating before 1900, Valley View Orchard remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s oldest continuously operating orchards. Located in Ashland, Oregon, the historic farm has been certified organic since 2002 and specializes in preserving heirloom fruit varieties, making it a living piece of agricultural history. With a commitment to preservation of heritage apples and set in the picturesque Rogue Valley, Valley View offers a picking experience of both tradition and stewardship. See valleyvieworchardorganics.com.

Williams Fruit Ranch- Emmett, Idaho

What to Pick: Golden Delicious

Four generations have cultivated fruit in Emmett Valley, building a ranch that has become a local institution. The family orchard began small in 1890, but it is now one of the region’s best-known agritourism destinations, while remaining steeped in the traditions and values passed down through more than a century of farming. Visitors can pick apples straight from the trees, browse the farm market for fresh produce and homemade treats, or stop by the bakery for fruit-filled pastries made with the ranch’s harvest. See williamsfruitranch.com.