Private Picking Event: Free Blueberries, Apples, Grapes, Pears! Hood River

Once again, the best blueberry farm in Hood River has opened its gates just for The Contemplative Hiking Society and this time we can pick unlimited fruit on the entire property! Blueberries, blackberries, apples, grapes, pears--if you can get to it, it's yours.

I found Wilinda Blueberry Patch years ago when some visiting relatives wanted the U-pick experience in the Pacific Northwest fruit basket, but without the crowds. This quiet organic farm just minutes from Interstate 84 had it all--a variety of blueberries from succulent little deep purple ones to pale blue monsters the size of grapes; a large lily pond that collects ducks, herons, and riparian songbirds; and a stately view of snow-capped Mt. Adams. And the owners are sweet as pie. (See what I did there?)

All proceeds at Wilinda go to the Fistula Foundation that helps women and girls in Uganda, Linda will tell you the story. She is offering her fruit to us for free today so please donate a little something to her wonderful cause--I will be!

GET THERE 10-15 MIN. EARLY so you can pay your event fee and be ready to meet Linda before we start. You'll be standing under the full sun and brushing up against plants and maybe brambles, so a hat, pants, and insect repellent are recommended. They have potable water for your water bottle and to rinse the sweetness off your hands afterwards. Baby wipes work well, too. Bring a box or rigid container to set your bags in for the drive back home so the berries don't get jostled or bruised. When you are done pickin', feel free to wander to the pond to photograph bullfrogs, birds, and snow white water lilies. Restroom on site.

Afterwards, we'll drive up to nearby Panorama Point County Park & Viewpoint to take in a sweeping view of Mt. Adams to the north, Mt. Hood to the south, and an endless patchwork of orchards and farms below. We'll set up our camp chairs and relax with our lunches and the fruits (literally!) of our labor. No parking fee. Restroom on site.

Directions from Willinda to Panorama Point: Backtrack onto Interstate 84 heading east. At 2.2 mi take exit 64 towards Government Camp. Turn right onto Button Bridge Road. At 0.6 mi. turn left on Eastside Road. At 1.5 mi. turn right and follow the curving road up to the top. There is no place to sit down, so bring that camp chair.

Bring 10$ cash, camp chair, lunch, water, binoculars/scope, camera, insect repellent, bags and a box to put the blueberries and other fruit in, and WEATHER appropriate clothing. Adults only, please, and no pets, thanks.