U-pick Blueberries: The Season Has Arrived

Aug 10, 2021 | Fall, Farms, Food & Drink, Summer

Blueberries from Cranguyma Farms Summertime on the Long Beach Peninsula marks the beginning of blueberry season, a crop that thrives on the coast and is available for public picking.

One of our favorite late-summer activities is plucking fresh blueberries from the u-pick orchard at Cranguyma Farms on Sandridge Road in Long Beach. The only thing better than the blueberries might be the price – a pound of self-picked berries costs just $2.50.

Old-time favorite

Cranguyma Farms is a fifth-generation cranberry, blueberry and holly operation covering 900 acres in the middle of the peninsula. A seven-acre organic blueberry patch is available for public picking between July and early October. The farm is open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk and entrance is free.

Pick your own blueberries at Cranguyma FarmsBe sure to bring a bag or use one of the provided cardboard boxes to tote the blueberries home. And if you don’t feel up to picking your own fruit, Cranguyma offers pre-picked berries; 5lb boxes of berries can be pre-ordered for $25. 

Blueberry picking is a great family-friendly activity. The patch is quiet and sprawling, and the biggest and best blueberries are often found on lower branches or tucked-away bushes. Many berries are soft and ripe and require a delicate hand to be taken off the bush intact. It’s easy to lose yourself in the process, to let minutes tick away and pile up like berries in your bucket. It’s perfect for every member of the family, and kids will love the labyrinthine quality of the decades-old grove.

Cooking with Blueberries

And what to do with that bucket full of fresh berries? For starters, they’re practically perfect on their own – just rinse them off before snacking. They’re also excellent with oatmeal, sprinkled over a summer salad or added to a bowl of cereal. But that’s just the start. Cranguyma offers recommended recipes from Joy of Baking, including blueberry tarts, scones, pies, breads, muffins, parfaits, pancakes and more. And you can save them for later – blueberries freeze well, so you can store them for months.

As summer turns to fall, you’ll begin to see another coastal crop hit the market – cranberries. Keep your eyes peeled for roadside stands during autumn months, when peninsula bogs come alive with ripe cranberries. These tart berries can be used much like blueberries and of course hold a special place on the Thanksgiving table.

Wild Mushroom Celebration

Wild mushroomsWe often talk about the natural bounties found in the ocean, bay, and rivers of Pacific County, but the land produces spectacular items as well. Blueberries and cranberries are just two of the many offerings. Another favorite is wild mushrooms, which are highlighted by the annual Wild Mushroom Celebration from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15. Keep an eye on the event website as participating businesses join the celebration.

Explore more of what Pacific County has to offer.

Best Fish and Chips on the Washington Coast

Few things are more satisfying than biting through the crackling crunch of hot, fried fish. That delicious intersection of crispy breading, where it meets the melting, flavorful sea, is a tastebud heaven. Add in a blissful, capery tang of creamy tartar sauce and...

How to Go Storm Watching on the Long Beach Peninsula

The best places for storm watching, what you need to bring, and tips for storm watching on the Long Beach Peninsula.

Cozy Meals on the Coast

Whether coming in from a beach hike around the tip of the Long Beach Peninsula at Leadbetter Point, wave watching at Cape Disappointment’s Waikiki Beach, bird watching at Tarlatt Slough, or a stroll on the Long Beach Boardwalk, a hot, satisfying meal is the...

Haunted Places on the Long Beach Peninsula

Home to eerie sounding areas like Cape Disappointment, Dismal Nitch and the Graveyard of the Pacific, it’s no surprise that Washington’s Pacific County boasts a hearty helping of haunted houses… and hotels.

Fall Event Guide

Autumn might just be Pacific County’s best-kept secret! Fewer crowds and incredible weather are reason enough to plan a fall escape. The “hushed season” of fall adds a crisp breeze to the air and comfort to the soul. Mark your calendar, and celebrate the season at...

9 Romantic Places to Eat on the Long Beach Peninsula

There’s nothing quite like sharing a meal and a bottle of wine with someone special, especially when you’re at the beach. From intimate settings to mouthwatering flavors, these eight restaurants are sure to impress.

Join us for the Cranberry Harvest this October

October’s cranberry harvest has been a part of the peninsula’s culture for over a century. This tart, native berry brings more excitement than you might expect as the bogs are flooded for harvest and roadside stalls with fresh cranberries begin to pop up.

Live Music & Festivals in Pacific County

Enjoy live music every night on the Long Beach Peninsula. Be sure to mark your calendar for annual festivals!

42 Things to do in Long Beach, WA

Looking for things to do in Long Beach, WA? This beach town is a little slice of PNW life packed with every coastal activity you could imagine! Beach Activities 1. Walk on the beach There’s something to be said for a cool sea breeze. Revitalize yourself with a walk on...

Summer Event Guide 2022 for the LBP and Pacific County

The coast is calling and it's telling you to head to the Washington Coast. Are you ready for a summer break? Looking for some unforgettable experiences? The Long Beach Peninsula and Pacific County have an array of summer events for everyone! Find the perfect place to...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This