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Your Guide to Oregon's Farm Stands, Markets and More
from 1859 Oregon's Magazine + Special Insert: Destination Resorts Northwest | September/October 2024
Fall Bounty
For Oregon’s freshest eats and experiences, check out these farm stands, markets, farm dinners and orchards around the state
written by Jean Chen Smith
When I think of fall, cooler temperatures, vibrant leaves and shorter days come to mind.
Delicious slivers of pumpkin pie, sweet potatoes topped with butter, savory Brussels sprouts and winter squash are not far behind. It is a time when farmers share their harvest with the community. In Oregon, we have no shortage of small, local farms to provide all the produce we need to head into our kitchens and create. Here are some of our favorite orchards, farm stands, markets and farm dinners around the state to hit this season. I know I will be visiting some of these bountiful gems—hope to see you there!
Northern Willamette Valley
The Portland State University Farmers Market, located on the campus, is open year-round every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring more than 100 vendors, it is one of the biggest markets in the state. With plenty of food offerings, flowers, local produce, fresh pastries and handcrafted gifts, it is one market not to miss. Although a smaller-scale offering, King Farmers Market, located in Northeast Portland, is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 5 through November 24. It features more than thirty vendors highlighting organic farmers such as Groundwork Organics and The Berry Patch.
Located in Canby, just south of Portland, family-owned TMK Creamery and Distillery offers unique, single-cow cheeses along with its very own Cowcohol sipping vodka, using leftover whey from cheesemaking. The creamery holds tours in addition to hosting events. The TMK food truck is open on the weekends and sells tacos, nachos and other grab-and-go meals. Liepold Farms is another family-run establishment. Situated in Boring, it offers year-round fruits and vegetables and hosts its annual Fall Festival Farm Stand, selling pumpkins, gourds and squash. Make sure to pick up a jar or two of the homemade organic fruit spreads, which pair well with bread and crackers.
Farms abound on Sauvie Island, which spans 24,000 acres, resting between Multnomah and Columbia counties. Just a short 10-mile drive from downtown Portland, it is home to the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, where visitors can spot bald eagles, cranes and blue herons. Stop by The Pumpkin Patch, which has both u-pick and pre-picked strawberries. There is a cow train for kids to ride, an 8-acre corn maze and a small gift shop. Stop by the Patio Cafe and grab some lunch.
Right up the road is Bella Organic, a family farm offering organic produce, wine and cider tastings and fun activities for kids. In the fall, the farm hosts its popular haunted corn maze, which is a big draw for those seeking a thrill.
In September, Alloro Vineyard hosts a seven-course dinner and wine pairing featuring fresh ingredients from its garden and local farms. The Whole Farm Dinner is a celebration of owner David Nemarnik’s Italian and Croatian heritage and the beginning of the harvest season. Executive chef Chris Smith, formerly of JORY at The Allison Inn & Spa, prepares a feast of mouth-watering lamb humanely raised on the farm with delectable vegetables, paired back to Alloro’s highly regarded pinot noir and chardonnay.
Mid-Willamette Valley
The Corvallis Farmers Market is a bustling hub of activity. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, from April through November (from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), vendors from all over the Willamette Valley gather to sell fresh fruit, vegetables, humanely raised meats, dairy and fresh-baked breads. Midweek, you are apt to find about twenty to thirty vendors lining First Street and up to seventy on Saturdays. My favorite stops here are Brandywine Fisheries for its fresh seafood and Gathering Together Farm for its freshly baked rosemary bread. Do not miss Boones Ferry Berry Farms for its berries, cherries, figs and grapes.
E.Z. Orchards, a family-owned and managed farm in Salem, is worth a visit because it offers something for everyone. The market features its famous fresh donuts in a variety of fruit flavors: strawberry, cherry, lemon, blueberry and raspberry. Shelves are stocked with fruit spreads, cider and fresh fruits and vegetables. The Shortcake Stand serves a fluffy homemade biscuit with ice cream and fruit topping—a delicious treat. Visitors from near and far come for the annual HarvestFest, where you will find a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo, hayrides and a corn maze. Admission starts at $4 per person for weekdays and $10 on weekends.
Located at the southern tip of the Willamette Valley, Eugene’s Saturday Market is considered one of the oldest markets in the United States Open every Saturday through November 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the lively open-air market boasts local produce, meats, artisans and an impressive food court selling Haitian, Mexican and Thai food, along with pizza and smoothies. Stroll through the aisles and explore the booths while enjoying live music and entertainment.
All across the Willamette Valley, Field & Vine Events partners with local wineries to host farm dinners amid vineyards and bucolic fields. The seven-course meal is served family-style, and guests are treated to a curated selection of locally sourced ingredients and responsibly raised meats. The events run throughout the year, with early spring and winter dinners held indoors. One of my favorites is hosted by St Josef’s Winery in late August. Located in Canby, just thirty minutes outside of Portland, it’s a great setting for a date night or anniversary celebration.
Southern Oregon
For more than 100 years, Valley View Orchard, formerly Wagner Orchards, has been offering thirty fruit varieties, including cherries, apples, pears and peaches. Certified organic, its season runs from June through September, and you can choose to u-pick or purchase from the farm stand. Get a jar of Valley View Orchard honey, which adds a touch of sweetness to teas and steel cut oats.
Ashland’s Tuesday Market is located at ScienceWorks Hands-on Museum at 1500 E. Main Street and runs March 5 through November 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Saturday Market is held 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4 through October 26 in downtown Ashland. The vibrant markets are host to numerous vendors selling handmade crafts, artisanal food and local produce. It is a great place to spend the morning, whether you are picking something up for yourself or as a gift.
Central Oregon
There is no shortage of offerings in this part of the state. Head to the popular Bend Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through October 9. Expect to find seasonal fruits, vegetables and locally raised meats. Another superb option is the NorthWest Crossing Saturday Farmers Market, which is located near The Grove food hall. The market is open every Saturday in the summer, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh eggs, handmade crafts and flowers.
Well Rooted Farms, also located in Bend, practices sustainable and regenerative farming. Although owners Frank and Janelle Maricle are first-generation farmers, they have spent their lives around agriculture and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others. Well Rooted is a veggie and pumpkin u-pick when in season, and it also offers high-quality, humanely raised meat through its farm club or local pickup at two farm stand locations: Redmond and Tumalo. In October, Well Rooted hosts a fall festival with plenty of fun activities for the kids and, of course, pumpkin picking.
Another popular market is in the town of Sisters, about a twenty-five-minute drive from Bend. At the Sisters Farmers Market, held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays from June through October in Fir Street Park, you can expect to find seasonal produce, meats, seafood, scrumptious pastries, eggs, fresh-cut flowers and mushrooms. Make sure to stop by the Dan’s Smoked Salmon booth for honey smoked steelhead; they also offer a delicious salmon spread, which is tasty on crackers and sourdough bread. Not Bread has some tempting gluten-free options, and Royal Juice Company offers organic juices and homeopathic extracts.
Visit Rainshadow Organics, a thriving 200-acre farm near Sisters featuring a wide assortment of organic vegetables, herbs, meats, eggs and grains. Family-owned and operated since the 1970s, the farm is a supplier to many of the area’s restaurants and grocery stores. While there, visit the farm store and stock up on quality meats and pantry items. I love purchasing the mixed salad blends, which seem to stay fresh for a long time. Treat yourself and your significant other to one of their hosted longtable dinners. It is a thoughtfully curated four-course meal using ingredients harvested from the farm with beautiful Central Oregon views as the backdrop. Dinners are held year-round, and tickets need to be purchased in advance.
Eastern Oregon
The Vale Farmers and Crafters Market is located at Hot Springs Trading Post in Eastern Oregon. Held every Saturday starting late June through October, the market is run by local farmers and crafters selling fresh produce, eggs and meat, along with arts and crafts.
La Grande Farmers Market is held May through October on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at Max Square in the downtown area. Boasting fifty or more vendors, the buzzing market is full of local produce, prepared food booths and artisans. Listen to live music as you meander the rows of seasonal fruits and vegetables. It also has many family-friendly events. On September 21, the Salsa Festival will feature a competition for the best salsa, along with live entertainment. The market’s biggest draw is its annual Fall Harvest Festival, which takes place October 19 and features kids’ games, face painting and a corn maze.
This year’s Grant County Farmers Market opened at a new location—The Pit Stop in John Day. The market runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and continues every Saturday until October, offering produce, prepared food and pastries, along with local handicrafts, jewelry and art.
