As the heat of summer gives way to crisp mornings and pleasant days, there’s no better time to get outside for that last good camp, hike, or picnic. Take advantage of fall harvest with a farmstand stop along the way.
How Do You Like Them Apples? Some Favorite Farmstands:
Edwards Family Farm
This family farm which dates back to 1922 has been run for the past 50 years by Ilse and Ronald Edwards. Everything they grow on their 20 acres – including a whopping 14 varieties of apples –is sold out of their farm stand which continues to thrive by word of mouth only. Fun facts: the farm supplied produce to Whitman College for 45 years and their produce is a fan of celebrated local chef Hannah MacDonald of Foodscape.
85124 Hwy 339 Milton-Freewater, OR
Ron LeFore Apple Farm
Ron’s father Aaron “Grandpa Bear” LeFore planted the first apple trees on the farm in 1946 and Ron, his wife, Dona, and daughter Angie now operate 210 acres of orchard. Rub apple harvest elbows with locals in the know at the Saturday fruit stand here where you can purchase varieties of “slightly flawed” apples at a sweet price. It’s your chance to get a taste of their coveted crop shipped all over the world.
54193 Hwy 332, Milton-Freewater, OR
Frog Hollow Farm
The Deitrich family is known for growing exquisite heirloom vegetables – wandering through their greenhouses, veggie and flower beds, children’s play area, and farm animal viewing, could make for a lovely day trip here. You’ll find locally grown apples and other fresh produce in the farm store which is full of other goodies including garden supplies, locally made home goods and gifts, artisanal foods, and local cheeses and meats.
174 Frog Hollow Road, Walla Walla
Fall Recreation
Falla Walla Marathon, 10k and Heroes 5k Run
On October 11, run with a view of expansive fields of golden wheat, grapevines, and fall foliage against the backdrop of the Blue Mountains. Be prepared for rolling hills and elevation gain on the half marathon and 10k; the 5k is flat and fast and serves as a fundraiser in memory of fallen first responders. Whatever the distance, you’ll be rewarded with a Finisher medal, a free local craft beer for those 21 and over, root beer for others, food truck treats, music, and high fives.
Jasper Mountain Reserve
This meticulously maintained private reserve and conservation area was once home to logging and ranching, but now welcomes hikers, trail runners, birders, and campers to its 330-acre wildlife sanctuary. There are three trail loops of varied lengths, difficulty and elevation gain offering stunning views of the Palouse, Blue Mountains, and Touchet River valley. An annual Trail Fest with races for both elite and recreational runners which benefits the Reserve.
Harris Park
This slice of paradise along the South Fork of the Walla Walla River and surrounding forested canyons is just 13 miles from Milton-Freewater. There are RV and tent sites along with cabins and covered shelters for events which you can reserve here. There’s also a pleasant day-use picnic area. The area makes for great hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and birding but note that the beloved South Fork Walla Walla Trail is still recovering from a massive flood in 2020 – only the first three miles are intact (and still breathtaking). Use with caution.
78689 S. Fork Walla Walla River Road, Milton-Freewater, OR
Bluewood and Umatilla National Forest
What makes for carving turns in powder in the winter makes for some challenging hikes in the fall at Bluewood. Check out Country Road trail, Tamarack, and Vintner’s Ridge for some killer views. Note that the parking lot is gated off-season so prepare to park outside and walk a half mile to the base of the mountain. There are great hiking options nearby in the
Umatilla National Forest, including the Touchet Middle Tie Trail, Touchet Corral Trail, and the Middle Point Ridge Trail.
2000 N. Touchet Road, Dayton, WA
Road Cycling
From flat and fast to rolling hills to killer climbs, all with specular views of the Blues, vineyards and farmland, some of the best road cycling in the great PNW can be found in Walla Walla. Check out the Walla Walla Valley Bicycle Map and Outside Walla Walla for routes and descriptions. Bicycle Barn is also great resource for all your cycling needs and offers several group rides weekly.
