There’s something magical about September in Cle Elum. The crisp mountain air, golden leaves starting to turn, and the sweet scent of ripe apples waiting to be picked. Just a 90-minute drive from Seattle, Cle Elum offers West Side families the perfect excuse to trade in city traffic for mountain trails, baskets full of apples, and memories made in the Cascades.
Where to Go Apple Picking Near Cle Elum
Here are a few favorite local orchards and U-pick spots that bring fall to life:
- Umtanum Orchards Conservancy (Ellensburg) – Known for its historic heirloom apples, this orchard is perfect if you love rare varieties. The rustic setting and mountain backdrop make it an Instagram-worthy stop. Great for families who want a more educational, “heritage fruit” experience.
- Ellensburg Canyon Winery & Orchards – Combine apple picking with cider and wine tasting. After filling your basket, sit back with a glass of crisp hard cider while soaking in views of the Yakima River Canyon. Perfect for a couples’ day trip.
- Olmstead Place State Park (Ellensburg) – This historic farm has century-old apple trees that make for a picture-perfect picnic spot. Think wide open fields, vintage barns, and a backdrop straight out of a fall postcard.
- Thorp Fruit & Antique Mall (Thorp) – Not a U-pick, but a must-stop for anyone headed east of the pass. Pick up crates of apples, grab cider, and wander through the antique shop. Bonus: the rooftop deck has sweeping valley views for family photos.
- Roslyn Farmers Market (Sundays in September) – While not a traditional orchard, this market is full of local apple growers, cider makers, and baked-good vendors. It’s a fun way to sample the bounty of the season and meet the small-scale growers who give the Upper Kittitas Valley its charm.
From Apples to Adventure Homes
Apple picking is just the start—cider doughnuts, fresh-pressed cider, downtown coffee shops, hikes, breweries, and mountain views all add to the charm. But here’s the secret: when you come for the apples, you fall in love with the lifestyle. Side-by-sides in town, neighbors around firepits, trails outside your door—it’s the everyday magic Skyline Ridge was built for. Imagine ending the day at your own mountain retreat with evergreens, space for family, and amenities like parks, sports courts, and a future lodge. It’s not just a getaway—it’s a way of life.
Plan Your September Escape
This fall, skip the crowded pumpkin patches and take a short drive east. Cle Elum is waiting with fresh apples, mountain views, and a community that makes you want to stay a little longer.
