Organic Blackberry Picking Bonanza This Weekend at The Orchard at Meadow Lakes!

Mark your calendars for a juicy adventure at The Orchard this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 25–27, 2025, from 9 AM to 1 PM! For just $7 per person (kids under 5 free), you can pick up to 3 pounds of delicious blackberries using your own bowl or basket—no square plastic containers here! Unlike most farms that charge $4–$7 per pound, our flat $7 fee for a generous 3-pound haul is a sweet deal.

Here’s what to expect and how to navigate those thorny bushes for a fun, scratch-free day in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

What to Expect at Our Blackberry Picking Event

• Pick Up to 3 Pounds Per Person: For $7 per person, fill your own bowl or basket with up to 3 pounds of ripe blackberries in one trip. That’s enough for pies, jams, or snacking, and our cap ensures plenty of berries for everyone. Compared to per-pound pricing at other farms (often $12–$21 for 3 lbs.), this is a steal!

• Scenic Farm Experience: Stroll through our lush fields, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy a family-friendly outing. Wide rows make it easy for strollers, and the views are perfect for summer photos.

• Thorny Bushes, No Problem: Our blackberries have thorns, but we’ve got you covered with tips below to pick safely and avoid scratches.

• Farm Store Treats: After picking, visit our farm store for homemade blackberry jam, local honey, or fresh-baked goodies. Grab a cold drink or snack to enjoy on-site.

• Fun for All Ages: Kids under 5 pick free, and the open fields are great for little ones (with supervision). It’s a perfect way to make summer memories.

  
  

When: Friday–Sunday, July 25–27, 2025, 9 AM–1 PM daily.

Where: The Orchard at Meadow Lakes, Meadow Lakes, CA (halfway to Shaver Lake on Auberry Road!).

Cost: $7 per person, kids under 5 free, for up to 3 pounds of blackberries in your own container.

Tips for Thorn-Free Blackberry Picking

Our blackberry bushes have thorns, so here’s how to pick safely:

• Dress Smart: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes (like sneakers or boots) to protect your skin. Choose lightweight fabrics to stay cool.

• Gloves Are Key: Bring gardening or work gloves to shield your hands while picking. They’ll help you grab berries without squishing them or getting pricked.

• Pick Strategically: Reach for berries on the outer edges of bushes to avoid dense, thorny spots. Use one hand to gently move branches aside and the other to pick.

• Use a Tool: A small stick or long-handled spoon can help nudge thorny branches out of the way safely.

• Stay on Paths: Avoid stepping into thick undergrowth to prevent thorn snags. Keep kids close to steer clear of prickly areas.

• Choose Ripe Berries: Look for deep black, glossy berries that detach easily. Unripe (red) berries are tougher to pick and may lead you into thornier zones.

Ready to Pick?

Join us Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, July 25–27, from 9 AM to 1 PM for a delicious, family-friendly adventure. Check our website or call (559) 890-1022 for berry updates. See you in the fields!