It’s Cooler Up Here
Although Southern California doesn’t experience the change of the seasons quite like the rest of the country does, doesn’t mean we can’t get out and get to experiencing some iconic Fall traditions. Oak Glen, located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains is home to Southern California’s premiere apple growing orchards. The mile-high climate of Oak Glen provides a beautiful change of season, incomparable in Southern California. It’s always 10-15 degrees cooler than it is in the valleys and Inland Empire. Apple orchards cover the slopes laden with apple blossoms in the spring and apples in the fall. The scenery is like that of New England and only 90 minutes from Los Angeles on the way to Palm Springs.
Let’s Go Do Something!
I’m all about doing fun stuff – I often say “what can we do today that’ll show us something or take us somewhere we’ve never seen?” So we get out and we see and we do and we go as much as possible because life is about living! A few weeks ago we headed up Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen to go apple picking with our friends. We hadn’t been since my daughter was just a few months old so we were very excited to go.
All of the pictures on my site have a watermark, so if you steal it I WILL FIND YOU.
Only Go To The Best!
There are several farms and orchards that offer u-pick fruit and even several with the name “Riley”, however Riley’s Farm is the very best in my opinion. Nestled in the apple growing foothills of historic Oak Glen, Riley’s Farm is a working apple orchard and living history farm featuring pick-your-own fruit, living history education, dinner theatre, group banquet facilities and extended, historically-themed overnight stays.
Children of the corn
Riley’s Farm General Mercantile Building – Where you buy your apple bags and pick up some apple butter!
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack a lunch!
There are lots of shady spots that are perfect for a picnic lunch, then you can pick up a apple pie for dessert! - Be careful where you park!
Are we friends on facebook? Then you know why I suggest you park far, far, far away from people. Just ask my insurance deductible! - Where layers of clothing!
It was a hot day, but much cooler in Oak Glen and I was thankful we could take layers of clothing off as the weather became warmer the longer we stayed. - Bring Sunscreen!
Don’t get burned. - Bring lots of water to drink!
Riley’s Farm is a tourist type farm but does not provide water fountains or lots of trashcans. - Take lots of pictures!
That should be self explanatory - Don’t bring a stroller!
Riley’s Farm is full of hills and unpaved rocky paths ways that are kind of a nightmare for a stroller. - Buy one big apple bag and carry it yourself!
I made the mistake of purchasing two $10 apple bags so each of my older children would have one and I think buying one big bag for $18 would be better because I ended up carrying each of their bags anyway. - Check the website or call ahead of time to be sure there is a good crop of apples to pick!
If apple picking is what you seek then make sure they have a good crop to pick before you go. Otherwise you can pick pumpkins, pears or berries. - Wear comfortable shoes!
You’ll be doing lots of walking.
The U-Pick Details
The u-pick season at Riley’s Farm is open Labor Day thru Thanksgiving Weekend. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 to 4.
Each person who enters the apple orchard pays a $1 entrance fee, and there are three sizes of picking container to choose from based on crop availability:
Small bag for $10 (small bag measures 8.5″ x 5.5″ x 2.5″ and holds around 3.5 lbs. of apples)
Large bag for $18 (large bag measures 10.5″ x 8″ x 5″ and holds around. 9.5 lbs. of apples)
Half bushel boxes for $32 (approx. 22-25 lbs. of apples)
You pay your entrance fee and pick up your apple picking bags at the General Mercantile building located near the bottom of the farm. They will tell you there which orchard is opening for picking and they’ll give you a map of where to go. If you aren’t up for walking up to the top of the farm (I don’t blame you!) there is a wagon that’ll carry you up.
Riley’s Farm
12261 South Oak Glen Road
Oak Glen, California 92399
Phone: (909) 797-7534
More Information
The Apple Crew
