September 18; 10 am - 12 pm Fall Farm Tour
$5.00 Out of stock Quantity: 1 Add to Bag Product Details 2 hour Fall Farm Tour includes: apple cider pressing demonstration, a short introduction to Apple Farming, parking, and picnic site! $5 per person age 4 - adult; kids 3 and under are free to accompany a paying adult. Apple picking is not included with your entry fee, but can be purchased on site with cash or credit card. $20 for a half peck bag. Important Info 1. All sales are final. No refunds or time/date transfers allowed. 2. Must be parked and checked-in 10 minutes prior to your reservation time. 3. Have proof of purchase ready upon arrival. 4. Pricing is based on admission for everyone in the group age 3 to adult. 5. Kids aged 3 and under are free to accompany a paying adult. Tickets No paper tickets will be sent. An order confirmation from Ecwid will be sent to the email address you provide. The order number in your email confirmation is all that is needed to check-in. Please double-check the accuracy of your email address before purchasing. Save this product for later Favorite My Account
What to Expect on the Day of Your Tour
Your Fall Farm Tour begins at the designated meeting area near the main parking lot. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved time so you can check in, use the restroom, and gather your group. A friendly Crosscut Farm team member will greet you, confirm your order number, and give a brief safety overview before the tour sets off. The tour runs rain or shine, so please dress for the weather and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground and grass. The route is approximately one mile in total and includes gentle slopes, so most guests find it comfortable, but please let us know if you have mobility concerns and we will do our best to accommodate.
During the tour, you will be part of a small group, typically 15 to 25 people, which allows for plenty of questions and personal interaction. The pace is leisurely, with stops for demonstrations and photo opportunities. You are welcome to bring a camera, but please leave drones and large tripods at home, as they can distract from the experience for other guests. Strollers and wagons are permitted, though some sections of the orchard have narrow rows; a baby carrier may be easier for little ones.
Apple Cider Pressing Demonstration
One of the highlights of the Fall Farm Tour is the live apple cider pressing demonstration. You will see a traditional hand-crank press in action and learn how fresh apples are transformed into sweet, unfiltered cider. Our guide will explain the difference between sweet cider and hard cider, discuss which apple varieties we grow for pressing, and share tips for making cider at home. The demonstration lasts about 20 minutes and includes a tasting of the day's fresh-pressed cider (while supplies last).
Please note that the cider served during the tour is unpasteurized and may not be suitable for pregnant individuals, very young children, or anyone with a compromised immune system. If you have concerns, you are welcome to observe without tasting. The pressing area is covered, so the demonstration continues even in light rain.
A Short Introduction to Apple Farming
Our orchard team will give a concise, engaging talk about what it takes to grow apples in the Pacific Northwest. You will learn about the annual cycle of an apple tree, from winter pruning to spring bloom, summer thinning, and autumn harvest. We will discuss common pests and diseases and how we manage them using integrated pest management (IPM) practices that minimize chemical inputs. You will also hear about the history of Crosscut Farm, our commitment to sustainable agriculture, and the specific varieties we grow, including Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and heirloom types.
This portion of the tour is designed for all ages and backgrounds. No prior farming knowledge is needed. Children are encouraged to ask questions, and our guide often brings visual aids such as pruning shears, grafting tape, and apple blossoms (in season) to make the concepts concrete. The talk takes place in the orchard itself, so you can see real examples of the practices being described.
Picnic Site and On-Site Amenities
Your tour fee includes access to our designated picnic area, which is available for your use before or after the tour. The picnic site features shaded tables, trash and recycling bins, and a portable restroom. You are welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that Crosscut Farm does not sell meals or snacks on site, though fresh apples and cider are often available for purchase near the check-in area. Alcohol, smoking, and vaping are not permitted anywhere on the farm.
If you plan to picnic, we recommend bringing a blanket or tablecloth, as the tables are first-come, first-served. The picnic area is a short walk from the parking lot, so a small cooler or wagon can be helpful. Please pack out everything you bring in and leave the area as you found it. Dogs are not allowed on the farm, with the exception of service animals.
Apple Picking and U-Pick Options
While apple picking is not included in your tour admission, you are welcome to purchase a U-pick bag on site. As mentioned above, a half peck bag is $20 and can be shared by up to two people. The U-pick area is separate from the tour route, and you may pick before or after your tour, depending on availability. Our staff will direct you to the rows that are open for picking on the day of your visit. Please follow all posted signs and only pick from designated trees; this ensures a good experience for everyone and protects the health of the orchard.
If you are interested in a more in-depth U-pick experience, we offer dedicated U-pick sessions on other dates. For example, check out the October 1st U-pick and Demo 1 PM -3PM or the October 1st U-pick and Demo 3 PM -5PM. These sessions include a guided picking experience and are a great complement to the farm tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bring my own bag for apple picking? No, only Crosscut Farm-provided bags are allowed for U-pick. This helps us track harvest and maintain fair pricing. The half peck bag is available for purchase at the check-in table.
- Is the tour wheelchair accessible? The main paths are gravel and grass, which can be challenging for some wheelchairs. We recommend contacting us in advance to discuss your specific needs; we will do our best to accommodate.
- What happens if it rains? The tour runs rain or shine. Please bring rain gear and umbrellas. In the event of severe weather (lightning, high winds), the tour may be delayed or canceled for safety; if canceled, you will be notified via the email you provided at checkout.
- Can I transfer my ticket to a friend? Yes, you may give your ticket to someone else. They will need to present the order number and the name on the order at check-in. No changes to the date or time are allowed.
- Are there other tour dates available? Yes, we offer several Fall Farm Tours throughout September. For example, see September 21, 10 am - 12 pm Fall Farm Tour, September 16, 1 pm - 3 pm Fall Farm Tour, September 16, 10 am - 12 pm Fall Farm Tour, and September 16, 3 pm - 5 pm Fall Farm Tour.