As autumn turns, Green Bluff growers offer taste of the season

Among the dozens of destinations dotting Green Bluff Growers’ annual map, the majority of small farms and orchards are vastly distinct.

Apple orchards and pumpkin patches have been the north-of-Spokane area’s staple for decades, but more recently the region has delved into the world of sourced-from-home beer and wine as well.

There are goats, market-style stores and, depending on the season, just about any fruit and vegetable. Come winter time, its Christmas tree farms evoke yuletide cheer.

The fall is Green Bluff’s sweet spot, though, a fact made evident by the stream of traffic on Mt. Spokane Road and the smiles on pumpkin-carrying children.

For stops such as Siemers Farm and Beck’s Harvest House – two of Green Bluff’s more popular attractions – it’s essentially an autumn-themed carnival.

From its four-story castle, corn shrub maze, pirate ship and ride-along minitrain, Siemers, which also has a petting zoo, caters to youth.

Food vendors, live music and arts and crafts – along with plenty of pumpkins – can also be found on the Siemers’ acreage.

Owner Donna Siemers said she enjoys providing family fun.

“It’s a good place to bring your kids because it doesn’t cost that much,” said Siemers, who was quick to mention the weekend camel rides. “You bring your kids to Silverwood and it costs about $35. Here, you don’t pay that much for a day of activities.”

Beck’s also goes all out this time of the year, namely for its annual Harvest House Fall Festival.

Every weekend until the end of October, Beck’s – known for its “world famous” pumpkin donuts – also offers a farm funland, including a corn maze and a sizable bouncy castle.

Most Green Bluff locations keep it small and sweet – literally – such as Hansen’s Green Bluff Orchard.

On 10 acres of apple land, Hansen’s boasts over 50 types of the fruit, its honey crisp being the fall season’s most popular.

“This is what we work for all season long,” said Derrick Hansen, riding a tractor deep in the orchards.

Green Bluff’s annual Apple Festival goes on every weekend through October.

“These next two weekends are the busiest for us,” Hansen said.

Hansen said he welcomes the high-volume foot traffic on his family’s orchard and store, which also sells an assortment of ciders.

“Where else can you walk up and shake something off a tree and eat it?” Hansen said. “Spokane is very fortunate to have this within driving distance.”

Green Bluff offers a stop for the most health conscious of consumers in the Strawberry Hill Nutrition farm.

For the last 35 years, Verne Fallstrom said he’s produced some of the best all-natural fruits and vegetables in the region.

“It doesn’t taste like anything in the store. It doesn’t taste like anything organic,” Fossland said. “With organic you still use several things. I use none of it.”