Apple-picking season is back at Oak Glen farms and orchards in San Bernardino Mountains

Summer has been hot in Southern California. But everything is chill in Oak Glen, according to apple growers who are awaiting a fall influx of visitors.

“We enjoy living here, but it’s more fun sharing,” said Alison Law-Mathisen of Mom’s Country Orchards.

U-pick apple season kicks off Labor Day weekend in Oak Glen, which is about 4,700 feet above sea level. Forecasts call for cool weather with highs in the 70s, around 10 degrees less than Los Angeles.

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Prices and variety vary by orchard, and not every orchard offers u-pick, but the prices range from $3-$6 a pound.

The mountain community is “absolutely bursting with harvest,” Rancho Los Rios posted on its Instagram page. The ranch’s crops include apples, raspberries, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers and zinnias.

Businesses don’t seem too concerned about Hurricane Marie, out in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to bring high tides to the beaches over the weekend. Current forecasts suggest it will be mostly dry at Oak Glen. Still, some meteorologists are warning about the possibility of rain.

People come to the mountains to experience nature, which can have a downside. Fires and flooding have wreaked havoc during recent harvest seasons. Last September, the remnants of Tropical Storm Mario triggered mud flows from burn scars left by the El Dorado Fire in 2020.

Oak Glen experienced a warm winter, and if apple trees don’t get enough chill it can stunt the autumn crop. Michael Hudson of Snow-Line Orchard said he didn’t see much effect, adding, “I don’t know if trees adapt.”

Law-Mathisen said in a phone interview that hungry bears have been feasting in her orchards.

“They’re not even our bears. They come from Yosemite,” she said, referring to a transfer of black bears by the federal government decades ago. Law-Mathisen’s parents were Oak Glen farmers during that time. She said today’s farmers have learned to diversify and offer more than u-pick apples. She’s concentrating on her local jams, preserves, nut butters, honeys and “the best apple butter on the mountain” in her shop at 38695 Oak Glen Road.

“We have jams to the rafters ready to go,” she said.

Hudson said he has a fine crop of u-pick raspberries. Snow-Line, at 39400 Oak Glen Road, is also known for its apple cider mini doughnuts. Other attractions include restaurants, shopping and special events such as live music, dinner theater and farm-to-table dinners.

The Oak Glen Apple Growers Association lists seven farms as well as shops, eateries and lodgings.

Information: oakglen.net