With fertile farmland, coastal waters, and varied climates, Washington’s agricultural bounty makes the state a perfect destination for foodies. From locally grown Rainier cherries and crisp apples to wild mushrooms, lentils, and Yakima Valley hops, Washington State foods shape a vibrant culinary scene rooted in seasonality. Discover local flavors at farmers’ markets, u-pick farms, and farm-to-table restaurants. Whether you’re sampling fresh seafood, seasonal produce, or craft beverages, you’re sure to have a flavorful experience in Washington.
Find local farms and more throughout Washington with Eat Local First’s Food & Farm Finder.
What Food is Washington State Known for?
Washington is known for wine, craft beer, coffee, fresh seafood like Dungeness crab, and produce such as apples, cherries, berries, hops, lentils, and wine grapes. According to the Washington State Department of Agriculture, Washington is the country’s top producer of blueberries, apples, hops—more than 70% come from the Yakima Valley—pears, and sweet cherries. It also leads the country in farmed shellfish, especially oysters and clams.
Washington State Foods to Try: Seafood
Dungeness Crab
This crab gets its name from the small community that first fished it commercially near the Dungeness Spit on the Olympic Peninsula. Each year, recreational crabbers pull in more than 1.5 million pounds of crab, with commercial fishers hauling in many times more. The annual Dungeness Crab Festival in October in Port Angeles is the perfect time to sample all things crab. This delicacy is often enjoyed dipped in warm butter, in crab cakes, or in crab rolls. You can also try crabbing for yourself. Check the Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife for locations and license requirements.
Also See: Shellfish Harvesting Guide
Salmon
In Washington, chinook (also known as king), coho, and sockeye varieties appear frequently in markets and at restaurants throughout the state. You’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy salmon here. Try it grilled on cedar planks, smoked, or even served as a burger. Many Native American tribes host public salmon barbecues throughout the year, while local seafood markets often sell fresh or smoked options. You can also try your hand at catching salmon yourself on a guided tour along the coast.
Oysters
This bivalve is beloved by seafood fans for its briny flavor, which can vary depending on where it’s harvested. While oysters can be found throughout the waters of the Salish Sea, including Hood Canal, the majority of the state’s oysters come from Willapa Bay. Visitors can enjoy multiple varieties, from common Pacific and Olympia oysters to Summerstones and snappy Virginicas. Slurp raw oysters or enjoy other preparations at oyster bars and farms throughout the state. Popular spots include Hama Hama Oyster Saloon in Hood Canal, Westcott Bay Shellfish on San Juan Island, and Tayloy Shellfish Farms, which has multiple locations.
Also See: Salish Sea Oyster Road Trip
Geoduck
Geoducks (pronounced “GOO-ee-duck”) are the world’s largest burrowing clam, typically weighing 2-3 pounds. While these massive clams are abundant in the inland waters of Puget Sound, they aren’t as common on restaurant menus as oysters and salmon. Often described as firm or slightly crunchy, geoduck is often served raw as sashimi. Try it at Taylor Shellfish Farms, where it’s served as sashimi with wasabi and soy sauce or in a salad.
Washington State Foods to Try: Produce
Apples
Washington is the leading producer of apples in the country, with between 10 to 12 billion apples picked annually. From sweet to tart, there’s an apple for every taste. Common varieties include Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Cripps Pink, and Cameo, and new varieties continue to be created. Try them fresh from the tree at a u-pick farm or in a warm pie for dessert. And apples aren’t just for eating. A growing number of cideries offer visitors the chance to sample orchard-to-glass libations.
Rhubarb
Tart and vibrant, rhubarb is a staple of spring and early summer. Often paired with strawberries, rhubarb is baked into pies, crisps, and jams, or used in craft beverages. Much of the state’s crop comes from Pierce County, with the town of Sumner billing itself as the “Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World.” Each summer, the town celebrates the harvest during Rhubarb Days, where visitors can sample rhubarb treats and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
Blueberries
A summer favorite known for a sweet-tart flavor, blueberries are one of Washington’s top crops. Many blueberries are grown in Whatcom County and neighboring Skagit Valley in northwest Washington. Enjoy them freshly picked, baked into pies and muffins, blended into smoothies, or as jams. Farms like Boxx Berry Farm, Barbie’s Berries, and Bow Hill Blueberries are popular spots to harvest your own.
Raspberries
These bright, flavorful berries ripen in summer and are enjoyed fresh, baked into pies and pastries, or made into jams and sauces. Visitors can experience raspberry season at u-pick farms and farmers’ markets across northwest Washington at spots like Barbie’s Berries and Joe’s Garden.
Sweet Cherries
Washington produces multiple varieties of sweet cherries, including the beloved Bing and Rainier. Named for Mount Rainier, these sweet, yellow-orange cherries were developed in 1952 as a cross between the Bing and the Van. While cherries are often enjoyed fresh, you’ll also find them in desserts and savory dishes. During the summer season, head to the Yakima Valley or north-central Washington to visit orchards and roadside fruit stands. Thompson’s Farm offers u-pick cherries from late June to early July.
Lavender
While Washington is home to dozens of lavender farms, the town of Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula bills itself as the “Lavender Capital of North America.” Every summer, dozens of lavender fields burst into fragrant bloom, and the town marks the occasion with a Lavender Festival in July. While the plant is often used to make oils and beauty products, the edible flowers can appear in teas, baked goods, and more.
Lentils
More than 62,000 acres of lentils are grown in Washington, primarily in the rolling hills of the Palouse in eastern Washington. Find these hearty legumes in soups, salads, and other plant-based dishes. Each summer, Pullman hosts the National Lentil Festival, which celebrates the region’s agricultural roots. Visitors can explore the scenic countryside and sample lentil dishes at local restaurants and cafes in Pullman and nearby towns.
Also See: Driving the Palouse Scenic Byway
Wine Grapes & Washington Wine
Washington is home to 21 AVAs and more than 1,000 wineries producing world-class wines. Wine grapes thrive in regions like the Yakima Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Columbia Valley, and Red Mountain, where varietals like cabernet sauvignon, merlot, riesling, and syrah are grown. Visitors can enjoy tastings at vineyard estates and boutique wineries, as well as seasonal harvest events.
Also See: Discover Washington’s Wine Country
Hops & Craft Beer
The fertile Yakima Valley accounts for more than 70% of the country’s total hop acreage. Hops fuel Washington’s thriving craft beer scene, and the region has embraced the hype with tours and the annual Fresh Hop Ale Festival. Thirsty visitors can taste their way through hop country on Yakima’s beer bus, the Little Hopper.
Also See: Best Destinations for Beer Lovers
Mushrooms
Washington’s forests are home to multiple varieties of wild mushrooms, including prized chanterelles. Each fall, these mushrooms appear on seasonal menus and are a treat for those who enjoy their earthy flavor. Try them in soups, pastas, and risottos. Visitors can even try their hand at mushroom foraging on a guided outing at Mount St. Helens and other areas.