BANNING-BEAUMONT, CA — Fall is in the air across the San Gorgonio Pass, and apple season is underway in the orchards above Cherry Valley.
A short drive into Oak Glen offers U-pick apples, warm cider doughnuts, locally made treats and family-friendly attractions. Here are five ways to celebrate the season this weekend near Banning, Beaumont and Cherry Valley.
Apple picking is underway at Los Rios Rancho, Southern California's largest operating apple farm.
The historic ranch has welcomed visitors since 1906 and offers seasonal fruit picking, fresh-baked goods, slow-cooked meats, artisan items and access to nearby nature trails. U-pick apples are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, with no admission fee or reservation required.
Apple varieties and picking conditions can change quickly, so visitors should check the farm's current harvest update before leaving home.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Los Rios Rancho, 39611 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen
Admission: Free; picked fruit and other activities cost extra
More information: Los Rios Rancho
Fresh produce, baked goods and locally made finds will fill the Oak Glen Farmers Market during apple-season market days Saturday and Sunday.
The mountain market brings together farmers, food vendors, artisans and small businesses for a seasonal shopping stop that can easily be paired with a day of apple picking.
When: Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19-20
Where: Oak Glen
More information: Oak Glen Farmers Market
For many visitors, a fall trip to Oak Glen is not complete without a bag of hot miniature apple-cider doughnuts.
Snow-Line Orchard makes its doughnuts with the orchard's own apple-cider blend. Visitors can also browse locally grown apples, sample cider and wine, or relax beneath the orchard's shade trees.
Raspberry picking may also be available, depending on crop conditions.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: Snow-Line Orchard, 39400 Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen
More information: Snow-Line Orchard
Oak Tree Mountain combines apple-season treats with family attractions, shops and live weekend entertainment.
Admission and several activities are free, including the tricycle track, Bubble Barn, Play Tree and Inspiration Forest. Paid attractions include the mountain tubing slide, petting zoo and gemstone mining.
Visitors can also stop for caramel apples, barbecue or a slice of Apple Annie's mile-high apple pie.
When: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; attraction hours vary
Where: Oak Tree Mountain, Oak Glen
Admission: Free; some attractions cost extra
More information: Oak Tree Mountain
History and harvest season meet at Riley's Farm, a working orchard and living-history destination reached from the Beaumont, Cherry Valley and Wildwood side of Oak Glen.
Weekend visitors can check the farm's U-pick board for available fruit, stop for baked goods or explore the Colonial Farm. Activities may include archery, tomahawk throwing, candle dipping, weaving and other demonstrations, with separate fees for some experiences.
Because fruit availability depends on the harvest, visitors should check the farm's weekly update before heading up the mountain.
When: Saturday; hours and activities vary
Where: Riley's Farm, 12261 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen
More information: Riley's Farm
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