Merrit Orchard Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Merritt Orchard Park is a beautiful natural area located in the state of Oregon that offers visitors a unique outdoor experience.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is known for its picturesque apple orchards and stunning views of Mt. Hood. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the orchards or participate in various outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and bird watching.

One of the main attractions of the park is the apple harvest season that takes place from September to October. During this time, visitors can pick their own apples, enjoy fresh apple cider, and participate in various harvest-related activities. The park also offers a variety of family-friendly events such as picnics, concerts, and festivals, making it a great destination for people of all ages.

In addition to the apple orchards, Merritt Orchard Park boasts several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore the park's historic buildings and learn about the area's rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Merritt Orchard Park is a great destination for anyone looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're interested in hiking, biking, or simply relaxing among the apple trees, you're sure to find something to enjoy at this beautiful park. The best time to visit is during the fall months when the apple harvest is in full swing and the trees are at their most colorful.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References