The clear waters, fertile soil, and rain of the McKenzie River Valley has always made it a great place to grow food. The berries are so abundant that McKenzie Bridge used to be called Strawberry Prairie. The Molalla Tribe’s name comes from a corrupted word for huckleberry. Hops grew easily and was planted every year on the McKenzie and the Willamette Valley before prohibition in 1920.

The Goodpasture Family farmed the land along the McKenzie River for many different types of crops and filbert nut orchards. The Goodpasture Family Farm is just one of many along the McKenzie River. Today, if you want fresh fruit and vegetables you can stop by Herrick Farm in Cedar Flat or Organic Rednecks in Leaburg. Vernon and Paula Herrick started their farm in 1980. They’re open seasonally and has mostly family work the farm. They sell hanging baskets, potted plants, rhubarb, strawberries, onions, cherries, broccoli, zucchini, jams, jellies, and so much more. They also have U-pick Blueberries for $2.00 a pound during the season. Organic Redneck is a small family farm that grows fruits and vegetables and sells other things like local honey and hazelnuts.