Spring means cherry blossoms in Eastern WA. See the sights on this driving tour
As spring conditions take hold of Eastern Washington, local flora undergoes noticeable changes.
From the flowers blooming to the beginning of many crops’ life cycles, the agriculture in Eastern Washington can define spring.
One noticeable change is the abundance of pink and white cherry blossoms across the region.
Cherries are a significant crop in Eastern Washington. The Evergreen State is the nation’s leading sweet cherry producer, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service.
One beloved local seller is inviting visitors to “enjoy the fleeting phenomenon” of spring’s cherry blossoms with a special driving tour.
What is Chukar Cherries?
Chukar Cherries has been based in Prosser since 1988.
The company dehydrates local cherries in warm air tunnels, bypassing the need for added sugars or preservatives, according to its website.
Chukar Cherries combines local cherries with chocolate and other snacks.
Earlier this year, the company’s Chipotle Cherries were named as a finalist in the Good Food Awards’ Snacks category.
When do cherry blossoms bloom in Eastern Washington?
Chukar Cherries is hosting a 2026 cherry blossom driving tour along “picturesque rural routes,” complete with free samples at the company’s factory headquarters in Prosser.
“Spring erupts across the region in late March to early April as temperatures rise,” Chukar Cherries said in a news release. “Chukar’s cherry blossom driving tour takes visitors past local orchards, vineyards and hops farms.”
The route is designed to be experienced by car, with blossoms and other noteworthy crops visible while driving.
Chukar Cherries also lists options for walking tours and photo opportunities in the region on its website.
According to Chukar Cherries, timing will be key for the best viewing experience.
Currently, cherries are expected to start blooming between Sunday, April 5, and Saturday, April 18.
Conditions are updated on the Chukar Cherries website as the season evolves, along with a list of wineries with “spectacular views of Yakima Valley agriculture.”
You can catch the best lighting in the morning and early afternoon, according to Chukar Cherries.
Where is the cherry blossom driving tour?
The driving tour route begins at the Chukar Cherries headquarters and retail store at 320 Wine Country Road in Prosser.
Participants can pick up complimentary samples of Chukar Cherries treats featuring local cherries and decadent chocolate, as well as a printed map with step-by-step directions for the tour.
The route follows Interstate 82 West toward Grandview, then continues along McCreadie Road, taking participants right past the original Chukar orchard.
Drivers travel along a few rural roads robust with crops beforelooping back around to I-82 to head home.
The “peaceful, scenic drive” showcases Washington’s agriculture as well as views of Mount Adams and the Horse Heaven Hills, according to the release.
Chukar Cherries suggests driving slowly to enjoy the views.
Are cherry blossom trees different from fruit trees?
There is a difference between cherry fruit trees and cherry blossom trees.
They produce similar fruits, according to Chukar Cherries, but are grown for different reasons.
Fruiting cherry trees are grown with the intent of harvesting cherry varieties for eating or preserving.
Cherry blossom trees are ornamental, and grown for their flowers.
You can tell the trees apart based on the color of their blooms. Fruiting trees have white blossoms while ornamental trees have pink blossoms.
Blossoms on ornamental cherry trees can last a few weeks longer than those on their edible counterparts, according to Chukar Cherries.