Discover Finnriver Farm & Cidery: A Pacific Northwest Gem
Finnriver Farm & Cidery is an organic farm, orchard, and craft cidery nestled along a salmon stream in the beautiful Chimacum Valley on Washington’s north Olympic Peninsula. This land is rich with history, belonging to the traditional and contemporary territories of the S’Klallam (Nəxʷsƛ̕áy̕əm̕) and the Chemakum (Aqokúlo or Chìbakábḳʷ) peoples. Though the farm is a bit off the beaten path, it’s right at the forefront of the Pacific Northwest hard cider revival. Finnriver crafts ciders that honor historic hard cider traditions from around the globe while offering fresh, exciting takes on what fermented apples can be. Their approach? Growing and sourcing organic, wild-harvested, and seasonal ingredients to nurture a vibrant regional community food system.
The Heart of Finnriver: Community, Craft, and Connection
What really sets Finnriver apart? It’s their deep-rooted commitment to community and sustainability. Here’s a quick snapshot:
- Over 15 years of farming in the Chimacum Valley community
- Certified Organic farm and orchard, plus Salmon Safe certification
- Certified B Corporation cidery, emphasizing people and place
- Multiple branches of the Finnriver family tree: Finnriver Farm & Cidery, Chimacum Valley Grainery, and Stellar J Farms
- A year-round Cider Garden gathering space with cider on draft, live music, seasonal tours, and community events
- All ages welcome, with safety and responsible enjoyment encouraged
Experience the Cider Garden: More Than Just a Drink
The Cider Garden is where the magic happens—open year-round, it’s a welcoming spot for folks from all walks of life to gather, grow community, and reconnect to the land. Whether you’re dropping by for a cold craft cider, enjoying live music Friday through Sunday, or attending one of their seasonal events, there’s always something happening. Just a heads-up: a small cover charge (up to $5) kicks in 30 minutes before music starts, and all proceeds support the music program. Plus, kids under 16 are always welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Eat, Sip, and Picnic: Finnriver Kitchen and BYO Picnic Days
Hungry? Finnriver Kitchen serves up delicious local food Thursdays from 3 to 7:30 pm, and Fridays through Sundays from noon to 7:30 pm. But if you’re visiting on a Wednesday or before 3 pm on Thursdays, it’s BYO Picnic time! Bring your own food, enjoy the fresh air, and pair your picnic with one of Finnriver’s organic ciders—just ask the hosts for their top picks. It’s a laid-back vibe that invites you to savor the moment and the flavors of the farm.
Tasting Tours: A Journey Through the Orchard and Cidery
For those curious about the craft behind the cider, Finnriver offers tasting tours that take you through their organic fields and fruit trees, then into the ‘hall of tanks’ where fermentation magic happens. Along the way, you’ll sample six of their farmcrafted hard ciders and fruit wines. These tours dive into cidermaking styles, farm sourcing, sustainability initiatives, and the core mission that drives Finnriver. Weather and orchard care can shift the tour indoors to the Cider Barn, but the experience remains just as rich.
Finnriver’s Impact: Sustainable Development Goals in Action
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Supporting local food systems through organic farming
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Salmon Safe certification protects waterways
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Creating community-based economic opportunities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Certified B Corporation practices
- SDG 15: Life on Land – Promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity
Getting There and Staying Connected
Finnriver’s Chimacum Cider Garden is located at 124 Center Road, Chimacum, WA 98325. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy responsibly—if cider or other alcoholic beverages are on the menu, please plan for a designated driver. For questions or more info, reach out via email at info@finnriver.com or call 360-339-8478. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Finnriver offers a refreshing blend of tradition, innovation, and community spirit that’s hard to beat.
