Heaven for Berries, Hops, Canners & Cyclists
Public Coast Farm sits at the portal to Oregon’s beaches and famously rugged coastline. What makes this location so perfect is the synergy between climate and soil. Rich Willamette Valley jory soil is known for producing some of the finest wines anywhere, and the coastal influences of Sitka Spruce, sea mist and cooler morning temperatures make for ideal conditions for cultivating blueberries, fruit trees and hops.
FARM FOR THE FUTURE
Public Coast Farm is working towards a complete renewable energy operation. Currently, solar panels provide 100% of the power for our 5,000 foot greenhouse and additional panels help offset our cold storage. In 2021, ground water ponds will be installed to supplement irrigation, and 15,000 blueberry bushes are being converted to organic farming practices.
Farm History
This NW corner of Washington County was first settled around 1840 by pioneer Henry T. Buxton and his wife Rosana. Henry raised Shorthorn cattle, served in the legislature and helped create the area’s first school district. We can also thank him for establishing the first wagon road to Portland!
In more recent years, the farm was bought by legendary Ramblin’ Rod Anders, the host of The Ramblin’ Rod Show. Ramblin’ Rod’s children’s TV program was a big hit with Oregon families. Quite the character, Rod commuted into Portland each day via helicopter to tape the show, until his retirement in 1997. Today, 1400 feet of Cascade and Magnum hops have been planted right down his former airstrip; these now so-called “landing hops” will be used for making beer at Public Coast Brewing Co.
The Farm also lies along Dairy Creek, adjacent to the popular Banks Vernonia Scenic Bikeway–a mecca for cyclists and nature fans. Just a short jaunt off the Bikeway, we’re a scenic stop for gathering provisions from our farmstand and wandering the orchards. One day the monumental Salmonberry Trail, a rail to trail project connecting Portland to the Pacific, will run right through the heart of the Farm, along the Tillamook Railroad’s tracks slated for conversion to a bike trail.
