Our Roots

Wade & Suzie Root

Wade is the fourth generation of the Root Family to raise cherries in the Mosier Valley. Their children, Cameron, Casey, Jessie and Bobbi have joined the operation carrying on the family tradition into the fifth generation.

Root Orchards, a sweet cherry farm, is located in beautiful Mosier Valley, nestled in the Cascade foothills of the Columbia River Gorge. Mosier Valley boasts some of the most picturesque vistas around. The climate, location, and soil all contribute to growing some of the finest cherries in the United State - if not the world!

We have over 100 acres of sweet cherries in various stages of production. Some trees are decades old, their productivity is rejuvenated with our pruning methods and are targeted for removal in the next year or so.

We have excavated old trees on some acreage and are in the process of renewing the land and planning our next plantings.

Other acreage has been replanted and in production from three to

15-20 years.

In addition, other acres were planted this year or last year and not yet in production.

Root Orchards is an Oregon Century Farm.

Amos and Hannah Root purchased land and began farming here in 1878. Most of their 8 children worked on the farm over the years.

Clyde, their youngest son, bought a 15 acres piece from Amos and Hannah in 1911 and began farming. He was joined by his wife, Christine in 1923. They bought several adjoining pieces over the years, farming and raising fruit until retirement.

Clyde and Christine's son Verne bought adjoining land in the early 1950's after returning from service in WWII he was joined by his wife Lois in 1953. Together they farmed alongside Clyde and Christine.

Verne and Lois bought additional acreage and later purchased the Clyde and Christine's pieces when they retired.

Wade and Suzie bought some adjacent land in the early 1990's; and farmed alongside Verne and Lois and then took over the operation when Wade and Suzie continue to farm, renewing and improving the land.

Their children, Cameron, Casey, Jessie and Bobbi join them in continuing the family tradition into the fifth generation.