Guide to Oregon’s Pumpkin Patches

October 5, 2020

If autumn had a mascot, it would be the pumpkin. What better way to enjoy the crisp air and fall foliage than a day at the pumpkin patch? Whether you prefer your gourd tall and skinny, short and fat, or unusually shaped with warts all over, the hunt for the perfect pumpkin is a fine way to get into the harvest spirit. This year, your visit to the pumpkin patch will look a little different than you’re used to. Here’s where to go and what to expect at these pumpkin patches across the state. 

Portland Region

For more than 50 years, The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island has invited families to come onto its property and get into the spirit of fall with U-pick pumpkins, an animal barn and a corn maze. Expect the same this year, but with plexiglass barriers and face coverings in the produce market, on the free hayrides and in any other area where visitors cannot social distance. Another regional pumpkin patch favorite is Roloff Farms in Hillsboro, owned and operated by the stars of the television show “Little People, Big World,” which now offers a scenic trail walk experience. Hoffman Farms Store, with more than 140 acres in Beaverton, will also be open for pumpkin scouring this fall and is requiring that all visitors to the property, regardless of whether they’re inside or not, wear a face covering. The sixth-generation farm will host live music, roll out its pumpkin cannon and tote visitors around on a new Scholls Valley Railroad.

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Willamette Valley

Bauman’s Farm & Garden in Gervais is celebrating 125 years of business this year. Pumpkin seekers and corn-maze enthusiasts are invited to come enjoy the farm throughout the month of October. E.Z. Orchards in Salem is moving forward with its plans for their HarvestFest with a pumpkin patch, corn maze and farm animals. Organizers ask that you check their website for more details as they finalize their plans. Thistledown Farm in Junction City invites you to find your jack-o’-lantern at their pumpkin patch. The business is not offering any hayrides, corn maze or farm animals this year.

Southern Oregon

You’re sure to find the perfect pumpkin on the 8-acre pumpkin patch at Fort Vannoy Farms in Grants Pass, which will be open along with its corn maze. The farm asks that families keep their party size to 10 or less people and recommends visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Pheasant Fields Farm in Medford is also hosting visitors to its pumpkin patch, with other activities including a corn maze, a cow train and food concessions. The farm is limiting the number of visitors, so advanced ticket sales for timed entry should be purchased on their website. In Ashland, Valley View Nursery will not be hosting its harvest festival, but it’s still a good spot to find a pumpkin. Similarly, Kruse Farms in Roseburg will have a pumpkin patch, though it will not be offering any hayrides. 

Central Oregon

Smith Rock Ranch in Terrebonne has plans to open its pumpkin patch and offer activities in October with limited entry and no in-person ticket sales, so buy yours online early. The ranch is open for pumpkin and other produce sales Tuesdays through Sundays, with activities like a corn maze and pumpkin cannon offered Thursday through Sunday. Also in Terrebonne, DD Ranch invites you to its annual pumpkin patch as well as live entertainment, a petting zoo and pony rides, but no hayrides this year. Call first to confirm which activities will be offered.

Eastern Oregon

Echo Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, about 8 miles southeast of Hermiston, is open to pumpkin hunters as well as adventurers ready for its several levels of corn mazes, a hay-bale pyramid and a zip line, all with social-distancing measures in place. Call the farm to see what other events they’ll be offering in October. Val’s Veggies Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Baker City is hosting its annual pumpkin patch, offering activities like pumpkin golf, a night maze and live music on various days throughout the month. Make an appointment to visit during the farm’s weekday-only hours.

Oregon Coast

Mahaffy Ranch in Coos Bay is offering its annual U-pick pumpkin patch as well as hayrides, a corn cannon and a small petting zoo with face coverings required indoors, on hayrides and outdoors when social-distancing guidelines cannot be met. Near Tillamook, the Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze will be open every Saturday and Sunday in October, with hayrides and what they say is the largest corn maze on the Oregon Coast. 

Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge

At Liepold Farms in Boring, head out to the fall harvest festival for socially distanced activities like a corn maze and a Great Corn Race, which comes with the chance to win a free pumpkin. At Bushue’s Family Farm in Boring, online reservations are required for timed entry to the pumpkin patch to enjoy pig-train rides, farm animals, hayrides by reservation, photo stands, and plenty of space to run and play. The farm will also sell doughnuts, cider and dirt babies — kits that help show kids how to grow plants. Packer Farm Place’s annual fall festival is happening at Packer Orchards, about 7 miles south of downtown Hood River. The event includes a pumpkin patch, hay tower and kids’ play area with bouncy corral, corn maze and games. You can also find your pumpkin as well as U-pick fruit and flowers at Mt. View Orchards in Parkdale. There’s no fee to enter the property, and once you’re there, you can take a hayride, visit Carlos the steer, or fill your stomach with cider, doughnuts and pizza. 

What to Expect When Visiting Pumpkin Patches in Oregon

Plan well ahead by going online or calling the pumpkin patch you plan to visit, as some are requiring online reservations or advanced ticket purchases. Many pumpkin patches are encouraging or requiring face coverings, regardless of whether visitors are inside or outside on their property. Indoors, face coverings are required for everyone, including children as young as 5 years old. Many farms are encouraging visitors to come during off days and off hours to avoid crowds and better practice social distancing guidelines. They’re also asking for your patience as they implement these new rules. 

About The
Author

Emily Gillespie
Emily Gillespie is a travel writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, CNN Travel and Afar magazine. She’s lived in three of Oregon’s seven regions, currently calling Portland home. She and her husband look for every opportunity to hike to a view, bike through wine country and eat their way through a new city.

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