The great pumpkin has arrived. Oregonians love the autumnal transition that brings many colors to the world around us. It’s that time of year where you grab your favorite sweater and boots and head off to the pumpkin patch to enjoy with your boo or whoever you bring along.

The Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island

One of the most popular pumpkin patches is located on Sauvie Island, about 40 miles from the college. The popularity comes from the different designed corn mazes that they offer that relate to Oregon.

In past years, Sauvie Island has had a Voodoo Doughnut maze, a Portland Timbers maze and Oregon Ducks maze to name a few. These mazes bring in visitors from all over the country.  They offer both a regular corn maze and haunted mazes for anyone who is up for a scare. Parking and admission are both free though there’s an added fee for the various activities. They have onsite food along with beer from local vendors for anyone 21 and up.

You can also buy fresh produce from the farm. Although online they’re listed as accepting both cards and cash, we found that they only accept cash. ATMs are available but have really long wait times. Come prepared and bring some cash.

The standard corn maze costs $8 while the haunted maze costs $15. You can also get a combo pass if you plan on going on both. The combo pass will set you back $20 with a $3 savings if you get each ticket individual. Their corn maze has two different activities you could do while trying to find you way out of the maze. It makes the maze more fun by having you solve different puzzles around the maze. This is as simple as a pumpkin patch can get while not getting overwhelming. If you plan on going in the weekend, be prepared for a long wait in traffic. It’s best to go early morning. The Pumpkin Patch is open Sunday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bauman’s Farms in Gervais

A 30-minute drive from campus will take you to this plentiful pumpkin patch. Bauman’s Farms is one of the biggest here in Oregon. They have been operating since 1895 and it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing. Not only do they offer the basics like a pumpkin patch and corn maze, they have 25 activities to do. They have giant award-winning pumpkins on display. They have even had world records set here like the world’s biggest squash that was grown here in Oregon in 2016.

At Bauman’s Farms, you can find fresh produce you can buy along with a lot of plants that are also available for purchase. Bauman’s also offered free apple tasting and live apple cider making. You can try apple cider that had just been squeezed seconds before. It doesn’t get any fresher than that.

Bauman’s has plenty of photo ops scattered all over the farm. They have characters that walk around taking photos along with face painting and a lot of decorated hay bales. Parking is free. Saturday/Sunday admission is $8 for general admission and $20 for an unlimited wristband giving you access to all the activities on the farm. Weekday admission (Monday through Friday) is $6 general admission and $14 unlimited wristband. Expect lots of people and long lines on the weekend. Bauman farms is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fir Point Farms in Aurora

Located just 30 minutes south of Portland, Fir Point Farms is a small local pumpkin patch that is easily accessible right off I-5. Not only does Fir Point offer a six-acre pumpkin patch, but they also have many other activities that are perfect for kids like giant slides, hay rides, a cow train and bounce houses. 

The extra activities cost $3 each or you can get a $14 all day pass for everything. Their six-acre corn maze costs $5, making it one of the cheapest. Fir Point is known for having the freshest doughnuts and pastries. All of their ingredients are farm fresh and are baked fresh daily. Fir Point has the best apple cider doughnuts. They’re hot and fresh and they are the most popular. You can always call ahead to reserve a dozen or make a custom order. Apart from doughnuts, they also offer apple cider and fresh pies. If you’re more on the hungry side, they also make sandwiches. Fir Point is a great place with plenty to do without breaking the bank. Fir Point has free admission and parking and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed Mondays.