By Chelsea Yarnell for Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch
It’s that time again to let the gourd times roll at the Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch.
“People who come here, remark about how family-friendly and non-commercial it is,” Owner Patrick Zweifel said. “It is very relaxed. People come with their families and a basket of food and hang out for several hours.”
Boasting thousands of gourds and u-pick pumpkins, and the biggest corn maze on the Oregon Coast, the Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch will operate every Saturday and Sunday in October from noon – 5 p.m. Get the full, down-home experience with free hay-rides behind one of the farm’s tractors, or snap a cute family picture at one of multiple photo booths.
“It’s a different kind of pumpkin patch in a beautiful, remote, authentic and relaxed setting,” Zweifel said. “Come for the afternoon and enjoy the good, wholesome family fun.”
Once at the farm, grab a provided wagon near the farm’s rustic “small barn” (which now boasts a water feature) and had out into the patch. Scope out the perfect pumpkin choosing from classic, specialty bi-colored and unconventionally shaped pumpkins and gourds.
Want to get lost? The five-acre corn maze is a unique design with miles of trails and possibilities.
“I used to look at maze pictures on Google or Pinterest to come up with ideas and adapt to our space,” Zweifel said. “But, the past few years I came up with my own design. Sometimes this is laid out on graph paper beforehand, other times I freehand it in the maze.”
Taking the maze from “light” to “fright” are the two nights of the “Maze of Murder.” Live actors in the maze create an immersive experience the send visitors screaming. The haunted nights will be hosted Friday and Saturday night, Oct. 24 and 25 from dusk to 10 p.m. Ages 13+ is advised. Admission is $12. Fifty percent of admission profits will be donated to the Lil’ Titans hunting program.
The Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch is hosted the Hydrangea Ranch: one of Oregon’s premier flower farms. The pumpkin patch is a rare time to experience its beauty.
“It’s the best opportunity for people to visit and walk around the farm,” Zweifel said. “It is closed to the public the rest of the year and only open for special events. Now is their chance.”
The Patch will be every weekend in October: Oct. 4-5; Oct. 11-12; Oct. 18-19; Oct. 25-26. Parking and entrance to the farm is free. All pumpkins are priced according to size. The corn maze is $7 for adults and $4 for kids 12 and under. All major credit cards accepted.
The barns and venue seen at the Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze are also available for rent for company parties, customer appreciation, or other events. For more information on the venue, call 503-815-3762.
The Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch is located at: 9455 Kilchis River Rd, Tillamook OR 97141. Follow the signs for parking near the small barn.