Hello gourd-geous
Stalk up for Halloween at Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch
By Chelsea Yarnell
For the TODAY
The Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch will give ‘em pumpkin to talk about.
Boasting thousands of gourds and u-pick pumpkins and the biggest corn maze on the Oregon Coast, the patch will operate every Saturday and Sunday in October from noon to 5 pm. 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.
“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.”
Once at the farm, grab a wagon near the farm’s rustic “small barn” and head out into the patch. Scoop out the perfect pumpkin choosing from classic, specialty bi-colored and unconventionally shaped pumpkins and gourds.
“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.”
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,” where live actors create an immersive experience that sends visitors screaming. The haunted nights will be hosted Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, from dusk to 10 pm and are recommended for visitors aged 13 and older. Admission is $12 with a portion of the profits going back to the Lil’ Titans hunting program.
The Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch is hosted by 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. Parking and entrance to the farm is free. All pumpkins are priced according to size. The corn maze is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.
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.
The Kilchis River Pumpkin Patch is located at 9455 Kilchis River Road in Tillamook. For more information, call 503-815-3762.