When Mother Nature decides it’s time to put on her annual autumn fireworks show, you don’t have to drive for hours or get on a plane to appreciate it. Still pumpkin-launching distance from Portland, the Wilsonville area’s farms, pumpkin patches, parks, wineries and restaurants are a change of scenery…but also of pace. With colors warming up and temperatures cooling down, now is the time to embrace fall in Wilsonville with activities that range from leaf-peeping to seasonal spooky shenanigans to seeing just how “farm-to-table” things can be in the Willamette Valley.
Explore a Spooky or Wholesome Local Family Farm
Frog Pond Farm (open now through Oct. 31) is a furry-friend-filled family farm where you can snap the classic pumpkin patch photo, hang out with (and pet, play with, and feed) some goats and other barnyard pals, and follow those up with a spooky farm walk in the evening. Weave through half a mile of forest and farm trails with a flashlight in hand, ready for the haunt just around the corner. The family-friendly edition lasts until just before dark, at which point darker forces prevail.
The main courses at French Prairie Gardens (also open now through Oct. 31) are their annual pig races, tractor wagon rides and mazes, but the dessert is always their scratch bakery’s October treats.
The Fall Harvest Festival at Fir Point Farms (open on Saturdays and Sundays now through Oct. 31) offers delights for the whole family, with pumpkin decorating, corn mazes and hay wagon rides.
The Harvest Festival at Lee Farms (open now until Oct. 31) features a traditional (or #retro on Insta) corn maze and hayride experience, in addition to the pumpkin patch and animal viewing pen. Less traditional (but equally thrilling) are the tricycles, jump pad and barrel wagon rides.
Bauman’s Farm has been outstanding in the field of pumpkins since the late 1800s, so they know a thing or two about making harvest a good time. Bauman’s Harvest Festival (running now until Oct. 30) showcases a petting zoo, pumpkin pyramids, apple canons, slides, jump pads and apple cider samples. Try to remember the last time you had a bad time sampling apple cider. Exactly.
Admire Mother Nature in Her Fall Finery
Among Wilsonville’s most recognized features are the giant white oaks that tower above Graham Oaks Nature Park. These marvels of nature beg to be seen at a slower pace, especially in the autumn. Ride your bike or take a walk through the stately trees and marvel at the rich and colorful transformation of the leaves.
Molalla River State Park also offers picturesque fall foliage. With short enough trails to be explored by the whole family, the park is large enough for driving, hiking, picnicking, fishing and boating. Pack your camera and hunt for the perfect fall photo.
Wilsonville’s oldest and largest park, Memorial Park, is the perfect place to catch the lush colors of an autumn sunrise or sunset along the half-mile Willamette River frontage. Meander through trails with plenty of stops to play along the way, including pickleball, big toys, basketball and tennis courts.
Dine and Sip from Farm to Table
It’s not just enophiles that get watery mouths at the first mention of “Willamette Valley.” The taste of Willamette Valley harvest awaits at The Kitchen at Middleground Farms farm-to-table experience. Sit underneath a gazebo or in a greenhouse, and both your table and your three-course-meal will be camera ready for the perfect autumn snapshot.
King’s Farm to Table may be a familiar name if you found yourself at the Wilsonville farmers market this year. This family owned and operated micro-farm embraces the farm-to-table experience, but while they provide the farm-fresh produce and ingredients, it’s your table. Enjoy all the benefits of a chef-planned menu right from the rows of the farm, without the hassle of grocery shopping.
The fall is also harvest time for many Oregon wineries. Savor tastings and enjoy tours from wineries around the Wilsonville area by taking a Wine Country trip.
This fall, fall in love with Wilsonville — either for the first time, or all over again. Stay in the heart of it all and plan your trip with one of our plug-and-play itineraries.