There’s no better way to spend your fall days then getting lost in a local corn maze. Portland families are surrounded with opportunities to wander through cornstalks, with family-friendly farms in just about every direction. The good news is that along with winding adventures, corn mazes are often accompanied by festivities that include activities like hay rides, petting zoos and more. Read on for more on all the a-maize-ing local favorites.
The Original Maize at the Pumpkin Patch
Just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Sauvie Island is a mainstay of fall festival lists. For 21 years, the Pumpkin Patch has been carving pathways into acres of corn, and inviting the public to challenge themselves to solve the puzzle. This year the theme mazes theme is “Bridgetown!” celebrating the bridges of Portland that connect us all along with the mountains, rivers and forests that surround our beautiful city. You and your gang can wander through over two miles of pathways, and don’t worry: you can pick up a “passport” with clues to help if you get lost. Hang out for refreshments at the Patio Cafe, then hop on a free hayride (October only) to pick out a pumpkin in the fields.
Safety: This year, the maze is still open for safe outdoor fun across its 8 acres. Masks will be optional throughout the MAiZE. We ask that you bring them to wear whenever encountering groups inside the MAiZE, while in the ticket line, and anytime 6’ distance is not obtainable.
Insider tip: Bring boots and raingear if the weather is wet! Things can get muddy.
16511 NW Gillihan Rd.
Sauvie Island
Sept: open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Oct: open daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
$8/adults (13 & up); $6/children (6-12) & seniors; free for children 5 and under
503-621-7110
Online: portlandmaze.com
Bella Organic
This Sauvie Island favorite takes a creative approach to their annual corn maze, with a changing theme that often includes giant letters carved into the corn. Impressive! This year’s theme is United Against Hate! We can all get on board with that.
The maze covers 2.7 miles of twists and turns within a 7-acre design. (Psst: Make sure to choose the best maze option for your group. There’s a second Haunted Maze on Fridays and Saturdays in October, not recommended for small children.) Food and beer vendors, along with classic fall activities like hayrides and pumpkins, make this a standout choice for local fun.
Safety: Masks are required inside the corn maze at all times.
Insider tip: All activities and outdoor vendors are cash only. Bring your flashlight to walk the maze after dark on weekends!
16205 NW Gillihan Rd.
Sauvie Island
Sep/Oct hours: Daily 9 a.m.-5p.m. (Fri.& Sat. until 10 p.m.)
503-621-9545
$8/adults (13 & up); $7/ seniors & children (6-12); free for 5 & under
Online: bellaorganic.com/corn-maze
Lee Farms
This energetic fall festival features a 3-acre corn maze, and that’s just the beginning. Enjoy hayrides, a giant slide, bouncy houses, farm animal visits, and even pony rides on the weekend. Plus, take your pick from over 27 varieties of pumpkins. Sample fresh apple cider and donuts, kettle corn, and treats from the bakery.
Safety: This year, the farm has changed a few things to help enhance safety. Masks will be required outdoors when you are unable to distance more than 6’ from others for anyone 5 years and older. Masks are required on all activities and hayrides.
21975 SW 65th Ave.
Tualatin, OR
Sept. 18- Oct. 31. Open Tue.-Fri. 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
General admission (ages 3 and up): $12 weekends; Wristband for activities/includes general admission: $24
503-638-1869
Online: leefarmsoregon.com/pumpkin-patch
Packer Orchards
If you’re up for a drive, Packer Orchards in the Hood River Valley boasts a wonderful corn maze, a kids-only corn maze, hay tower, and unlimited hayrides on the weekends. Check the calendar for flashlight-maze events as the days get shorter and Halloween approaches. After the maze, try your hand at pumpkin bowling before you pick one out to take home. And don’t forget to sample an array of fall treats, from apple pies and ice cream at the bakery, to jams and cookies in the sales barn.
Safety: Tickets will be sold online only to help limit the number of guests. Some activities may be impacted due to safety concerns.
3020 Thomsen Rd
Hood River, OR
Sep. 17 – Oct. 31, Open Mon. & Thur. 12 p.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sun. 10 p.m.-5 p.m.
$8/person ages 2 and up
Online: packerorchards.com
Vancouver Pumpkin Patch
Head over the bridge to the Vancouver Pumpkin Patch where a corn maze isn't the only fall fun you'll find. For only $10 you and your kids can visit a pumpkin patch, go on a hay ride, visit a petting zoo and wander through the corn maze. Take a stroll out to the u-pick portion of the farm to pick Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and beans all for $1.25 per pound. Mark the September 25 on you calendar. You don't want to miss the pumpkin patches opening day!
Open Sep. 25, Tue.- Sun. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
$10 admission
Online: vancouverpumpkinpatch.com
—Annette Benedetti
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