Looking for a slice of the Snoqualmie Valley’s
traditional rural character? Visit a farm to get a pumpkin in hopes of
finding the perfect jack-o’lantern.
Some farms concentrate solely on growing
pumpkins. Others turn the hunt for the perfect pumpkin into a fun
event with hay rides, animals and hands-on activities for the
children.
Some choices:
Carnation Tree Farm, 31523 N.E. 40th,
Carnation, (425) 333-4510. It’s at the south end of Carnation, across
from Tolt Middle School.
Besides you-pick pumpkins, the farm is turning its gift
shop into a Halloween bazaar. Don’t miss the scary corner and
animated items. Open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. weekends, beginning
Oct. 9.
Fall City Farms, 3636 Neal Road S.E., Fall City, (425)
222-7930. From Fall City, head north on Highway 203 and turn
west on Neal Road.
You-pick pumpkins, tours (featuring hay rides) for all
ages and visits with the animals are part of the fun. Bring your
boots. Especially fun are the pumpkin house and the sunflower
house (you can have a tea party in the sunflower house). A special
beekeeping demonstration is scheduled for Oct. 16.
During October, the farm is open 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
(or dusk) Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Remlinger Farms, 32610 N.E. 32nd, Carnation, (425)
333-4135. The farm is south of Carnation, just across the Tolt River.
There’s something for everybody at this farm. Children
(and some adults) will love all the fun of the Harvest Festival,
while others can relish in the fresh produce, including pumpkins,
or even pick their own. The Harvest Festival requires a gate
fee, which allows unlimited use of all rides, shows
and attractions. Remlinger Farms has plenty of fun stuff: an animal petting
barn, pony trail rides, steam train rides, a toddler play area,
inflatable slides, a hay jump and hay maze, a rollercoaster, carnival
games, stories in the Johnny Appleseed homestead and performances
by the always popular James the Puppeteer.
The Harvest Festival is open 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday
and Sunday (the admission gate closes at 3:30) during
October. The produce store is open 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily. The
you-pick pumpkin patch is open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday.
Wells Farm & Nursery, 32925 S.E. Issaquah-Fall
City Road, Fall City, (425) 222-6266. From Fall City, follow
Issaquah-Fall City Road west.
There are plenty of pumpkins to choose from, along with a
full-scale nursery and gift shop. Visitors can pick their own
pumpkin or choose among those already picked. There’s also a
Halloween display of gifts. Open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday,
10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Sunday.