Free entry and parking with straightforward u-pick, maze, and wagon rides make this a reliable choice for families who want to show up without advance planning.
Free admission
Free to walk in. Your spend here is whatever you choose — pumpkins, food, and any paid activities. That makes it a low-risk stop if you are not sure how long the kids will last.
Jim Dandy Farm Market sits on the west side of Portland, about 20 minutes from downtown. It opened in 1972 and operates as a working farm market year-round, with a seasonal u-pick pumpkin patch and corn maze from late September through Halloween.
The layout is straightforward: free entry, free parking, and no reservations. You arrive, explore the maze, take a wagon ride, and pick pumpkins. The farm market runs alongside the seasonal attractions, so you can grab cider, gourds, or other produce while you’re there.
The patch offers u-pick pumpkins (you harvest your own), a corn maze, wagon rides, and the farm market. The menu is modest compared to some competing farms, but the lack of paid add-ons and admission charges means the real cost is just the pumpkins themselves.
Wagon rides run throughout the day, and the corn maze is included with free admission. U-pick gives families agency—kids get to choose their own pumpkin, cut it (with help), and carry it back. For young children, this is often the highlight.
The season is tight: late September through October 31 only. The farm opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. daily, which gives good window for both morning and evening visits.
Western Oregon weather in fall is unpredictable; October rain is common, not exceptional. Weekends draw steady families, especially midday. If you want a quieter maze experience or smoother wagon-boarding, a weekday morning visit (or early Saturday) will feel less crowded.
Early October tends to be cooler and carries less rain risk than late October. Mid-to-late October pumpkins are larger and fully colored, so your pumpkin choice is better, but you’re also competing with more families.
Bringing your own pumpkin home is the draw here. Kids enjoy the autonomy—they walk the field, spot a pumpkin, and harvest it. This works well for families with children ages 4-10 who want hands-on participation.
Wear shoes that can handle uneven field ground. A small wagon or wagon ride helps with transport, especially if you pick more than one pumpkin or are visiting with multiple young children.
Free, on-site parking is significant. No fee to enter, no fee to park, no separate charge for rides or the maze. This makes it low-risk for families who want to show up on a whim without committing to a high gate price.
Because this is a working farm, lot surfaces are typical for rural operations—not paved, likely gravel or packed dirt. Fall rain can soften things. If you’re concerned about accessibility or specific lot conditions on the day you’re planning to visit, a quick call to (503) 324-3954 gets current status.
The farm market is a bonus, but inventory and hours aren’t fully documented in our record. Calling ahead confirms what’s available that day.
Specific pumpkin varieties and sizes are typical for Oregon farms but aren’t detailed in advance. If you have a strong preference for a particular variety, calling the farm helps set expectations.
Free admission removes one barrier to a fall outing. For families testing whether their young kids will actually enjoy a pumpkin patch, or for households who want to spend time on site without a high gate price, that’s valuable. The four-decade operating history suggests the farm knows what families want and delivers it reliably.
The tight season (October only) means demand is concentrated—this is their moment to capture the market. Planning early or visiting on a weekday protects against the crowding that weekend October traffic can bring.
Mid-to-late October when weather is coolest and pumpkins are largest; early October for cooler shade before the afternoon gets warm.
2-3 hours for the full experience: maze navigation, wagon ride, and pumpkin selection.
Weekends draw steady traffic, especially midday. Weekday visits are lighter and better for maze navigation without jostling.
Free on-site. Farm describes it as a working operation, so lot surfaces are typical for rural farm access.
Farm market and main areas are accessible; u-pick fields and wagon route depend on the specific day's conditions.
This location sits west of Portland in the Sunset Valley area. Combine it with a stop in the North Plains area for apple cider or other farm products if you're making a half-day outing.
Yes. Free admission and free parking. You pay only for pumpkins and any farm market items you purchase.
No. The farm operates on a walk-in basis with no reservations required for general admission.
The record describes it as a working farm market alongside seasonal activities—specifics like hours and inventory depend on the day; calling ahead at (503) 324-3954 clarifies what's in stock.
Wagon rides are offered, but accessibility specifics aren't documented. Contact the farm directly to confirm suitability for your group.
September 29 – October 31, 2026. Daily. Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Admission is free. Free admission
45770 NW Sunset Hwy, Banks, OR 97106, in Washington County. It is one of 9 patches we track in Portland Metro.
We track 9 patches in Portland Metro, 3 of which are free to walk into. Entry here costs nothing, which puts it in the minority even in a region with several free options.
Its season runs about 33 days against a regional average of 46, so it is a shorter window than most of its neighbours — miss it and the nearest alternatives will still be open.
What sets it apart locally: it has a market, bakery or taproom, which most Portland Metro patches on our list do not.
There are 16 other patches we track in Washington County. All Portland Metro patches →
pumpkinpatch.farm
Checked August 2026.