Fall Family Outing to Whatcom County Pumpkin Patches

October wouldn’t be complete without a family trip to the pumpkin patch!

With so much agricultural land in Whatcom County, we are fortunate to have plenty of pumpkin picking options. Two of my family’s favorites are Stoney Ridge Farm and Cramer’s Western Town. (For a run-down on some of the other local places to get pumpkins near Bellingham, read Lauren Kramer’s article 5 Stops for Fall Pumpkin Hunting in Whatcom County.) Either option will give you TONS of good photo ops and lasting memories.

Stoney Ridge Farm

My family was delighted to discover that after a two-year hiatus, Stoney Ridge Farms reopened in the fall of 2018 for pumpkins. The new iteration is smaller, running only Fridays and Saturdays, and all the activities are focused around the pumpkin patch. (In past years, it was a sprawling operation that encompassed a larger portion of the family farm.)

First thing to know, you’ll need to bring cash; credit/debit are not accepted. Admission is $3 per person. The train rides for kids and wagon rides for all ages, plus a corn maze, are included in the admission. Along with pumpkins, gourds and squash for sale. The farm also sells apples grown on the farm, corn stalks and flowers.

A trip to Stoney Ridge Farm is fun for all ages, as evidenced on the smiles of everyone there from 2 to 82 (or thereabouts). There are plenty of places to sit and rest a spell, and plenty of room for the littles to run and explore. The kids will also enjoy saying hello to the farm animals and playing on the big tires set up as a playground.

Then, of course, is the real reason you came: To find the perfect pumpkin. That won’t be hard in this vast pumpkin patch. Or maybe it will – because how will you ever decide? You won’t have to decide since you can load up an entire wheelbarrow if you choose.

After picking out that perfect pumpkin, you’re likely ready for a snack. You absolutely won’t want to miss the fresh-made, still warm doughnuts, either pumpkin or apple-cider flavored. A little taste of heaven right in your hand! Pair the doughnuts cider (hot or cold) or coffee.

On Saturdays, you’ll also find BBQ and kettle corn vendors as additional food options.

Stoney Ridge Farm

Address: 2092 Van Dyk Road, Everson
Phone: 360-966-3919
Season: October 11, 2019 – October 26th
Hours: Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $3 per person

Dan Cramer’s Western Town

Just off Hannegan Road on Van Dyk is the charming Cramer’s Western Town. My kids loved what they called the “country” theme – complete with a western-style street front, plenty of farm animals and, of course, pumpkins.

Like Stoney Ridge, Western Town takes cash only. Admission is $3; train rides for the littles are $3 and pony rides are $5. Western Town is also open on Sunday, which isn’t an option at Stoney Ridge.

There’s plenty of free fun inside, too! Ride the horse-drawn wagon to the pumpkin patch, visit with the farm animals – pigs, horses, goats, chickens – and wind your way through the hay-bale maze, all before picking out your perfect pumpkin!

Western Town also has a special play area for the littles, with a hay bale bounce, rubber ducky races and a “cow” to milk. Even my big kids had fun with the duck races.

New this year, the Cramers will be adding food trucks to the fun. Pulled pork sandwiches, Chinese stir-fry, Mexican food and elephant ears are all on the menu. Be sure to leave room for lunch!

One final note, the Cramers ask that you please leave your dogs at home. It’s safer that way as the draft horses make their way around the farm during wagon rides.