How to Seattle
When Lora and Ed Wicks planted their first sunflower field at their Duvall farm in 2020, they anticipated maybe a hundred visitors. Washington is more famous for the tulip fields in Skagit Valley, blooming in spring, rather than for sunflowers that flourish in late summer and early fall.
To their delight, around 2,000 people visited the sunflower maze during those initial weekends. Today, at Lora Lee’s Family Farm, the expansion features three fields across 100 acres, open until the end of September. Visitors can stroll through the maze of towering sunflowers, enjoy a U-pick dahlia garden, and even pet goats.
Lora Wicks remarked, “People like to come, hang out, and enjoy the sunflowers, pick bouquets, and play with the goats.” The farm offers a laid-back family experience, showcasing a slice of rural life rather than a commercialized attraction.
Creating the sunflower maze is a multi-month effort. The Wicks plant specific seed varieties starting the last week of May, staggered to ensure blooms extend through late September. Due to weather variations, the sunflowers can grow anywhere from 3 to over 7 feet tall. As Lora explained, visiting the field offers diverse experiences, from picturesque short blooms to towering patches that create a sense of being in a tunnel.
Each year, Ed Wicks designs the maze. For instance, he recently shaped a design featuring their son Owen’s and his wife Laurel’s names. This involved meticulous work with a zero-turn lawnmower to carve out the paths.
“Wandering through the fields is not only a way to enjoy the season’s end but also a chance to disconnect from the everyday rush,” shared Lora. Visitors get to witness farm life, interact with animals, and appreciate the calmness of the surroundings.
Lora Lee’s Family Farm Sunflower Maze Details:
- Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends through September 30.
- Location: 17651 W. Snoqualmie River Road N.E., Duvall.
- Admission: $16 for adults (16+), $10 for kids (5-12), free for children under 4.
- More Info
Other Seattle-area Sunflower Farms in Bloom
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Bob’s Corn Sunflower Experience
- Features over 50 varieties of sunflowers, photo ops with props, and events like yoga and wine tasting.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through September 13.
- Location: 10917 Elliott Road, Snohomish.
- Admission: $8 per person (Mon-Fri); $11 on weekends; free for kids under 2.
- More Info
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Snoqualmie Valley Sunflower Festival
- This festival showcases family-run sunflower farms across Snoqualmie Valley.
- Dates: Through September 15; times and locations vary.
- Flower Map
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Stocker Farms
- Visit the “Big Red Barn” for sunflower fields with views of the Cascade Mountains.
- Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sept. 19, 20, 26, 27.
- Location: 8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish.
- Admission: $23; free for kids 2 and under.
- More Info
Seasonal Farmers Markets
Several Seattle farmers markets continue through the summer, offering local produce. Check the following schedules:
Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets:
- Lake City: Thursdays 3-7 p.m. through September 24.
- Phinney: Fridays 3-7 p.m. through September 25.
- Columbia City: Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. through October 28.
- Magnolia: Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through October 10.
Seattle Farmers Market Association:
- Wallingford: Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. through September 30.
- Madison Park: Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through October 17.
- Central District: Fridays 3-7 p.m. through October 30.
- South Lake Union: Saturdays 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through November 21.
African Community Housing & Development:
- SeaTac: Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. through October 28.
- Delridge: Saturdays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. through October 31.
Free Waterfront Yoga and Zumba
Enjoy free fitness classes at Pier 62 in Waterfront Park through September’s end:
- Yoga: Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. (bring your yoga mat).
- Zumba: Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. (mats available while supplies last).
- More Info
Make the most of summer’s final stretches by exploring Washington’s blooming sunflower fields, vibrant markets, and engaging fitness opportunities!
