Forget sunshine and rainbows; sunflowers are the real deal regarding optimism, as this heliotropic plant has mastered the art of “looking on the bright side.” They have indeed had a long time to practice, with the native North American plant originating back in 10,000 B.C., yet it’s still quite comforting that after all this time, they still greet us with the same bright yellow faces. Truly the epitome of cheerfulness, they always manage to put a smile on our faces. Luckily, here in Snohomish County, we can even bask in the warmth of their radiant positivity as the county boasts countless farms offering a chance to soak up their happy vibes in person. The vibrant sunflower fields are bursting with pure golden joy, and they’re just waiting to brighten your day with a visit!
Thomas Family Farm
9010 Marsh Road, Snohomish
360.568.6945
In 2019, Thomas Family Farm held its first annual Snohomish Sunflower Festival, and needless to say, it became a new family favorite tradition that has continued to come back bigger and better than ever each year. The sunflower field typically opens in August, with the farm designated specific weekends for the Sunflower Festival itself. During the festival, guests are welcome to explore the farm’s 12 acres of sunflower fields and the intricate sunflower maze.
The field itself is carefully decorated with a number of props that make for some perfect photo opportunities, so don’t forget to bring the camera. If you miss out on the festival fun, you can still visit the farm during the weekday this time of year for some wonderful U-Cut sunflower opportunities, with the price of admission granting access to their 10-acre U-cut sunflower field. Bring the kids along, and those five years of age or younger will receive free admission with a paying adult.
Stocker Farms
8705 Marsh Road, Snohomish
360.568.7391
During the winter, Stocker Farms may be known as a winter wonderland where locals gather to find their perfect Christmas tree, but during the summer, it transforms into fields of pure sunshine. During the farm’s Sunflower Days, families can visit the farm and immerse themselves in a living sunscape as they enjoy gorgeous backdrops that are perfect for photo ops with dozens of varieties and colors of sunflowers to hand-pick and take home to enjoy.
Mountainview Blueberry Farm
7617 E Lowell Larimer Road, Snohomish
360.668.3391
Don’t let the name fool you; though Mountainview Blueberry Farm may be mostly known for its, you guessed it, blueberries, they too enjoy celebrating the amber glow of sunflower fields with their annual Sunflower Festival. Beginning in August, guests are invited to visit the farm to enjoy the stunning view of vibrant sunflower fields, where you can explore the farm’s 20 acres and 25 varieties of sunflowers. Fun fact: the farm has 75 years of rich history in Snohomish and was recently purchased in 2007 by Keith and Janet Stocker, the same family who operates the aforementioned Stocker Farms! Hit up both farms during the festival for a double dose of brightness.
Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm
10917 Elliott Road, Snohomish
360.668.2506
For those who can’t possibly get enough of the friendly flower, in a surprising turn of events, Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm is about to become their favorite place. Upon arriving at the farm, you’ll find yourself having a sunflower experience you won’t soon forget while exploring sunflower fields that feature over 50 varieties of sunflowers, all ranging in various heights, colors, and stages of bloom. Not to mention, during your retreat into the blooming oasis, you’ll find a number of beautiful antiques and fun family props to capture those memorable moments.
But wait, there’s more! Bob’s Corn & Pumpkin Farm goes even further with its sunflower fun by offering some truly amazing and unique events centered around this happy plant, such as Sunflower Workshops, Photographers Golden Hour, Sunset in the Sunflowers, Sunset & Sips, Sunrise U-Pick, Sunflower Shuffle, and even Yoga in the Sunflowers. Better mark those calendars with a flower doodle for these dates!
Craven Farm
13817 Short School Road, Snohomish
360.568.2601
In 2023, Craven Farm was thrilled to present its first Sunflower Days for the summer, providing a tranquil sunflower field nestled in the picturesque Snohomish Valley to the community. Running August through September, guests are to wander through the fields and get lost in a sea of sunflowers. Special U-pick days are perfect for bringing along family and friends as the group enjoys a peaceful stroll while in search of the perfect blooms. Make it a night you won’t soon forget by renting out one of the farm’s fire pits and enjoying a picnic complete with spectacular views of this sun-kissed haven.
Lora Lee’s Family Farm
17651 W Snoqualmie River Road NE, Duvall
206.910.3964
At Lora Lee’s Family Farm, the sunflowers here are truly a-maze-zing as each summer, the farm transforms three five-acre sunflower fields into intricate sunflower mazes, each with its own unique design. Talk about a field of discovery! In addition to the amazing maze, the farm also hosts enchanting Floral Design Workshops on the farm, where you can create stunning bouquets with some of your favorite sunflowers, as well as Sunflower Serenity Yoga classes, where you can bask in the golden glow of the flowers while cultivating your inner chi.
While sunflowers may be an outstanding example of positivity, in real life, it isn’t always so easy to simply look on the bright side as these plants perpetually turn towards the light. Thankfully, when life throws you shade, Snohomish County’s sunflower fields offer a perfect escape from one’s troubles, reminding all of the beauty that surrounds us, even on the cloudiest of days.
