BONNERS FERRY — Just a short drive up the Kootenai River sits a beautiful field of hay, and a barn nestled between the fields.

There, the family of Carson and Madison Morter lives. Full-time farmers and parents, with a heart to provide more for their small community of Bonners Ferry.  

The idea to transform the property into something more had always been in the back of Madison's mind and sparked the idea for The Barn at Morter Farm, a dream wedding venue with a breathtaking view of the Selkirk Mountains. But when autumn peaked in view and the couple wanted to take their three kids to a pumpkin patch, they realized there were limited options within driving distance of Bonners Ferry, and their property was just the solution. 

"We've always liked the idea of doing some type of community event," Madison said. "And when we moved here, we had to drive to Sandpoint for a pumpkin patch. We have three kids, so driving all that way wasn't ideal. We realized no one did it here, so we said, 'let's do it!'" 

Now in its second year, the Barn at Morter Farm's Kootenai Valley Pumpkin Patch is one of the most aesthetically pleasing and affordable pumpkin patches in North Idaho. For two fall weekends, the Morters turn their family farm into a fall getaway, allowing locals to enjoy fall festivities and support local craft and food vendors. 

This year, pumpkin pickers and shoppers alike can enjoy the farm for its final weekend on Oct. 2 through Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

Attendees can expect to find a variety of vendors throughout the property, offering goodies like homemade baked goods, coffee, clothing, plant hangers and more. The barn's rotating line of vendors keeps the event fresh, even for those who participated in the patch the weekend prior. The pumpkins are sourced from a farm in Washington, a family friend of the Morters, allowing for unique versatility when choosing a pumpkin. 

Between the pumpkins, vendors, hayrides and wide-open views, the patch carries the easy pace of a fall afternoon in North Idaho. Families can wander around the barn, stop for coffee or a treat, browse local goods, visit the petting zoo and take photos around the barn — either on their own or with the available family photographer — all without leaving the property. 

For the Morters, that was the goal from the beginning: creating a community space where their kids could play, and neighbors could come to enjoy a fall day with all the amenities and more of a pumpkin patch. 

"Everyone's so thankful that we put this on for the community; it makes us want to do it again," Madison said.  

The patch will wrap up its second season after this coming weekend, but the Morters are hopeful that it will continue to grow into something Bonners Ferry families can look forward to each fall — a weekend tradition rooted in pumpkins, local vendors, and the farm they call home.

    Barn at Morter Farm owners Carson and Madison Morter
  

    Attendees hitch a ride around the Morter's property while others look for the perfect carving pumpkin
  

    Hooks and Vine owner Tasha shares her design with locals.
  

    Opa Food Truck was one of several food vendors that were featured at the pumpkin patch last weekend.