The hot cocoa is free, the saw is handed to you, and someone will shake and tie your tree when you’re done. That’s a pretty generous deal for a holiday chore.
The family behind this Oregon tree farm has roots in the area going back to 1912. Their tree-growing know-how was handed down from a father and uncle who started a wholesale tree business in 1984. So these folks understand firs the way some people understand coffee.
I like how the whole visit feels built for families who want an outing, not just a purchase. You can ride a hay wagon into the rows, warm up by a fire, and maybe catch a visit from Santa. Bring the dog, too.
The Saw Is Yours, But So Is Plenty of Help
Cutting your own tree sounds rugged until you realize the folks at Hemphill Tree Farms hand you the tools. Hand saws and tags are provided, so you can skip digging through the garage.
That means you show up, pick a tree, and get to work. No borrowed saw from the neighbor required.
The farm calls itself a full-service operation, and that phrase matters here. Crew members help with hauling, shaking, and tying your tree.
So the hardest part is really the choosing. Anyone who has argued over the perfect tree knows that part can take a while.
I believe this setup is a smart one for first-timers. You still get the fun of kneeling in the rows and making that final cut yourself.
Yet you don’t have to drag a heavy fir across a muddy field afterward. That is a fair trade for anyone with tired arms or small kids.
Your name tag also helps keep things organized. Once your tree is tagged, it can be tracked through the rest of the process.
Wear boots that can handle some dirt, since Oregon weather in December can get wet. Gloves are also a good idea for sticky sap and prickly branches.
Noble, Grand, or Douglas? Pick Your Favorite Fir
Three fir varieties fill the fields, and each one brings its own personality. You can usually choose from Noble, Grand, and Douglas firs.
Noble firs are known for sturdy branches that hold heavy ornaments well. If your family owns a box of glass bulbs from grandma, this one might be your match.
Grand firs are famous for their citrusy scent. Some people pick one simply because it makes the whole house smell like the holidays.
Douglas firs are a classic Pacific Northwest favorite. They have soft needles and a full shape that looks great in a corner.
Hemphill Tree Farms also plans to add Nordmann fir in the future. That gives tree lovers one more reason to keep coming back each year.
Pricing is based on the height of the tree, so measure your ceiling before you leave home. A tree that looks small in a big field can look huge indoors.
Pre-cut trees are also available for anyone short on time. That is handy if a little one is getting cranky or the rain starts picking up.
Here’s a quick tip that saves headaches later. Snap a photo of your tree stand so you know what trunk size fits.
Hop On A Hayride Before Your Boots Get Tired
Wagon wheels and hay bales make the trip into the trees feel like part of the celebration. Hayrides at Hemphill Tree Farms carry visitors out into the fields.
For little legs, that ride is a real gift. The tree rows can stretch farther than you expect, and walking back gets old fast.
Families also get a Christmas train to enjoy. Kids who love anything with wheels may want to ride it more than once.
Honestly, some grownups probably feel the same way. Nobody has to admit it out loud.
The rides add a slower pace to the day. Instead of rushing to grab a tree and leave, you get a few minutes to look around and enjoy the country air.
That kind of pause is rare during the busy holiday season. It is nice to have something on the calendar that isn’t shopping or wrapping.
Dress warmly before you climb aboard, because a moving wagon can feel chilly in late fall. A hat and a scarf go a long way.
Sitting on hay can also leave a few pieces stuck to your coat. Consider it a free souvenir from the farm.
Free Cocoa And A Crackling Fire Are Waiting
Cold fingers have a cure here, and it doesn’t cost a thing. Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee are part of the experience at the farm.
That small touch says a lot about the place. It feels like a family welcoming you over, not a store trying to rush you out.
Warming fires add even more comfort on chilly days. You can stand close, hold your cup, and let the heat chase away the damp air.
This is the spot where tired kids often get a second wind. A sweet drink and a toasty fire can work wonders after a long hunt for a tree.
Grownups get their coffee, so everyone wins. It’s the kind of break that turns an errand into a real memory.
Here’s a smart move for your visit. Plan a stop at the fire after you tag your tree, while the crew handles the shaking and tying.
That way, you’re not just standing around waiting. You’re sipping something warm and soaking in the season.
Bring a few extra napkins if your kids are messy drinkers. Cocoa mustaches are cute, but sticky mittens are less fun.
Santa Has Been Known To Drop By
A jolly guest in a red suit makes appearances at the farm during the season. Santa visits are one of the features Hemphill Tree Farms offers families.
Timing matters with this one. Santa usually appears only on specific dates, mostly in late November and early December.
The schedule for the 2026 season wasn’t published yet at last check. So check with the farm before you promise the kids a meeting with the big man.
Trust me, nobody wants to explain why Santa is busy at the North Pole that day. That conversation rarely goes smoothly in the car.
When the dates line up, it can be a highlight of the whole trip. Kids get to share their wish lists right after picking out the tree that will hold their gifts.
That pairing feels pretty perfect. It’s like checking two holiday boxes in one afternoon.
Have your camera ready and your kids’ wish lists rehearsed. Little ones sometimes freeze up when the moment finally arrives.
A quick practice run in the car can help. Even a shy wave counts as a win.
Wreaths, Garland, And Gift Shop Goodies Await
Your tree may be the star, but your front door deserves some love too. Wreaths and garland are available to buy at the farm.
Fresh greenery has a way of making a house feel finished for the season. A wreath on the door tells the whole street you’re ready for December.
Garland is great for mantels, stair rails, and porch posts. It pairs nicely with your new tree and keeps the fresh evergreen look going.
A gift shop with wreaths and holiday decor is also part of the setup. It’s a handy stop while your tree is being bundled up.
You might find a little something for a teacher or neighbor. Shopping at a local family farm feels good, too.
Bringing the greenery home the same day saves you a second trip. One drive, one tree, one wreath, and you’re done.
Keep wreaths away from heaters and direct sun so they stay fresh longer. A light misting of water can also help on dry days.
Garland lasts longer outside in cool Oregon air than inside near warm vents. Use that to your advantage when you decorate.
Yes, Your Dog Can Come Tree Hunting Too
Good news for pet parents who hate leaving anyone behind. Hemphill Tree Farms is dog-friendly, so your furry family member can join the hunt.
Dogs love new smells, and a field full of firs is basically a dream for a curious nose. Your pup might have opinions about which tree is best.
Bringing your dog also makes the outing feel more complete. Holiday photos are cuter when the whole crew is in the frame.
Picture-ready moments happen fast in the tree rows. A dog sitting beside your chosen fir is a holiday card just waiting to happen.
A few simple habits keep the day smooth for everyone. Keep your dog on a leash and bring bags for cleanup.
Other families and their pets will be out there too. Good manners help the farm stay welcoming for all four-legged visitors.
Pack a towel for muddy paws before the drive home. Fields can be soggy after Oregon rain, and car seats don’t love mud.
Parking is simple, which helps when you’re juggling a leash, a saw, and excited kids. Small comforts make a big difference.
A Family Story More Than A Century Deep
Back in 1912, the Hemphill family put down roots in Redland, Oregon. That’s more than a hundred years of history in one community.
Jacob Hemphill runs the farm today with his wife, Chelsea. He learned the Christmas tree business from his father and uncle.
Those two started Hemphill Brothers Wholesale trees in 1984. So the tree-growing skills here were passed down, not picked up from a quick online video.
The idea for a public cut and carry farm started in 2010. It took until 2018 for Hemphill Tree Farms to open its gates to the public.
That’s eight years of planning and growing. Christmas trees take patience, and so do dreams, apparently.
The next generation is already involved. Jacob and Chelsea’s three children are learning the family business, with hopes of keeping the legacy going.
I like knowing that the tree in my living room could come from a family with that kind of commitment. It adds a little extra meaning to the ornaments.
Supporting a farm like this helps keep local traditions alive. Your holiday trip becomes part of their story too.
Mark Your Calendar Before The Season Slips Away
Timing is everything when the season only lasts about four weeks. For 2026, the farm opens November 27 and closes December 24.
That window goes fast once holiday parties and school concerts pile up. Picking a date early is a smart move.
You’ll find the farm at 20324 S Redland Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045. It sits in the countryside of Clackamas County, an easy trip for many Portland-area families.
Daily hours can shift from year to year. In 2025, the farm ran afternoons on weekdays and opened earlier on weekends.
Check the current hours before you head out. Nobody wants to arrive with a saw and a car full of kids to a closed gate.
Hemphill Tree Farms also hosts fun events on select weekends. Corporate event options are available too, which could make an office party a lot more festive.
Weekday visits may be a good fit for flexible schedules. Weekends offer longer hours for families with busy weekdays.
Either way, Oregon winters get dark early. Arriving with daylight to spare makes the hunt easier.
