Farm Fresh Fun: A Day At Frog Pond Farm

By Katie and Houston Vandergriff
Downs & Towns

To begin this adventure, we rolled through the gently sloping fields outside Wilsonville, Oregon, to Frog Pond Farm. There, we met up with our trip hosts and it was clear from the start this was going to be more than just a farm visit.

We met with Justin Timm, the owner of Frog Pond Farm and Justin’s entire family, his wife and their three young boys, who warmly welcomed us. They proudly showed us around their homegrown haven. The strong sense of family and community made us feel instantly at home.

What began as a small family venture has grown into a beloved local landmark — a sparkling gem in Oregon’s agritourism crown.

Frog Pond Farm is home to llamas, goats, camels, cows and even a wise old alpaca. They’re more like family pets than farm animals, most eager for attention, treats and the occasional selfie. Houston has always had a soft spot for animals, and from the moment we stepped onto the property, he was grinning from ear to ear.

Justin introduced us to many of the 40 llamas that are now the heart of Frog Pond Farm. They all have fun family names. Because this is a family farm in every sense of the word, Justin’s parents started with just one llama. Then they began raising alpacas, and now Justin has shifted back to primarily llamas. Only one old black alpaca remains in the sea of tall llamas.

In the pasture, Lizzie and Casey (of Oregon's Mt. Hood Territory) happily hung out with their new llama friends. Honestly, at first, being surrounded by these large animals — with little respect for personal space — had Houston and me both a little intimidated. But within a few moments, Houston was snapping photos and working hard to capture their quirky, expressive faces.

Justin took us out back to meet the goat herd. Leading them? A dreadlocked llama named Sonic. Wherever Sonic goes, the goats follow. They are like sheep with a turbo-charged shepherd. If anyone ever makes a movie about this herd, a perfect title would be “Fast and Furry-ous.”

By the time we got to the goats, Houston was all in. He took his time with each one, crouching and laughing as a mischievous, bearded goat tried to nibble on his camera strap. He made friends with a gentle, older female who followed him around like a shadow. Watching Houston connect with the animals was magical. It reminded me of how much we all need the joy that comes from simple, authentic experiences.

Justin explained how he had spent weeks building a fence around an overgrown area on the 40-acre farm for the goats to graze, but they cleared the entire patch in just two days. Now the herd roams freely, acting as Justin’s “hired hands,” working all day by doing what they love best: eating.

We can now officially check taking a llama for a walk off our bucket list! After hanging with Sonic and the goats, we returned to the main area and took Blue on a walk. Blue is an extra-sweet llama, calm and patient — like a giant, four-legged teddy bear. Houston was a little nervous at first, but Casey and Justin’s 3-year-old son stood on either side of him, and together the three of them took Blue for a stroll around the farm. I got to walk Blue, too. He’s big — like, really big — but he has the gentleness of an animal who knows he’s loved. Guests to Frog Pond Farm can book a llama walk on their own visit!

As we toured the rest of the farm, we met Hamhock the pig, two camels, cows and a black-and-white rooster that believes he’s a goat. Justin calls him Goat, but I think Billy might be a better fit. Whenever the goats bleated, the rooster crowed right back.

Justin explained how the farm got started and has grown over the years. You can tell the family has poured their hearts into expanding the experience. Frog Pond Farm officially opens for the season in May, and in the fall, they host an enormous pumpkin patch and fall festival. For Christmas, there is a tree farm. They are open for parties, school groups and many fun events in between.

Taking a llama for a walk is an incredible memory from Frog Pond Farm.

One of the best things about traveling with Houston is that every trip becomes a chance to slow down, notice the little things and connect with the world in meaningful ways. Our visit to Frog Pond Farm left us with a deeper appreciation for the land and for the people who care for it.

If you ever find yourself in Oregon, we can’t recommend a visit to Frog Pond Farm enough. Whether you’re an animal lover or simply someone looking to breathe deep and reset, this family farm has something for everyone. It’s a slice of paradise built with passion and hard work.

The family’s commitment to sustainability and community shines through in everything they do. Frog Pond Farm is a place where agriculture is personal, where every animal has a name and where every visitor feels like family.

We ended our visit with a scenic drive back through Oregon’s rolling hills and lush green countryside. The afternoon skies were a soft blue, dotted with cotton clouds drifting lazily overhead. The fields stretched wide, sprinkled with wildflowers and grazing cattle. The crisp air carried the sound of chirping birds, gravel crunching under tires and mooing cows.

And the occasional crowing rooster.