Instead of going out on a typical hike this week we had the chance to a join a small group of my co-workers at the Enchanted Forest theme park. The family-owned park opened in 1971 is located just south of Salem along Interstate 5. Enchanted Forest has been a part of countless Oregonians childhoods, and the nostalgia felt for the park makes it fun to revisit as adults.
The park is open seasonally, generally starting with Spring Break and running through the last weekend in September. At both the beginning of their season and in September the park is only open on weekends. An entrance fee allows guests to explore the park including several interactive attractions and shows. Other rides require tickets which can be purchased when entering or at booths around the park.
Upon entering Enchanted Forest the first attraction is Storybook Lane which begins at a castle to the left of the entrance.
To the right are restrooms, food options, and gift shops.
Storybook Lane is a series of fairy tale themed exhibits, many of which are interactive such as a rabbit hole based on Alice in Wonderland, a crooked house, and a slide based on the Old Lady Who Lived in The Shoe.
The rabbit hole exit.
Inside the dwarves mine.
Entrance to the slide which we all went down.
Outside of the Crooked House. Inside the floors are indeed crooked.
After winding up the through Storybook Lane the next area is the western themed Tofteville.
To the left (north) of Tofteville is the Haunted House which requires tickets.
Before we headed into the Haunted House we headed for the Comedy Theatre which is just a little past the Haunted House. Since 1973 Enchanted Forest has put on musical comedies which provide some good laughs and a good chance to rest tired feet.
This year’s performance is Jack and the Beanstalk.
There is an area of kiddy rides just beyond the theatre including a little train, bumper boats, a small Ferris wheel, and frog hopper. There is also a bumper car ride in that area with a 42″ height requirement. All of these rides require tickets.
We didn’t have any kiddos with us so after the performance we went through the Haunted House then back through Tofteville to the Old European Village area.
One of the displays inside the Haunted House.
The entrance to the Challange of Mondor, another ticket ride. This ride is similar to Buzz Lightyear in Disney Land where a car takes you through the ride while you try and hit targets with a laser gun. Heather and I were outdone by Elizabeth in our car while Mary Ann took top honors in the other car.
After making our way through the Old European Village we stopped into the Fantasy Fountains Water-light Show.
Inside Pinocchio’s Playhouse.
This free show repeats every 15 minutes inside the Jolly Roger Inn where guests can get pizza, popcorn, PB&J Sandwiches, other snacks, and drinks.
The water show is actually pretty relaxing, and another good excuse for a break from walking. After our break here we headed back uphill (the park is located on a forested hillside) to the Big Timber Log Ride. The log ride is the most thrilling ride in the park and there was about an hour wait time. (I didn’t actually check the time, but it seemed to go pretty quickly.)
Waiting in line. There are a number of warnings that riders will get wet on this ride. Ponchos are available for purchase at ticket booths and gift shops for those who want to avoid this.
The final drop.
This is the main source of soaking although there is a smaller drop before this where some water will likely hit you.
Heading up.
Members of our group in the flume below us.
I’m pretty sure I wound up the wettest of our group with Heather a close second. The good news was that we were wearing hiking clothes which are designed to dry quickly. After the log ride my coworkers headed out, but Heather and I stuck around for the Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coaster.
The Ice Mountain Bobsled is the runner up to the log ride for thrill factor. It was a 40-minute (or so) wait for the bobsleds.
I’m old enough to remember when the bobsleds were introduced in 1983 (I was 10). The ride is still fun as an adult however there are a couple of sudden stops/slowdowns that can be a bit jarring.
We had both gotten hungry standing in the bobsled line so after the ride we headed back down through the Old European Village to Gretel’s Grill and grabbed a bite to eat. After eating we debated on sticking around a little longer or heading home to our cats. The cats won out and home we went. We’d had a lot of fun as we always do anytime we have an excuse to visit this local treasure. Happy Enchanted Trails!
Flickr: Enchanted Forest
wanderingyuncks 