The Enchanted Forest has been a destination for Oregon children since it opened in 1971. Generations of kids have slid down the creepy witch slide, delighted in the Crooked Man’s house, and ridden on the carousel. The Enchanted Forest is a theme park – there is a section with carnival rides and a haunted house – but what most people remember is the creative world contained in the paths and structures of the park.
Storybook Lane in The Enchanted Forest
The entrance to The Enchanted Forest leads you into the Storybook Lane section. It’s the oldest and probably most famous part of the park. Little displays and structures show you through nursery rhymes and fairy tales. It begins with the impressive Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and winds along a beautiful wooded hillside. Some of the highlights are the two slides – one of them the head of the witch from Snow White, the other coming out of a giant shoe belonging to the Old Woman in the shoe.
The Crooked Man’s House is a can’t-miss attraction. The house is built to have angled floors and walls, and makes visitors feel completely off-balance. Guests can also visit the seven dwarves’ mine and see recreations of familiar tales like The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood and a variety of nursery rhymes.
The Enchanted Forest’s Western Town
After Storybook Lane, the Western Town section is next. During the summer, musicians play old-time music on one of the porches as visitors use the shooting gallery or remote-control boats. There is an expansive series of tunnels that visitors can explore. These are fun for kids who are not claustrophobic but can be a bit much for adults who would have to get into some small spaces as they go through the tunnels.
The Western Town also includes fun attractions like a “saloon” hall that mimics what you might feel like leaving after a long night at the saloon. Regarding the park’s history, visitors can watch a video about the creation of The Enchanted Forest, and there is a newly-created museum with photos and illustrations of the early park. Finally, Western Town is the central hub for the other areas of the park, and the gift shop is where most visitors will purchase tickets for the amusement park section.
Find an Old European Village at The Enchanted Forest
The Old European Village is the last themed section of the park. It’s a cobblestoned hilly area with medieval-style houses and shops. This part of the park includes one of the rides, The Challenge of Mondor, and the fountain light show. This area has multiple gift stores, and the Possibly Irish band plays in the Gathering Hall a few times daily during the summer. This section of the village has many bricks with names and messages. During the pandemic, The Enchanted Forest allowed supporters to buy bricks with their names or messages on them to raise money to keep the park afloat when it could not be open.
The Enchanted Forest Amusement Park Fun
Though small, the amusement park section of The Enchanted Forest has rides that would appeal to both children and adults. The carousel, children’s Ferris wheel, kiddy bumper boats, and tiny train are all located together and are designed for children. For older children and adults, the rides include a Log Ride (almost guaranteed to get wet), Ice Mountain Bobsled Roller Coast, Challenge of Mondor (shooting lasers at targets from a car), bumper cars, and a haunted house. Tickets are a dollar, and all the rides take between three and five tickets.
Food Options at The Enchanted Forest
There are a few locations to purchase food at the park. The menus are fairly limited and include dishes like chicken tenders and pizza. Food is available at the front of the park – both an ice cream parlor and a grill – and at the fountain light show. The Enchanted Forest encourages people to bring their own food, and visitors can use several picnic tables near the entrance.
Visiting The Enchanted Forest in Oregon
The Enchanted Forest is not open all year. It typically opens in March or April and closes in early fall. During the late spring and early fall, it is only open on the weekends and opens daily once local schools are let out for the summer in mid-June. Admission varies based on whether you buy your ticket more than a day in advance and whether you go on a weekday or weekend. Purchasing online a couple of days in advance will save a few dollars and make getting into the park easier as well. There is a large parking lot with easy access to the entrance.
The Enchanted Forest is a charming theme park beloved by children. For those wanting a typical amusement park – this is not it. It is run by the family that started it and retains a quirky and homemade feel. For those interested in this kind of experience, it’s a great summer destination for families with kids.
The Enchanted Forest
8562 Enchanted Way SE, Turner
503.371.4242
