Bring Back the 80's!

Enchanted Forest in Salem, Oregon

The first place that we went to on our vacation was The Enchanted Forest. Situated on a hill with similar geometry to COCC, this theme park is uniquely Oregonian: The only thing you need to do to entertain an oregonian is to give them a trail up a hill and possibly something to look at in between the trees. That is how this theme park started in the early seventies. Since then it's added a myriad different rides and amusements, but the beginning of the journey is still "Storybook trail" which is a minor hiking trail adorned with well crafted scenes from pre-disney brothers grim fables.

2 years ago they added the kiddy rides up near the theater. Bumper boats, frog hopper, and a mini ferris wheel. This year they've added the adult bumper cars, but those were non-operational when we were there (down for maintenance or some such). Also, we can see the work they are doing on the European Village Phase III project, which may not be finished by next year. During the times that my family has made our once or twice yearly visits, we've also seen them add the "Johnny Rio" gunslinging game, RC boats, and a wind-chime piano in Pinochio's house. On a sadder note however, the Fantasy Fountains must have been having technical issues (For the first time that we've ever seen) because half the jets were out of kilter or out of sync somehow. It appeared to me as if the system could have used some CLR.

In 2002, after getting through their Crooked House, we were inspired to visit the Oregon Vortex, which dissapointed us and left us in wont of some more crooked house. Just as a Crooked House warning, kids love it in there, and when you come out there are a few steps downward back to the normal path. They are entirely visible, and normal, and your unattended child is somehow guaranteed to fall down them. So please, act responsibly in light of the afteraffects of the crooked house and take your child's hand, and then you can all fall down the steps together. :)