Before we even get to the splashdown, it’s worth understanding why this place hits so differently.

Enchanted Forest isn’t some corporate theme park built by a massive company. It’s something much rarer.

It was created by Roger Tofte, who began building the park in the late 1960s—literally by hand. With the help of his family, he carved, sculpted, and constructed what would become one of Oregon’s most beloved roadside attractions.

Roger passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026 at the age of 96, but what he built didn’t leave with him. His vision still lives on in every crooked cottage, every hand-painted detail, and every ride that continues to bring families back year after year.

The park officially opened in 1971, and from the beginning, it was different.

Instead of massive steel rides and branded characters, Enchanted Forest focused on fairy tales, imagination, and handcrafted charm. You walk through crooked cottages, climb through storybook scenes, and stumble upon hidden details that feel like they were made just for you.

It feels… personal.

And for a lot of us in Oregon, it’s not just a place we visited once.

It’s a place we grew up with.

The Big Timber Log Ride: The Moment Every Kid Waits For

Out of everything in the park, nothing quite compares to the Big Timber Log Ride.

You can hear it before you even see it.

That distant roar of water.
The splash.
The screams followed by laughter.

As a kid, that sound meant one thing: you were getting close.

The ride itself is something special. It’s not just a log flume—it’s a mix of a log ride and a roller coaster, weaving through a rustic logging mill before climbing up into the trees.

There’s something about that slow climb that builds anticipation. You’re sitting there, gripping the sides, maybe trying to act brave while secretly wondering if this was a mistake.

And then…

The drop.

A 40-foot plunge straight down into a massive splash that soaks everyone within range.

Every. Single. Time.

A Generational Tradition

Here’s the thing that makes this ride different from most.

It’s not just fun.

It’s shared memory.

I remember riding this as a kid, the mix of excitement and fear, the way you’d laugh afterward like you just survived something huge. I remember walking off completely soaked, shoes squishing, not caring one bit.

Fast forward years later, and now I’m watching my own kids sit in that same log.

Same nervous smiles.
Same wide eyes.
Same scream on the way down.

And when they get off?

The exact same laughter.

There’s something powerful about that. Not many places give you the chance to relive your childhood and watch your kids create theirs in the exact same spot.

That’s what the Big Timber Log Ride does.

What It Costs (As Of 2026)

Let’s talk about how it works now, because Enchanted Forest still does things a little differently.

After paying admission to enter the park, rides are ticket-based.

As of 2026:

• Ride tickets cost $1 per ticket
• Most rides require 3 to 5 tickets
• The Big Timber Log Ride costs 5 tickets per rider

That means you’re looking at about $5 per ride per person once you’re inside.

A few important things to know:

• All riders must pay for all rides
• Tickets are required unless otherwise stated
• You can purchase tickets inside the park

It’s old-school, and honestly… that’s part of the charm.

Ride Requirements And What To Expect

If you’re planning your trip, here’s what you need to know before hopping in the log:

• Must be 40" to ride with an adult
• Must be 48" to ride alone
• All riders must pay

And yes…

You will get wet.

There’s no “maybe” about it.

If you want to stay dry, ponchos are available at gift shops for $3, but let’s be real—most kids don’t want to stay dry.

Getting soaked is half the fun.

The Experience: More Than Just A Drop

What makes the Big Timber Log Ride stand out isn’t just the ending—it’s the journey.

You float through an old logging mill, surrounded by detailed scenery that feels like stepping back into Oregon’s timber history. Then the ride shifts, lifting you upward into the trees where the view opens up just enough to give you that moment of “oh no… here it comes.”

And then it does.

The drop is quick, but the memory lasts forever.

It’s that perfect mix of thrill and nostalgia that makes it accessible for families while still delivering that adrenaline hit.

Other Rides Around The Park

While the log ride steals the spotlight, Enchanted Forest has a full lineup of attractions that round out the experience:

• Ice Mountain Bobsleds (Roller Coaster)
  • Currently closed for refurbishment
  • 5 tickets
  • First ride opened at the park in 1983
• Challenge of Mondor
  • 5 tickets
  • Interactive dark ride where you battle creatures and track your score
• Speedway Bumper Cars
  • 4 tickets
  • Classic bump-and-race chaos
• Haunted House
  • 4 tickets
  • Three floors of spooky fun (not for the easily scared)
• Carousel
  • 3 tickets
  • A relaxing break with classic animals and benches
• Kiddy Frog Hopper
  • 3 tickets
  • A beginner thrill ride bouncing up to 20 feet
• Ferris Wheel (Up and Away)
  • 3 tickets
  • Views over the trees
• Tiny Tune Train
  • 3 tickets
  • A magical ride through storybook scenes
• Kiddy Bumper Boats
  • 3 tickets
  • Perfect for younger kids

Each ride keeps that same handcrafted, slightly quirky charm that defines the park.

Safety And Accessibility Notes

Enchanted Forest takes safety seriously, and there are a few important rules to keep in mind:

• Riders must meet height and safety requirements
• All riders must pay unless otherwise stated
• If you have a cast, brace, broken bone, or medical limitation:
  • You’ll need to check in with CAST CHECK personnel at the entrance
  • They will determine which rides are safe for you

This system helps avoid having to get checked at every individual ride.

Why This Ride Still Matters

In a world of massive theme parks and screen-based entertainment, something like the Big Timber Log Ride feels rare.

It’s simple.
It’s real.
It’s unforgettable.

There’s no app to download. No virtual queue. No branded characters trying to sell you something every five seconds.

Just a log.
A hill.
A drop.
And a whole lot of laughter.

And somehow, that’s enough.

Watching It Through My Kids’ Eyes

The best part isn’t even riding it myself anymore.

It’s standing at the bottom, watching that log come down, seeing the splash, and spotting my kids in the chaos—laughing, soaked, already asking to go again.

Because that’s when it really hits.

Nothing’s changed.

Not the ride.
Not the feeling.
Not the magic.

Just the generation sitting in the front seat.

Know Before You Go

• Location: Turner, Oregon (just south of Salem)
• Park: Enchanted Forest
• Ride: Big Timber Log Ride
• Cost: $1 per ticket (5 tickets for this ride)
• Height Requirements:
  • 40" with adult
  • 48" alone
• Ponchos: $3 (optional… but you’ll probably get soaked anyway)
• Season: Typically open spring through early fall (check official site for current hours)

If you grew up in Oregon, chances are you’ve been here.

If you haven’t?

It might be time.

Because some places aren’t just attractions—they’re part of who we are.

And the Big Timber Log Ride is one of them.