How Enchanted Forest Encourages Childish Play for Young and Old

Within the heart of Oregon, and about a 30 minute drive South of Salem, lies a hidden gem that awakens the true spirit of childhood in all ages. Enchanted Forest is a place where passion and imagination comes together to create a perfect explosion of wonder for children young and old. The family created, owned, and operated theme park boasts thousands upon thousands of visitors every year. Though you won’t see Mickey or Minnie or hear It’s a Small World there is something for everyone to enjoy at this magical, family centered park.

Enchanted Forest officially opened for business in August of 1971, seeing only 75 people the first day the future of this work of heart of seven years looked incredibly uncertain, but when over 1000 visitors showed up to pass through the gates on the following Saturday the Tofte family knew they were on to something big. Roger Tofte began his world of Enchantment after realizing that there were not very many family friendly attractions offered in the state of Oregon. Though many believed his concept to be crazy, and the local community initially called the construction “Idiot Hill,” Roger and his family kept moving forward with his creation. Made strong by a heart filled with passion, imagination, and a whole lot of ambition Roger, with the support of his family began his journey to building something amazing, that now, nearly 55 years after its start of construction is still going strong.

A cheerful Humpty Dumpty sits atop of cartoonish brick wall

with a clever play on the originally nursery rhyme below him,

further showcasing the creator of the park, Roger Tofte.

Taken on March 31st, 2018. (Summer Mincks)

Despite some evaluations showing that major parks such a Disneyland are seeing a decline in visitation in recent years, parks like Enchanted Forest continue to grow and make a resurgence as families across the U.S. are looking for more affordable options for outings that the entire family will enjoy. With over 400 theme parks in the U.S. only a handful are actual commercialized parks like Disney or Universal Studios and many boast the same whimsical attractions and thrill seeking joy rides, without the commercialized price. It is estimated that the average family of four will spend over $4000 for a basic three day Disney Vacation, and in today’s economy those prices are well out of the way of the standard American family.

The sun sets over one of the original structures built on the property, The Castle,

on March 31st, 2018. (Summer Mincks)

Everything within the Enchanted Forest has been created, designed, and a majority of it built, by members of the Tofte family. The structures throughout the park, including that famous Giant Witch, were made one bag of concrete at a time. The work of a visionary and artist, what makes the park so incredible is the meticulous care to detail within its creation. Things like stained glass windows, classic animatronics, and the construction of the various “towns” throughout the park make the visitors feel as though they are being transported to other worlds and times. Things like the smell of BBQ and banjo music play while walking on creaky wooden board walks make old west town feel like the visitor has been sent back in time to the old west. Meanwhile take a few steps west and you end up taking a leisurely stroll through renaissance Europe with the smells of fresh baked bread, under the guise of pizza, and classical Celtic music fills your ears. Along with the whimsical music witty animatronic characters pop out of windows above to banter with each other while the visitor wanders down cobblestone streets.

Roger Tofte drives through the Enchanted Forest park on his signature moped, making sure that everything

is to the standards he set when he opened in 1971, taken March 31st, 2018. (Summer Mincks)

With its attention to detail in the scenery and the plentiful options of fun rides from small bumper boats for small children all the way to bob sled roller-coaster and log themed water rides for the adults this park truly has something for everyone. Though these things make the theme park fun and exciting, what make the park truly special is its workers. Each location from the food courts to the rides and attractions is complete with employees there to make sure your day is filled with thrills while being safe and comfortable. The smiling faces of the ride attendants further the smiles of children as they are made to feel comfortable and safe while having fun. Have a question or find yourself lost? Feel free to ask one of the great employees who will not only assist in your needs but do it with a smile on their face that travels all the way to their eyes. Many of now grown Tofte family works at the park, and it is easy to get the impression that a great majority of the workers feel more like family than just workers of the park.

And if you see an elderly gentleman with a warm smile and twinkle in his eye, usually riding a Scooter or golf cart, making sure that things are just right, be sure to offer a smile or stop to say hi to Mr. Roger Tofte, the creator of Enchanted Forest. Now heading in his late 80’s, Mr. Tofte still works at the park to ensure that it kept magical for all of the visitors, often tinkering on the rides to insure safety and efficiency, or even just to enjoy seeing the visitors delighting in his creation.

Marcos Gastelum, a born and raised native of Salem, Oregon and father of three, remembers the park fondly from his own childhood and loves that it gives him the opportunity to create new memories with his own children.

"It's a timeless family place. Gives all generations great memories of fun," he said. "I remember coming here when I was in fifth grade and then coming now with my kids and it still is a great time. It's so awesome."

Enchanted Forest is a place that all people can enjoy. It provides excitement and fun in a safe and family focussed environment. a child or adult this small, Oregon gem will have all visitors entering into that sacred and beautiful world of childhood with a warm embrace and a friendly, “Welcome Home.”