Overview
Enchanted Forest is not an incorporated city but rather a roadside attraction and theme park located just off Interstate 5 near Turner, Oregon, roughly 7 miles south of Salem. It was founded and largely hand-built by Roger Tofte, who began construction in 1964 and opened the park to the public in 1971. The park has remained a family-owned and family-operated business for more than five decades.
The attraction is notable for its whimsical storybook aesthetic — hand-sculpted figures, fairy-tale cottages, a haunted house, and themed ride areas. It occupies a wooded hillside, which gives it a distinctly Pacific Northwest character. For many Oregonians, Enchanted Forest is a multi-generational destination tied to childhood memories.
Because the "destination" is essentially a single theme park and its immediate surroundings, travelers should plan their visit as a day trip or half-day excursion, using Salem or the Willamette Valley as a home base. There is no meaningful town infrastructure at the Enchanted Forest address itself.
Before You Go
Seasonality and Hours
Enchanted Forest operates seasonally and is generally open from spring through early fall, but hours and specific open dates vary year to year. Verify current operating hours, dates, and admission prices directly on the official Enchanted Forest website before your visit. The park has been known to close on certain weekdays outside peak summer season.
Admission
The park charges admission fees that vary by age. Prices are not reproduced here as they change periodically — confirm current rates on the official site or at the gate.
Visas
Enchanted Forest is located in the United States. Entry requirements depend entirely on your nationality. For general visa guidance, consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) or the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov).
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — the park is built on a hillside with uneven terrain.
- Layers: even in summer, western Oregon mornings can be cool and overcast.
- Sunscreen for afternoon visits when skies clear.
- Cash or card — verify locally which payment methods are accepted.
Getting There
By Car
Enchanted Forest is most conveniently reached by car. It sits directly off Interstate 5 at Exit 248 (Enchanted Way), between Salem and Albany. From Salem, the drive is roughly 10–15 minutes heading south. From Portland, allow approximately 50–60 minutes without traffic.
By Public Transit
Direct public transit to the park is limited. Salem's Cherriots bus system serves Salem proper, but the park's suburban location means most visitors arrive by private vehicle. If you are without a car, verify current ride-share availability (Uber/Lyft operate in the Salem area) before your visit.
Nearest Airport
The Salem Municipal Airport (SLE) offers limited commercial service. Portland International Airport (PDX), about 50 miles north, is the primary regional gateway with extensive domestic and international connections. Car rental is available at both airports.
Getting Around
Once inside Enchanted Forest, the park is navigated entirely on foot. The property is compact but hilly, and all major attractions are reachable by walking paths. Guests with mobility considerations should check with the park directly regarding accessibility, as the hillside terrain presents challenges not present at flat-terrain parks.
For the broader Turner/Salem area, a personal vehicle is the most practical way to move between Enchanted Forest, accommodations, and dining options. Salem's downtown core is walkable once you are there, but the distance between the park and the city makes a car essentially necessary for most visitors.
Where to Stay
There are no lodging options at Enchanted Forest itself. Salem, approximately 7 miles north, is the logical base. Salem offers a range of hotel chains, independent motels, and a small number of bed-and-breakfast options. For a more rural experience, short-term rental properties in the Willamette Valley can be found through major booking platforms.
Visitors who want to combine Enchanted Forest with wine country or outdoor recreation may also find Albany (south of the park) or Silverton (near Silver Falls State Park, to the east) convenient bases depending on their broader itinerary. Confirm current availability and pricing through your preferred booking channel.
Things to See & Do
Inside Enchanted Forest
The park's attractions are its primary draw. Highlights that have been part of the park for many years include:
- Storybook Lane — A walking path past sculpted scenes depicting classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes, hand-built by founder Roger Tofte.
- Haunted House — A walk-through attraction that has been a fixture of the park since its early years.
- Western Town — A themed area with buildings styled after a frontier settlement.
- Ice Mountain Bobsled — A family coaster-style ride (verify current operation status, as ride availability can change seasonally).
- Tofteville Theater — An indoor theater space used for live performances; check the park's schedule for current showtimes.
- English Village — Tudor-style buildings housing shops and small exhibits.
Beyond the Park
The Willamette Valley surrounding Salem offers wine country touring, hiking in the adjacent Cascade foothills, and cultural visits to Oregon's state capital. Silver Falls State Park, often cited as one of Oregon's finest state parks, is approximately 25 miles east and well worth combining with a visit to the area.
Food & Drink
Enchanted Forest has on-site food concessions — verify what is currently available directly with the park, as offerings can change. Options have historically been casual park-style food suitable for families.
For a broader dining experience, Salem is the natural choice. The city has a varied restaurant scene ranging from casual Pacific Northwest cuisine to international options. The downtown Salem area along Liberty Street and Commercial Street has a concentration of independent restaurants, cafes, and brewpubs. As with any restaurant recommendations, verify current hours and operation before visiting, as businesses change.
The Willamette Valley is Oregon wine country, and several wineries and tasting rooms are accessible within a short drive of Salem if adult beverages are of interest.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In an emergency anywhere in the United States, dial 911. This connects to police, fire, and ambulance services.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major U.S. carriers is generally available in the Salem/Turner area. The park's on-site connectivity — such as Wi-Fi — should be verified locally.
Accessibility
The hillside terrain at Enchanted Forest presents genuine accessibility challenges. Guests with mobility concerns are advised to contact the park directly before visiting to understand which areas and attractions are accessible.
Tips
- Arrive early on summer weekends, as the park can become crowded with families by midday.
- The park has a real social media presence where operational updates, event announcements, and occasional promotions are posted — worth checking before your visit.
- Parking on-site is available (verify if there is a fee).
Safety
Enchanted Forest and the Turner/Salem area are not associated with notable safety concerns for travelers. Standard common-sense precautions apply: keep an eye on young children at all times in the park, secure valuables in your vehicle when parked, and stay hydrated during warm summer days.
Oregon is subject to wildfire smoke events during late summer (typically August–September), which can affect air quality across the Willamette Valley. Check air quality indices (airnow.gov) if you are visiting during peak fire season or if you have respiratory sensitivities.