A Chilling Night at Scarywood: Getting Ready for Frights, Thrills, and Unforgettable Memories

As someone who usually avoids anything that could be classified as scary, I’ll admit that the idea of going to Scarywood had me a little on edge. I’m not exactly the bravest when it comes to haunted houses and horror-themed events—okay, let’s be real, I’m a chicken! But this year, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and head to Scarywood for a spooky date night with Garrett.

Getting Ready for a Night of Frights

Before the scares began, I had to make sure I was mentally and physically prepared. First, I treated myself to a little liquid courage to keep me calm and ease those pre-haunt jitters. Then, we checked into our hotel, and I threw on something comfortable—because let’s be real, you never know with North Idaho weather. I needed to be able to run, jump, and not freeze if the temperature suddenly dropped.

One important thing I made sure of? I was adequately fed. Now, I don’t know if there’s any truth to this, but I’ve heard that being well-fed makes you less likely to be scared. Did I make that up? Maybe. But I wasn’t about to take any chances! Did I also eat my way through the park? Oh yes, I did. I’m not ashamed to say that enjoying food made me feel a whole lot better about the scares ahead. And, of course, I had the best partner by my side. Garrett has this calmness about him that, at certain points in the night, rubbed off on me. While I still screamed (a lot), I wasn’t as terrified as I thought I’d be.

The Atmosphere: Creepy Yet Alluring

As someone who doesn’t typically seek out scares, I was pleasantly surprised by how immersive Scarywood was. From the eerie music echoing throughout the park to the dense fog that made it hard to see more than a few feet ahead, the entire experience was designed to keep you on edge. It felt like walking straight into a horror movie, where anything could jump out at you at any moment.

What really stood out to me was how the park’s natural setting added to the creep factor. The tall trees cast long shadows, and dark paths made it impossible to tell whether someone—or something—was lurking nearby. Even though I was scared out of my mind, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the level of detail. It felt like stepping into another world, one where fear was always right around the corner.

The Haunted Attractions: Pure Adrenaline

Despite my initial hesitation, we dove right into the haunted attractions. I tried to be brave, but the first stop, Blood Bayou, had me clutching Garrett’s arm in sheer terror. Every twist and turn had a new scare waiting for me. The haunted house was filled with creepy actors who seemed to enjoy watching me jump at every little thing. The set designs were incredible though—each room felt like its own terrifying scene.

Then there was Planet Zombie, which was straight out of my worst nightmares. Zombies were everywhere, and I felt like I was being hunted the entire time. Garrett, of course, breezed through the maze, while I screamed at every jump scare. I can laugh about it now, but in the moment, I was ready to make a run for it!

The scariest part of the night? Total Darkness. I never thought walking through a maze in complete darkness would be that terrifying, but it was. With nothing to guide me but my instincts, every sound and shadow felt like a threat. Garrett found the whole thing amusing, while I was convinced we’d never make it out. Spoiler: we did.

Riding Stunt Pilot: Facing a New Fear

One of the unexpected highlights of the night? Facing my fear of Stunt Pilot. I had never ridden it before, but when we got to the park early and saw there was no line, we figured it was the perfect time to give it a go. I was hesitant—roller coasters have always intimidated me—but with Garrett by my side, we braced ourselves and hopped on. The ride was thrilling, intense, and surprisingly fun! I’ll admit, it was a major adrenaline rush that set the tone for the rest of the evening. If you’re ever at Scarywood, don’t skip this one—it’s a must-do.

Roaming Monsters: No Escape

Another unique aspect of Scarywood is that the scares aren’t confined to the haunted houses. As you wander through the park, you can never truly relax. There are monsters roaming everywhere—clowns, zombies, and chainsaw-wielding maniacs just waiting to sneak up on you. One particularly determined actor with a chainsaw decided to follow me for what felt like forever. Garrett couldn’t stop laughing while I kept looking over my shoulder, praying for an escape.

Would I Do It Again?

I’ll admit, I didn’t think I’d enjoy Scarywood as much as I did. Yes, I’m a chicken, and yes, I was scared most of the time, but it was the kind of fun fear that keeps you laughing and screaming all night long. It was definitely a memorable date night—Garrett, who was completely unfazed by all of it, had a great time, and I have to give him credit for keeping me calm through all the chaos.

Would I bring him again? I’m not sure. He didn’t seem scared at all, while I was jumping out of my skin every five minutes. But was it a fun night? Absolutely. If you’re looking for something different to do this Halloween season, Scarywood is a must-visit. It’s an experience you won’t forget—and one you’ll definitely need to check off your spooky season bucket list. Just be prepared to scream… a lot.

Meet the Conductor: Rochelle

Rochelle Durruthy is a San Diego transplant in the great Pacific Northwest, living and exploring in Spokane Washington, she is a content creator for her lifestyle blog, when she isn’t busy creating content she’s helping her fiancé and his renovation business and chasing their two children around, this year we added puppies to the mix. Always ready to conquer a new adventure Rochelle and her family are excited to share all the fun things to do at Silverwood  with you all.

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