Looks like Wild Waves is closing for good next year...

https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/wild-waves-shut-down-2026

Sad to see any amusement park close (although this was a water park too), but in the Northwest, you don't have very many options. I used to live in Oregon and this park has a little sentimental feeling to me, because Wild Thing was my very first upside down roller coaster. It wasn't THE coaster that got me into roller coasters, but it had a huge impact on me.

I remember after the water park closed, my family went over to the super small amusement park side and I decided I would try Timberhawk, their S&S woodie. I was scared, but had a fun time. So I was feeling pretty confident in myself after that ride, and decided I might try and conquer the Wild Thing (simple Arrow looper). I had never done an upside down roller coaster before, and was super sacred of the idea of going upside down, as I'm sure many of you guys experienced when you were younger. But I got the courage to get in line, and in the ride vehicle. I was super scared on the lift, but it was over before I knew it. I wasn't really sure how I liked it at first. At first, I wasn't sure if I liked roller coasters anymore. When we got back into the station, the ride operator then asked everyone if they wanted to go again, and if they didn't they could raise their hand and get their restraint released. I of course raised my hand but my dad put it back down and said "let's go again". So, as we left the station I held the restraint tight and braced myself for the upcoming loops. By the time I got off the ride, I had completely changed my mind and absolutely loved it! Thus began my love for roller coasters. Anyway, just thought I'd share an experience I remember quite vividly about this park.

Yes just saw this today as well. As I just moved to Seattle from Cincinnati this year this is devastating. It's going to be really hard only having the Washington State Fair twice a year and then the Miler kiddy coaster at Remlinger. Wild Waves was one of the few parks in the region that sold season passes too. I'm now looking at a 2.5-3 hour drive minimum to go to any other parks. Probably will go to Playland in Vancouver more in the future as it's the second best park within a 6 hour radius after Silverwood 

Well folks I must report that Wild Waves so far has been running a bit better for their 50th and final season this year. The chance casino and timberaxe rides have been retired officially and will not operate this season but so far everything else has been consistently operational. 

American Coaster Enthusiasts is hosting their Preservation Conference in the northwest region at Oaks Park and Wild Waves with an optional add on pre-event at Enchanted Forest. The conference falls on Labor Day weekend which will allow attendees to also visit the Washington State Fair and PNE Fair in Vancouver both home to ACE Landmark wooden coasters!