The sole amusement park in the Seattle area will retire its coasters and water slides for good next season, citing millions of dollars in losses since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Wild Waves Theme Park — which opened in Federal Way, Washington, nearly 50 years ago — announced Wednesday that its next season would also be its last.
“We are thankful for our guests, team members, and the community of Federal Way for supporting Wild Waves and creating so many thrills and great memories with families and friends,” Kieran Burke, president and owner of Wild Waves operator Premier Parks, said in a news release.
The theme park temporarily closed down in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since reopening, Burke said, rising costs have “generated millions in losses,” forcing the attraction to suspend operations next year.
Wild Waves will open for the 2026 season on May 23, and close permanently to the public on Nov. 1, according to the release.
The park is likely a familiar sight for those who’ve made the drive from Portland to Seattle. Wild Waves sits only 150 miles from Portland — and its colorful, looping water slides are visible from Interstate 5.
Wild Waves has a storied history in the Seattle area, debuting in 1977 as Enchanted Village. It has since traded hands and names several times, and in 2016 Wild Waves was placed under the management of Oklahoma City-based Premier Parks.
Future plans for the site are still in early stages, said Jeff Stock, the property’s owner and a partner of Premier Parks.
“We recognize the deep history and emotional connection many residents have with the park,” he said in the release, “and we are committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area.”
At 70 acres, Wild Waves houses more than 30 rides and water slides, including four of the region’s few roller coasters. It employs about 35 full-time and 800 seasonal employees, according to the release.
Wild Waves plans to deliver a “vibrant” 2026 season, Burke said in the release.
“In its final year of operation, the park will celebrate the memories, nostalgia, and family fun with themed events, and special promotions,” he said.
