It's baaaack …

As the sun set over Silverwood Theme Park on Friday night, North Idaho residents were shrouded in a thick fog.

Then from the darkness came the rattling of a chain saw — marking the 11th season of Scarywood Haunted Nights. 

Scarywood is one of the largest haunted attractions in the Pacific Northwest. This year's theme, "Fear Lives Here," was personified by every hooded creature and demented clowns hid in the shadows waiting for the perfect moment to pounce. 

"We change everything about this park," Silverwood Public Relations Manager Stephanie Sampson said. "This is not the family friendly atmosphere anymore. This is the terrifying, October, Halloween horror park."

Fueling the horror are 200 actors in head-to-toe costumes, five walk-through haunted attractions, nine scare zones, and most of Silverwood's iconic signature rides in the dark. 

Having to cancel Scarywood was heartbreaking to die-hard fans, many of whom came out to enjoy the horrifically good time Friday night. Sandpoint resident Jordyn Owens said she had attended Scarywood since she was 13-years-old. Friday marked Owens' seventh year at the fright fest, and she couldn't be more excited after the two-year hiatus. 

"I love Halloween, and there hasn't been anything because of COVID, so it is awesome to be around people and to be scared," Owens said. "I hate clowns, and they do a great job there."

Scare zones aren't for the faint of heart, featuring a crime scene, a dark and dangerous forest, and a scarecrow alley. Coeur d'Alene residents Billy Richards and Riley Huewitt advise traveling in packs and walking fast to make it through alive. 

"Some of them follow you, though," Huewitt said. "Especially the ones with the chain saws."

Still, they said they wouldn't miss Scarywood for the world. 

"Coming here kicks off the spooky season, you know?" Richards said. "It's not Halloween without Scarywood."

Thrill-seekers can hop on some of Silverwood's signature rides, including Panic Plunge, Scrambler, SpinCycle, Tremors and the backward-running Timber Terror. Stunt Pilot, Silverwood's newest ride, may be available to the public based on weather conditions. 

Attendees can also wander into "Dillusion" for a magic show and grab spook-tacular food at vendors throughout the park.

Scarywood is intended for children ages 13 and older. So once Post Falls resident Emma Wyse turned of age, her mom, Toffer Wyse, decided it was time to test her scare level. 

"This is her first time," Toffer said Friday. "She's 13 now, so I'm like, 'You're ready.'"

Emma wasn't scared yet, but the night was still young. 

"We usually come every year," Toffer said. "It's something you can enjoy all night long instead of a quick haunted house, and it's activities you can do together." 

Daredevils and scaredy cats can see the event for themselves until Oct. 30. 

No costumes, masks or face painting are permitted. Face coverings are allowed as long as they don't make attendees look like part of the show. 

The gates are open from 7 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday. Parking is $5 per vehicle. 

Season pass holders can get $10 off Saturday night, and Gold Pass holders can get up to three tickets each with a $10 discount. On Oct. 30, all firefighters, military and veterans can enjoy Scarywood for free. 

Scarywood Haunted Nights is closed on Halloween, as it is a monster holiday. 

Info: www.scarywoodhaunt.com