Timber Mountain Log Ride
The Timber Mountain Log Ride at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California, is a themed log flume water dark ride. The ride is based on Knott’s Calico Ghost Town. The ride is one of the oldest in the country and is the most popular at Knott’s Berry Farm. Furthermore, on July 11, 2019, the Timber Mountain Log Ride celebrated its 50th anniversary with exclusive souvenirs, two new animatronic characters, and the inclusion of a soundtrack created exclusively for the log ride by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.
The Timber Mountain Log Ride was originally conceived as a roller coaster that appeared to float in a trough rather than a log flume. However, after consulting with Arrow Development co-founders Ed Morgan and Karl Bacon, ride designer Bud Hurlbut decided on a log flume ride system. Walter Knott approved the ride for building as scenes progressed along the ride. The Hurlbut Amusement Company sponsored the initial $3.5 million cost of the ride, which was ultimately sold to the park.
Timber Mountain Log Ride debuted on July 11, 1969, with John Wayne as the first rider.
In January 2013, Knott’s Berry Farm planned a five-month restoration to feature animatronic people and new scenery, while keeping the ride’s premise of a 19th-century timber camp. After closing on January 6, 2013, the ride reopened on May 31, 2013.
Garner Holt Productions created the animatronics for the restored ride.
Knott’s Berry Farm planned to renovate and enhance the park’s most popular attraction in December 2012. This marked the beginning of a dramatic shift in the park’s approach, with a return to themed attractions rather than just thrills. Cedar Fair had intended to build another huge roller coaster in Knott’s Ghost Town. However, due to a change in leadership at Knott’s Berry Farm and Cedar Fair, the plans for another roller coaster were canceled. Instead, the money were used to start a significant repair and improvement of the Timber Mountain Log Ride. The log ride was closed for around 5 months in January 2013 for a major refurbishment by Garner Holt Productions. The park’s in-house team also contributed to the ride’s refurbishment by planting approximately 100 sequoia trees, a distinguishing feature of the mountain.
Knott’s Berry Farm honored the 50th anniversary of the park’s most popular ride, the Timber Mountain Log Ride, on July 11, 2019. Knott’s installed two new animatronics developed by Garner Holt as part of the 50th anniversary celebration. Instead of the lap sitting seat design, all 36 logs were retrofitted with individual seats (similar to Splash Mountain). The majority of the logs have three or four individual seats. Another significant enhancement to the trip was the incorporation of a soundtrack. Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies created an original soundtrack for the ride. The ride now has an exclusive soundtrack regarding the log ride, providing a much improved ride experience.
Next Point of Interest: Ghost Town & Calico Railway