Boulder Beach splashes into its 15th year

The countdown to cooling off at Boulder Beach is on.

The water park at Silverwood Theme Park will open June 9, and this season marks the 15th anniversary of Boulder Beach making its first big splash.

Families have been floating, sliding and splashing at Silverwood since 2003.

When Boulder Beach opened, it was an immediate hit, offering slides, a kiddie water structure and a massive wave pool. Silverwood founder and owner Gary Norton added a lazy river replicating a favorite Idaho pastime: relaxing and floating the local rivers.

Visitors to Boulder Beach loved it all, and with swimsuits and sunscreen, they came in droves. Norton soon knew he had to expand the water park to accommodate more people.

Since opening, Boulder Beach has doubled in size. In 2007, the park added more slides, a second wave pool, changing rooms, additional food venues, and private cabanas.

The cabanas, which began as a sort of hidden gem, have since become so popular that they’re usually sold out even before Silverwood opens for the season.

Word of mouth led to the most recent addition to the Boulder Beach experience: Riptide Racer, added in 2016. Nearly 60 feet high, the slide sends riders zipping along more than 400 feet of winding tubes.

From the adventurous to those looking to relax, the water park was designed to have something for everyone.

Riders reach up to 55 miles per hour as they hurtle from the highest point of Velocity Peak; elsewhere, at Avalanche Mountain, a raft splashes from the top of a trail to an underground canyon.

Toddler Springs and Polliwog Park are just right for the youngest members of the family to splash around geysers, waterfalls, child-sized slides and shallow water.

Boulder Beach has established itself as a key attraction at Silverwood, one of North Idaho’s most iconic places, where countless families have made lasting memories. With the summer season getting into full swing, the tradition is sure to continue, and there’s no telling what the future will bring.

Beginning June 9, Boulder Beach is open at Silverwood every day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the summer.

The rest of the theme park’s rides and attractions are already open every day at 11 a.m.

For tickets and info, visit silverwoodthemepark.com.