The giant grim reaper standing guard at Blood Bayou isn't telling the whole story to Scarywood's guests.

Sure, he's right when he says "through these doors, danger lurks."

But the single word, danger, doesn't quite describe what awaits those who dare cross into this land of zombies, scarecrows and crazy clowns.

Terrifying might be better.

Or bloodcurling.

Perhaps horrifying or even hair-raising.

No matter, really. In the end, know this: You won't sleep well for a while.

Mark Robitaille, Silverwood Theme Park communications manager, chuckles when asked about the transformation from a feel-good place of joyous rides and lighthearted entertainment to a dark, demonic cavern of ghouls and ghosts.

Will Scarywood, for the fourth straight season, frighten folks like never before? Will they scream, close their eyes, pee their pants, flee for safety? Will they have nightmares?

Robitaille has no doubts. All of the above.

"We've got more scare zones throughout the park, there will be more creatures coming out at you," he said as he walked through the park about 15 miles north of Coeur d'Alene.

Scarywood opens at 7 tonight. Before it closes on the final night of its run on Halloween, it's expected to attract around 50,000 visitors looking for a fright night fix.

The $2 million fear fest employs 150 folks trained to be creatures of the night and the undead. Another 50 or so will work on makeup, costumes and set-up for the monthlong production.

"Each year we're improving and enhancing," Robitaille said.

Scarywood boasts four bone-chilling haunts as well as scare zones scattered throughout the park with monsters and beasts of all kinds concealed in fog, strategically placed to keep guests on the edge of panic.

"No matter where you go, you will not be able to avoid the creatures that lurk in the night," according to a press release.

New this year at Scarywood is 3-Dementia, a 3-D attraction based on a once pleasant fun zone gone horribly wrong.

Blood Bayou, the forest-themed haunted attraction, was constructed in 2010 in the museum building which lies just north of Main Street. A pathway guides guests from the gory - body parts on the dinner table and a screaming body in an incinerator - to the diabolical - a man being electrified and a talking head in a cage.

"Help me. I can't feel my legs. where are my legs?" the head says.

The Thunder Canyon raft ride will again be drained and converted into the Terror Canyon Trail "where you will be stalked by creatures from your worst nightmares."

The Zombiewood Express - Mild-mannered Steam Engine No. 7 - "will transform into a fortified zombie-hunting machine that will take you on an action-packed and sometimes humorous battle that only the fearless will survive."

After four years, they've got terrifying people down to a fine art at Scarywood, which, isn't recommended for kids 12 and under.

Robitaille encourages folks come early in the season to avoid the crowds, and plan to stay in Scarywood for several hours.

About 20,000 went through the first year, nearly 40,000 the second and 45,000 last year. Even more will line up to test their courage this year.

"We say there's too many frights to see in one night," he said. "You may have to visit twice to see it all."

All of Scarywood's haunted attractions as well as other Silverwood rides including Timber Terror roller coaster, which will be running backward, will be open.

Prices will vary based on the day you attend. Wednesdays and Thursdays will be $24.99, Fridays $29.99 and Saturdays $34.99.

Info: www.scarywoodhaunt.com