For devoted fans of the “Twilight” saga, the quaint town of Forks, Washington, is synonymous with Bella Swan, Edward Cullen, and the mystical world of vampires and werewolves. Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling books vividly paint a picture of the Olympic Peninsula, making Forks a must-visit destination for Twihards. However, the cinematic adaptation of this beloved series took some creative liberties when it came to filming locations. Contrary to popular belief, and surprisingly for many fans, Twilight was not primarily filmed in Forks, Washington. In fact, the movies ventured far beyond the Evergreen State for most of its iconic scenes.
While Washington State does hold a special place in the “Twilight” universe, with mentions of local culture and the setting itself being crucial to the narrative, the actual filming took place predominantly in Oregon and British Columbia, Canada. Only a handful of significant moments were captured in Washington, and none directly in the town of Forks itself.
This revelation might be surprising, especially for those planning a pilgrimage to walk in Bella’s footsteps. Yet, the magic of cinema lies in its ability to transport us, and the “Twilight” filmmakers masterfully recreated the atmosphere of Forks and La Push in other stunning Pacific Northwest locations.
So, where exactly was “Twilight” filmed? Prepare to be enlightened as we explore the real-world locations that brought the fictional world of Forks to life on the big screen, revealing the surprising truth behind where the Twilight movie was filmed.
Iconic Twilight Locations You Can Visit
Despite not being filmed in Forks, Washington, the “Twilight” movies utilized a variety of breathtaking locations throughout the Pacific Northwest that fans can still visit today. These sites offer a tangible connection to the films, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cinematic world of vampires, werewolves, and teenage romance.
Edward’s Backyard – Cape Horn, Washington
Edward and Bella amidst the treetops, symbolizing their soaring romance in Twilight.
One of the few scenes actually filmed in Washington State is the breathtaking sequence where Edward takes Bella on a thrilling tree-climbing adventure. When they soar through the forest canopy, they are actually amongst the treetops of Cape Horn in Skamania County, Washington. While replicating Edward’s superhuman leaps might be impossible, visitors can experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge from the Cape Horn Overlook. This viewpoint offers stunning vistas, albeit closer to the ground, allowing you to appreciate the majestic scenery that served as Edward’s “backyard.”
La Push Beach – Cannon Beach, Oregon & Long Beach, British Columbia
The dramatic coastline of Cannon Beach, Oregon, standing in for La Push Beach in the Twilight movie.
“It’s La Push, baby!” This iconic line, delivered by Jacob Black, is forever etched in Twilight fan vocabulary, evoking images of rugged beaches and Quileute legends. However, the La Push beach scenes in the first “Twilight” movie were not filmed on the Quileute reservation. Instead, the filmmakers chose the equally dramatic Cannon Beach in Oregon. Known for its iconic Haystack Rock and expansive sandy shores, Cannon Beach provided the perfect backdrop for the mystical La Push.
For “New Moon,” the filmmakers shifted locations slightly. While still aiming for the La Push aesthetic, they recreated the beach at Incinerator Rock in Long Beach, British Columbia. This demonstrates the series’ consistent use of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, even when location details shifted between films.
Port Angeles Dress Shopping – St. Helens, Oregon
A quaint storefront in St. Helens, Oregon, resembling the dress shop from the Twilight Port Angeles scene.
The charming town of Port Angeles plays a significant role in the “Twilight” books as the nearest “big town” to Forks. In the movie, Bella and her friends venture to Port Angeles for dress shopping, leading to the now-famous encounter with vampires in a dimly lit alley. However, Port Angeles itself was bypassed for filming. Instead, the picturesque town of St. Helens, Oregon, was chosen to represent Port Angeles and its shops. Notably, if you look closely through the shop window during the prom dress scene, you can spot the St. Helens City Hall, adding a touch of local flavor. Interestingly, St. Helens also boasts another claim to fame, having been used in Disney’s “Halloweentown” movies.
Vampire Baseball Waterfall – Multnomah Falls, Oregon
The majestic Multnomah Falls in Oregon, serving as the backdrop for the intense vampire baseball scene in Twilight.
The exhilarating vampire baseball scene in “Twilight” is visually striking, not only for the supernatural athleticism but also for the breathtaking waterfall featured in the background. While Washington State is indeed home to numerous stunning waterfalls, the cascading beauty showcased in this scene is none other than Oregon’s iconic Multnomah Falls. Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls is one of the most visited natural recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest, and its inclusion in “Twilight” further cemented its cinematic appeal.
Forks Bridge – Bridge of the Gods, Oregon/Washington Border
The Bridge of the Gods spanning the Columbia River, representing the entrance to Forks in the Twilight movie.
The opening scene of “Twilight” immediately establishes the setting as Bella and Charlie Swan drive into Forks across a long, dramatic bridge. This bridge, seemingly the gateway to Forks, is indeed a real location you can drive across. However, it’s not actually near Forks. Known as the Bridge of the Gods, this impressive structure spans the Columbia River, connecting Oregon and Washington State. Located far from the real Forks, the Bridge of the Gods adds a sense of grandeur and remoteness to the cinematic depiction of the town’s entrance.
Forks Police Station – Vernonia, Oregon
The Wauna Federal Credit Union in Vernonia, Oregon, transformed into the Forks Police Station for Twilight.
Vernonia, Oregon, might have a stronger claim to being the “official” Twilight town than Forks itself, at least in terms of filming locations. Two of Vernonia’s main intersections were used for establishing shots of Forks, immersing viewers in the town’s atmosphere. The Wauna Federal Credit Union in Vernonia was transformed into Chief Swan’s police station, a key location in Bella’s life in Forks.
Forks High School – Kalama, Washington & Vancouver, BC
Kalama High School in Washington State, the original exterior of Forks High School in the Twilight movie.
Forks High School, home of the Spartans, is central to Bella’s teenage experience in “Twilight.” The exterior shots of the school, including the iconic parking lot scene where Edward famously saves Bella from a van, were filmed at Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington. This makes Kalama another Washington location with a direct link to the “Twilight” films.
However, as filming progressed for the subsequent movies, production shifted to the Vancouver, British Columbia, area. Forks High School was recreated at David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver for “New Moon.” The graduation scene in “Eclipse” was also filmed in Canada, at Como Lake Middle School, showcasing the franchise’s move towards Canadian locations for logistical and cinematic reasons.
Hunting Grounds Forest – Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
Lush forest scenery in Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, replicating the Forks forest for hunting scenes in Twilight.
The opening scenes of “Twilight” feature a dense, moss-covered forest, perfectly capturing the atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest and resembling the Hoh Rainforest. However, these hunting scenes, showcasing the Cullen family’s unique dietary habits, were actually filmed in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. Located approximately 20 miles from Salem, Oregon, Silver Falls State Park offers stunning waterfalls and lush forest trails, providing an ideal stand-in for the forests surrounding Forks.
The Carver Cafe – Damascus, Oregon
The Carver Cafe in Damascus, Oregon, the real-life diner featured as the Forks diner in Twilight.
In the “Twilight” books, the diner frequented by Bella and Chief Swan is called The Lodge. For the movie adaptation, filmmakers opted for a real, locally owned restaurant in Damascus, Oregon, and kept its original name: The Carver Cafe. This charming cafe is still open today, welcoming Twilight fans and locals alike. They even playfully advertise, inviting visitors to “come get a bite,” a subtle nod to the vampire theme of the films.
Forks Prom Gazebo – View Point Inn, Oregon
The View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon, the romantic setting for the Twilight prom scene.
The final scene of “Twilight,” the romantic Monte Carlo-themed prom with its enchanting, twinkling gazebo, was filmed at the View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon. Perched with panoramic views, the View Point Inn provided a fairytale setting for this pivotal scene. Sadly, the inn suffered a fire in 2011, damaging the second floor. However, as it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there is hope within the Portland community for its restoration, and for it to once again welcome visitors to experience a touch of “Twilight” magic.
Experience the Twilight Saga in the Pacific Northwest
While Forks, Washington, remains the spiritual home of “Twilight,” the actual filming locations are spread across the stunning landscapes of Oregon and British Columbia, with a few gems in Washington State itself. Exploring these locations offers a unique way to connect with the films, allowing fans to step into Bella’s world and witness the breathtaking scenery that inspired the on-screen magic. So, plan your Pacific Northwest road trip, and embark on a real-world “Twilight” adventure, discovering where the Twilight movie was truly filmed.
