The “Twilight” saga, with its captivating blend of romance, fantasy, and supernatural intrigue, is famously set in the perpetually overcast town of Forks, Washington. Author Stephenie Meyer vividly depicted the lush, rain-soaked landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula, making Forks a must-visit destination for devoted fans. However, the cinematic journey of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen took a detour when it came to filming. Despite the strong association with Washington state, the vast majority of the “Twilight” movies were filmed elsewhere. If you’re a Twi-hard eager to trace Bella’s footsteps, prepare to be surprised – and perhaps plan a trip to Oregon and British Columbia instead!
While Washington state does hold a special place in “Twilight” lore, and the films do nod to local culture, like the mention of “Vitamin R” (Rainier Beer), only a handful of scenes were actually shot within the Evergreen State. In fact, the town of Forks itself, the supposed heart of the “Twilight” universe, saw virtually no filming action. Yet, Forks has wholeheartedly embraced its fictional fame, prominently displaying a red truck reminiscent of Bella’s in front of the Chamber of Commerce, proving its unwavering connection to the saga.
So, where was “Twilight” filmed? For those yearning to experience the real-world locations that brought Forks and La Push to life on screen, the Pacific Northwest offers a wealth of destinations. Let’s uncover the most iconic “Twilight” filming locations you can still visit and explore, revealing the cinematic secrets behind the saga.
Edward’s High-Flying Backyard Adventure
One of the few Washington state locations to make it into the “Twilight” films is Cape Horn. Remember the breathtaking scene where Edward whisks Bella away for a tree-climbing, almost-flying experience from his bedroom window? That soaring sequence through the forest canopy was filmed amidst the stunning treetops of Skamania County. While replicating Edward’s exact “spider monkey” perspective might be impossible (and inadvisable!), you can still immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty at the Cape Horn Overlook. Here, you can appreciate magnificent views of the Columbia River from a more grounded vantage point, connecting with the landscape that served as Edward’s extraordinary backyard.
La Push Beach: Double the Location, Double the Beauty
“It’s La Push, baby!” This iconic line instantly conjures images of dramatic, windswept beaches. However, the La Push scenes in the original “Twilight” film weren’t filmed on the Quileute reservation, or even in Washington. Instead, the filmmakers chose the picturesque Cannon Beach in Oregon to represent La Push. With its towering Haystack Rock and expansive shoreline, Cannon Beach provided the perfect backdrop for Bella’s introduction to Jacob Black and the Quileute werewolf legends.
For “New Moon,” the filmmakers shifted La Push locations slightly. To recreate the Quileute reservation beach for the second film, they ventured north to Incinerator Rock in Long Beach, British Columbia. This change showcases the flexibility of the Pacific Northwest landscape, offering diverse coastal settings to represent the same fictional location.
Port Angeles Dress Shopping Spree
The charming town of Port Angeles plays a key role in the “Twilight” books, particularly the memorable scene where Bella and her friends shop for prom dresses. For the movie adaptation, the production team selected St. Helens, Oregon, as the stand-in for Port Angeles. Eagle-eyed viewers watching the prom dress scene might spot St. Helens City Hall through the shop window. Interestingly, St. Helens has another claim to fame in the realm of cinematic fantasy – it was also a primary filming location for Disney’s beloved “Halloweentown” movies. So, a visit to St. Helens offers a double dose of movie magic for fans of both vampires and witches!
Vampire Baseball and a Majestic Waterfall
The thrilling vampire baseball scene in “Twilight” is visually stunning, punctuated by a dramatic waterfall in the background. While Washington boasts numerous breathtaking waterfalls, the cascading beauty featured in this scene is actually Multnomah Falls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the United States, provided a suitably awe-inspiring setting for the Cullens’ supernatural sporting event. A visit to Multnomah Falls allows you to witness the grandeur that amplified the intensity of this iconic “Twilight” moment.
The Dramatic Forks Bridge Entrance
The very beginning of “Twilight” establishes the mood as Bella and Charlie Swan drive into Forks across a long, imposing bridge. This bridge, seemingly leading directly into the heart of Forks, is actually the Bridge of the Gods. However, geographically, this bridge is quite a distance from Forks. Spanning the Columbia River and connecting Washington and Oregon, the Bridge of the Gods is a striking landmark in its own right. Driving across this bridge allows fans to recreate Bella’s symbolic entry into the mysterious world of “Twilight,” even if the real Forks is located further west.
Forks Police Station in Vernonia, Oregon
For establishing shots of Forks, the filmmakers utilized the town of Vernonia, Oregon, lending it a stronger claim to being the cinematic “Twilight” town than Forks itself! Notably, the Wauna Federal Credit Union in Vernonia served as the exterior for Chief Swan’s police station. Exploring Vernonia offers a glimpse into the everyday locations that were transformed into the fictional town of Forks for the “Twilight” universe.
Forks High School: A Tale of Three Locations
Forks High School, home of the Spartans and the setting for pivotal moments like Edward’s dramatic rescue of Bella in the parking lot, was brought to life using multiple locations. For the exterior shots in the first “Twilight” movie, the filmmakers chose Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington. However, as the franchise progressed, production shifted to the Vancouver, British Columbia, area.
Vancouver’s David Thompson Secondary School became the new stand-in for Forks High School for “New Moon.” Even the graduation scene in “Eclipse,” ostensibly set in the school gym, was filmed in Canada, at Como Lake Middle School in Coquitlam, near Vancouver. This illustrates how diverse locations were pieced together to create the cohesive image of Forks High.
Hunting in the Oregon Forest
The opening scenes of “Twilight,” showcasing the lush, moss-draped forests surrounding Forks, evoke the imagery of the Hoh Rainforest in Washington. Yet, these captivating chase scenes with the deer were filmed in Silver Falls State Park, located about 20 miles from Salem, Oregon. Silver Falls State Park, with its dense forests and stunning waterfalls (including the famous Trail of Ten Falls), provided a readily accessible and visually similar alternative to the Hoh Rainforest for capturing the film’s atmospheric woodland scenes.
The Carver Cafe: A Bite of Forks in Damascus, Oregon
In the “Twilight” books, Bella and Chief Swan’s regular diner is known as The Lodge. For the movie adaptation, the filmmakers opted for a real, locally owned restaurant – The Carver Cafe in Damascus, Oregon – and kept its original name. Still operating today, The Carver Cafe embraces its “Twilight” connection, inviting fans to “come get a bite” of the Forks experience. Dining at The Carver Cafe offers a tangible link to the “Twilight” universe and a taste of local Oregon flavor.
Forks Prom: A Fiery Finale at the View Point Inn
The final, romantic prom scene in “Twilight,” complete with a charming, twinkling gazebo, was filmed at the View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon. Perched atop a hill with panoramic views, the View Point Inn provided an idyllic setting for the culmination of Bella and Edward’s early romance. Sadly, the inn suffered a fire in 2011 that damaged the second floor. However, as a treasured landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, there are ongoing efforts within the Portland community to restore this iconic “Twilight” location to its former glory, offering hope that fans may one day revisit this romantic piece of cinematic history.
While Forks, Washington, remains the spiritual home of “Twilight,” the movies themselves painted their version of Forks using a wider canvas across the Pacific Northwest. From the Oregon coast to the forests and waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge and even venturing into British Columbia, the “Twilight” saga utilized diverse locations to bring Stephenie Meyer’s world to life. For fans planning a “Twilight”-inspired pilgrimage, expanding your itinerary beyond Forks to include these Oregon and British Columbia locations will unlock the real-world magic behind the movies.
