The “Twilight” saga, with its captivating blend of romance, supernatural elements, and Pacific Northwest mystique, forever linked the fictional town of Forks, Washington, to pop culture fame. Fans worldwide envision the misty forests and dramatic coastlines of the Olympic Peninsula when they think of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen’s world. However, the reality of where “Twilight” was filmed might surprise you. Despite the books being deeply rooted in Washington state, surprisingly little of the movie adaptations were actually filmed there. In fact, the cinematic Forks and La Push we see on screen primarily owe their visual identity to locations in Oregon and British Columbia, Canada.
While the films do sprinkle in nods to Washington culture, and Forks itself has embraced its “Twilight” connection, the iconic scenes weren’t primarily shot within its borders. So, for those planning a pilgrimage to Bella’s stomping grounds, prepare for a bit of movie magic geography. Let’s explore the real-world locations that brought the “Twilight” universe to life, revealing where “Twilight” was truly filmed and which Pacific Northwest spots you can still visit to walk in the footsteps of vampires and werewolves.
Stepping into Edward’s World: Cape Horn, Washington
Let’s begin with one of the few, yet memorable, “Twilight” filming locations within Washington state itself: Cape Horn. Remember the breathtaking scene where Edward, in a display of vampire agility, carries Bella through the forest canopy, offering her a unique aerial view? That fantastical treetop flight was filmed amidst the stunning scenery of Cape Horn, located in Skamania County, Washington. While replicating Edward’s exact “spider monkey” perspective might be beyond reach, a visit to the Cape Horn Overlook still rewards you with spectacular vistas. From this vantage point, you can gaze upon the majestic Columbia River, experiencing a grounded, yet equally impressive, view of the landscape that served as Edward’s backyard.
La Push Beach: Cannon Beach & Beyond
“It’s La Push, baby!” is an iconic line, instantly evoking images of dramatic Pacific Northwest beaches. However, the La Push Beach you see in the first “Twilight” film isn’t actually La Push in Washington. Instead, the filmmakers chose the equally stunning Cannon Beach in Oregon to represent the Quileute tribal lands. With its iconic Haystack Rock and vast sandy expanse, Cannon Beach provided a visually striking backdrop for Bella’s introduction to Jacob Black and the Quileute legends.
For “New Moon,” the filmmakers shifted locations slightly. While still aiming to capture the essence of La Push, they recreated the beach scenes at Incinerator Rock in Long Beach, British Columbia. This demonstrates the production’s commitment to visually representing the Pacific Northwest setting, even if it meant geographical flexibility.
Port Angeles Charm: St. Helens, Oregon
The charming town of Port Angeles, near Forks, plays a role in the books. For the movie adaptation, however, the filmmakers opted for St. Helens, Oregon, to stand in for Port Angeles, particularly for the dress shopping scene. As Bella and her friends browse for prom dresses, a keen eye might spot St. Helens City Hall through the shop window. This same City Hall also boasts another claim to fame: it was featured in Disney’s “Halloweentown” movies, further cementing St. Helens’ cinematic appeal and making it a recognizable location for film buffs.
Vampire Baseball Spectacle: Multnomah Falls, Oregon
The thrilling vampire baseball scene in “Twilight” is visually heightened by a stunning waterfall in the background. While Washington state is indeed home to numerous breathtaking waterfalls, the cascading water feature you see on screen is actually Multnomah Falls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. Multnomah Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest, provided a dramatic and majestic setting for the Cullens’ supernatural game, further emphasizing the fantastical elements of the “Twilight” world.
The Gateway to Forks: Bridge of the Gods
The opening scene of the first “Twilight” film shows Bella and Charlie Swan driving into Forks, crossing a long, impressive bridge. This bridge, while visually representing the entrance to Forks, is not geographically accurate to the real town. The bridge featured is actually the Bridge of the Gods, which spans the Columbia River, connecting Washington and Oregon. Located far from Forks, the Bridge of the Gods adds a sense of grandeur and cinematic scale to Bella’s arrival, even if it takes creative liberties with the actual geography.
Forks Police Station: Vernonia, Oregon
For establishing shots of Forks, the filmmakers utilized the town of Vernonia, Oregon. In particular, Vernonia’s Wauna Federal Credit Union served as the exterior for Chief Swan’s police station in the movie. Vernonia, with its small-town charm, effectively conveyed the atmosphere of Forks, becoming another key Oregon location that contributed to the visual identity of the “Twilight” universe.
Forks High School: A Tri-Location Tale
Forks High School, the academic hub of Bella’s life, was portrayed by not one, but three different locations across Washington and British Columbia. For the exterior shots in the first “Twilight” movie, including the iconic parking lot scene where Edward famously saves Bella from a van, Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington, was used.
However, as filming progressed for later movies, production shifted to the Vancouver, British Columbia area. David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver took over as the exterior of Forks High School for “New Moon.” Additionally, for the graduation scene in “Eclipse,” Como Lake Middle School, also in Canada, provided the setting for the school gymnasium. This multi-location approach highlights the logistical considerations of filmmaking and the adaptation of a fictional setting for the screen.
Hunting Grounds of Forks: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
The opening scenes of “Twilight,” depicting the lush, moss-covered forests surrounding Forks, are visually reminiscent of the Hoh Rainforest in Washington. Yet, these scenes, particularly the chase sequences with deer, were filmed in Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. Located near Salem, Oregon, Silver Falls State Park boasts dense forests and stunning waterfalls, providing the perfect backdrop to represent the mysterious and wild hunting grounds of the vampires in “Twilight.”
The Carver Cafe: A Real Bite of Forks
In the “Twilight” books, Bella and Chief Swan frequent a diner called The Lodge. For the movie, the filmmakers chose a real, locally owned restaurant in Damascus, Oregon, and kept its original name: The Carver Cafe. This charming eatery still operates today, embracing its “Twilight” fame and inviting fans to “come get a bite” at a location that feels authentically connected to the movie’s world.
Forks Prom: View Point Inn, Oregon
The romantic prom scene in “Twilight,” with its twinkling gazebo and Monte Carlo theme, was filmed at the View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon. This historic inn, perched with panoramic views, provided an elegant and enchanting setting for the movie’s final dance sequence. Sadly, the View Point Inn experienced a fire in 2011 that damaged the second floor. However, as a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, there remains hope within the Portland community for its restoration, perhaps allowing future “Twilight” fans to glimpse this iconic location in its former glory.
In conclusion, while “Twilight” lore is deeply intertwined with Forks, Washington, the movies themselves painted their cinematic picture using a broader palette of Pacific Northwest locations. From the forests of Silver Falls State Park to the beaches of Cannon Beach and the charming towns of St. Helens and Vernonia, Oregon, and even stretching into British Columbia, the “Twilight” saga truly filmed across the region. So, while a trip to Forks, Washington, offers an immersive “Twilight” experience, remember that the magic of the movies extends to these other captivating locations, each offering a piece of the “Twilight” filming puzzle.
