While the town of Forks, Washington, is forever entwined with the mystique of the “Twilight” saga, surprisingly little of the movie franchise was actually filmed there. Despite the books being set on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, devoted fans might be surprised to learn that only a handful of iconic “Twilight” moments were captured in the state, and none within the charming, albeit fictionalized, town of Forks itself.
However, the spirit of “Twilight” and the Pacific Northwest are undeniably linked, and many locations used to bring Bella Swan’s world to life are accessible to visit. From Oregon’s dramatic coastlines to the lush forests of British Columbia, let’s explore the real-world destinations that served as the backdrop for the beloved vampire romance.
Soaring Through Treetops: Edward’s Backyard in Cape Horn, Washington
One memorable scene showcasing Washington State is when Edward Cullen takes Bella on an unforgettable flight through the forest canopy. This breathtaking moment, portraying the view from Edward’s bedroom window, was filmed at Cape Horn, Washington. Located in Skamania County, while you might not replicate Edward’s “spider monkey” perspective, a visit to the Cape Horn Overlook still offers stunning vistas of the Columbia River, allowing you to experience a touch of “Twilight” magic grounded in reality.
La Push Beach: Cannon Beach, Oregon and Long Beach, British Columbia
“It’s La Push, baby,” Jacob Black famously declares, but the cinematic representation of La Push Beach diverges from its Washington setting. For the quintessential scenes of La Push in the first “Twilight” film, the production team chose the picturesque Cannon Beach, Oregon, renowned for its iconic Haystack Rock. The dramatic coastline and distinctive rock formations provided the perfect backdrop for introducing the Quileute werewolf legends.
Later in the saga, for “New Moon,” the production relocated the Quileute reservation beach scenes to Incinerator Rock in Long Beach, British Columbia. This shift highlights how filming locations evolved throughout the series, sometimes moving geographically while maintaining the visual essence of the “Twilight” world.
Port Angeles and Prom Dress Shopping: St. Helens, Oregon
The charming town of Port Angeles, a frequent destination for Bella and her friends in the books, was brought to life on screen using St. Helens, Oregon, as a stand-in. Notably, the prom dress shopping sequence, where Bella and her friends search for the perfect gown, showcases the storefronts of St. Helens. Eagle-eyed viewers might even recognize St. Helens City Hall through the shop window, a building also featured in Disney’s “Halloweentown,” adding a touch of cinematic history to this “Twilight” location.
Vampire Baseball and the Majestic Waterfall: Multnomah Falls, Oregon
The exhilarating vampire baseball scene, punctuated by dramatic thunder and lightning, features a stunning waterfall in the background. While Washington boasts numerous impressive waterfalls, the cascading beauty showcased in this scene is Oregon’s Multnomah Falls, located in the Columbia River Gorge. This iconic waterfall, easily accessible and visually striking, adds a touch of Pacific Northwest grandeur to the supernatural sport of the Cullen family.
The Dramatic Entrance to Forks: Bridge of the Gods
The opening moments of “Twilight” feature Bella and Charlie Swan driving into Forks across a long, imposing bridge. This bridge, symbolic of Bella’s transition to a new life, is actually the Bridge of the Gods. Despite its cinematic representation as the gateway to Forks, this bridge is geographically distant from the real Forks, Washington. Instead, it spans the Columbia River, connecting Washington and Oregon near Cascade Locks, offering impressive river views and a tangible “Twilight” connection for fans willing to venture beyond Forks itself.
Forks Police Station: Vernonia, Oregon’s Credit Union
For establishing shots of Forks, the production turned to Vernonia, Oregon. The Wauna Federal Credit Union in Vernonia served as the exterior for Chief Swan’s police station. This Oregon town, with its quintessential small-town charm, lent its visual identity to key scenes depicting the Forks law enforcement presence in “Twilight.”
Forks High School: A Tale of Three Locations
The iconic Forks High School, home of the Spartans, involved a trio of filming locations. For the exterior shots and the pivotal parking lot scene where Edward famously saves Bella from a van, Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington, was chosen. This location grounded the school in the intended state setting, at least initially.
However, as the franchise progressed, filming shifted to British Columbia. David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver, B.C., became the new Forks High School exterior for “New Moon,” while Como Lake Middle School, also in Canada, hosted the graduation scene in “Eclipse.” This demonstrates the logistical and cinematic decisions behind location choices, even within a series aiming for geographical consistency.
Hunting Grounds: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
The dense, moss-laden forests surrounding Forks are integral to the “Twilight” narrative. While reminiscent of Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, the actual filming location for the opening hunting scenes with deer was Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, situated approximately 20 miles from Salem. This Oregon state park, with its lush greenery and numerous waterfalls, provided the perfect visual stand-in for the mysterious and wild forests of the “Twilight” universe.
The Carver Cafe: Forks Diner in Damascus, Oregon
The local diner in Forks, known as The Lodge in the books, was renamed The Carver Cafe for the film adaptation. This real-life, family-owned restaurant in Damascus, Oregon, retained its name for the movie and continues to welcome visitors today. The Carver Cafe embraces its “Twilight” fame, inviting fans to “come get a bite” and experience a piece of the movie magic in a charming, everyday setting.
Forks Prom: View Point Inn, Corbett, Oregon
The enchanting prom scene in “Twilight,” culminating in a romantic dance in a twinkling gazebo, was filmed at the View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon. Sadly, this historic inn suffered fire damage in 2011. However, as a cherished landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, there are ongoing hopes for its restoration, perhaps one day allowing fans to revisit this elegant “Twilight” prom location.
Beyond Forks: Embracing the “Twilight” Trail
While Forks, Washington, remains the spiritual home of “Twilight,” the cinematic journey took viewers and fans to a variety of captivating locations throughout the Pacific Northwest, primarily in Oregon and British Columbia. Exploring these real “Twilight Where Filmed” sites offers a unique way to connect with the beloved saga, venturing beyond the fictional town to discover the diverse landscapes that brought the world of vampires and werewolves to life on the big screen.
