For fans worldwide, the town of Forks, Washington, is synonymous with the enchanting world of “Twilight.” Stephenie Meyer’s bestselling saga is deeply rooted in the misty landscapes of the Olympic Peninsula, painting a vivid picture of the Pacific Northwest. However, when it came to bringing this world to life on the silver screen, Hollywood took a detour. Surprisingly, very little of the “Twilight” movie franchise was actually filmed in Washington State, and even less in the town of Forks itself.
Despite the narrative’s strong connection to Washington culture and subtle nods like references to “Vitamin R” (Rainier Beer), the cinematic backdrops for Forks and the Quileute reservation of La Push were primarily found in Oregon and British Columbia, Canada.
So, while a trip to Forks today immerses you in “Twilight” spirit—complete with Bella’s iconic red truck parked proudly—the actual filming locations are scattered across the Pacific Northwest. If you’re yearning to walk in Bella and Edward’s footsteps, prepare for a journey beyond Forks. Here’s a guide to the most recognizable “Twilight” filming locations that you can still visit.
Soaring Through Treetops: Edward’s Backyard Scene
One of the few scenes filmed in Washington State offers a breathtaking vista. Remember the iconic moment when Edward Cullen takes Bella Swan on a gravity-defying flight through the forest canopy, right from his bedroom window? This scene, showcasing Edward’s superhuman speed and Bella’s exhilarating fear, was filmed at Cape Horn, Washington.
While you might not be able to replicate Edward’s “spider monkey” tree-climbing skills, you can experience the real-world beauty of this location. Visit the Cape Horn Overlook in Skamania County to enjoy stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge, albeit from a more grounded perspective. The overlook provides a fantastic vantage point to appreciate the natural beauty that inspired this memorable scene.
“It’s La Push, Baby!” – But Where Exactly?
Jacob Black’s famous line, “It’s La Push, baby,” instantly transports fans to the rugged beaches of the Quileute reservation. However, the cinematic representation of La Push beach took creative liberties. For the first “Twilight” movie, the filmmakers chose the picturesque Cannon Beach in Oregon to stand in for La Push.
Cannon Beach, renowned for its iconic Haystack Rock and dramatic coastline, offered the visually stunning backdrop needed to capture the mystical atmosphere of La Push. Its broad sandy expanse and towering sea stacks perfectly embodied the Quileute territory described in the books.
For “New Moon” and subsequent films, the production relocated to Incinerator Rock in Long Beach, British Columbia, to recreate the La Push setting. This change highlights the diverse landscapes used throughout the series, even for locations supposedly within the same area.
Port Angeles Shopping Trip: Stepping into St. Helens, Oregon
When Bella and her friends venture to Port Angeles in search of prom dresses, the charming town square you see on screen is actually St. Helens, Oregon. This historic town, with its classic AmericanMain Street architecture, provided the perfect stand-in for Port Angeles.
Eagle-eyed viewers might even recognize St. Helens City Hall through the shop window during the prom dress scene. Interestingly, St. Helens has another claim to fame in cinematic history: it was also a primary filming location for Disney’s “Halloweentown” movies, further cementing its status as a go-to spot for filmmakers seeking small-town American charm.
Vampire Baseball Under the Falls: Multnomah Falls Magic
The exhilarating vampire baseball scene, complete with thunderous cracks of the bat and superhuman speed, is visually heightened by a majestic waterfall backdrop. While Washington boasts numerous stunning waterfalls, the cascading beauty you see behind the Cullen family’s baseball game is Oregon’s Multnomah Falls, located in the Columbia River Gorge.
Multnomah Falls, one of the most iconic and visited natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, provided a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting for this supernatural scene. Its towering height and powerful cascade perfectly complemented the Cullen’s extraordinary abilities and the fantastical elements of “Twilight.”
The Dramatic Entrance to Forks: Bridge of the Gods
The opening scene of the first “Twilight” film sets the stage as Bella and Charlie Swan drive into Forks across a long, imposing bridge. This bridge, meant to symbolize the transition into the mysterious and isolated town, is not actually near Forks. It’s the Bridge of the Gods, which spans the Columbia River and connects Oregon and Washington.
The Bridge of the Gods, with its impressive length and scenic surroundings, offers a visually striking entry point. While geographically distant from Forks, it effectively conveys a sense of arrival and the gateway to a new chapter in Bella’s life.
Forks Police Station: Vernonia, Oregon Takes the Role
For establishing shots of Forks, particularly Chief Swan’s police station, the filmmakers turned to Vernonia, Oregon. This small town, with its quintessential Pacific Northwest vibe, lent its main intersections and local buildings to create the cinematic version of Forks.
The Wauna Federal Credit Union in Vernonia served as the exterior for the Forks Police Station, adding to the town’s claim as a significant “Twilight” filming location. Vernonia, therefore, arguably holds a stronger connection to the cinematic Forks than Forks itself.
Forks High School: A Tale of Three Locations
The iconic Forks High School, home of the Spartans and the backdrop for pivotal scenes like Edward’s dramatic rescue of Bella in the parking lot, involved multiple locations. For the exterior shots in the first “Twilight” movie, Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington, was used.
However, as the franchise evolved, filming shifted to the Vancouver, British Columbia area. David Thompson Secondary School in Vancouver became the new exterior for Forks High School in “New Moon.” For the graduation scene in “Eclipse,” Como Lake Middle School, also in Canada, was used for the school gym interiors. This illustrates the logistical shifts and varied locations that stood in for Forks High throughout the saga.
The Mysterious Forest: Hunting Grounds in Silver Falls State Park
The opening forest scenes, filled with moss-draped trees and an air of ancient mystery, perfectly capture the Pacific Northwest woods where vampires and werewolves roam. While reminiscent of Washington’s Hoh Rainforest, these “hunting grounds” scenes were filmed in Silver Falls State Park, located about 20 miles from Salem, Oregon.
Silver Falls State Park, known for its lush greenery and stunning waterfalls, provided the ideal setting for the chase scenes and the eerie atmosphere of the “Twilight” forest. Its accessibility and cinematic beauty made it a prime choice for capturing the book’s descriptions of the surrounding woods.
The Carver Cafe: A Real Bite of Forks (in Oregon)
In the “Twilight” books, Bella and Charlie’s go-to diner in Forks is called The Lodge. For the movie adaptation, the filmmakers discovered a local gem in Damascus, Oregon, called The Carver Cafe, and decided to keep its name unchanged for the film.
The Carver Cafe remains open today, embracing its “Twilight” fame and cheekily inviting fans to “come get a bite.” Visiting this diner offers a tangible connection to the movie and a chance to experience a real location that played a part in the “Twilight” universe.
Forks Prom: A Fire-Touched Fairytale at View Point Inn
The romantic and twinkling gazebo that served as the backdrop for the final prom scene in “Twilight” was located at the View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon. This historic inn, perched with panoramic views, provided a fairytale setting for the culmination of Bella and Edward’s early romance.
Sadly, the View Point Inn suffered a fire in 2011 that damaged the second floor. However, as a cherished landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, there is ongoing hope for its restoration within the Portland community. Even in its current state, the location holds a special place in “Twilight” history.
While the town of Forks, Washington, captures the spirit of Stephenie Meyer’s novels, the magic of the “Twilight” movies was truly brought to life across a diverse range of locations in Oregon and British Columbia. Exploring these sites offers fans a unique way to connect with the beloved saga and discover the real-world beauty that inspired the cinematic world of vampires, werewolves, and teenage romance.
