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12 Real-Life Twilight Filming Locations You Can Visit (And The Ones You Can't) In 2025

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Step into the misty, rain-soaked world of Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. While the Twilight saga is famously set in the perpetually cloudy town of Forks, Washington, the reality of where the 2008 film was shot is a little more complex—and involves a road trip across two different states. As of December 23, 2025, the original filming locations continue to draw dedicated Twi-hards, offering a perfect blend of cinematic history and Pacific Northwest beauty.

The majority of the first movie’s production took place not in Forks, but across various accessible and visually similar towns in Oregon and Southwest Washington. This strategic decision allowed the filmmakers to capture the perfect atmosphere while remaining logistically close to Portland, Oregon, a major metropolitan hub. Prepare to embark on a journey that separates the fictional world of Stephenie Meyer’s novel from the breathtaking, real-world spots that brought the vampire romance to life.

The Real Forks, Washington: Town vs. Filming Location

The fictional town of Forks, Washington, on the Olympic Peninsula, is central to the entire Twilight universe. However, for the movie's practical purposes, the production team used a mix of locations, with several towns in Oregon standing in for the moody, misty setting of Forks itself. This is a crucial distinction for any fan planning a pilgrimage.

  • Forks, Washington (The Real Town): Although not a primary filming location for the first movie, the real Forks has fully embraced its literary fame. It is the spiritual home of the saga and hosts the annual "Forever Twilight in Forks" festival every September. Fans can visit the Forks Chamber of Commerce, which displays Bella's iconic red truck and provides maps to real-life locations mentioned in the books, such as the hospital and police station.
  • Vernonia, Oregon (The Filming Stand-in): Much of the general small-town atmosphere and exterior shots meant to represent Forks were actually filmed in Vernonia, Oregon. This town provided the perfect backdrop of a small, logging-centric community nestled in the Pacific Northwest's dense forests.
  • La Push, Washington (Book Location): The beaches of La Push, home to the Quileute Tribe and Jacob Black, are a key setting. The real La Push and nearby First Beach are stunning, rugged coastal areas that fans visit, though the specific beach scenes in the movie were often filmed elsewhere for convenience.

This geographical split means a full Twilight tour requires visiting the real-life tourist attractions in Forks, Washington, and the cinematic locations concentrated around Portland, Oregon, and its surrounding communities.

The Iconic Stand-Ins: Schools, Cafes, and The Cullen House

The most sought-after locations are undoubtedly the places where Bella and Edward’s star-crossed romance unfolded. These spots are spread across two states, making a road trip essential for the ultimate fan experience.

The Cullen Family Residence: 3333 NW Quimby Street, Portland, Oregon

The Cullen House is arguably the most famous filming location from the first movie. It’s a stunning, architecturally modern home—a far cry from the Victorian mansion some fans might have imagined—that perfectly captures the Cullens' sophisticated, timeless aesthetic.

  • The Location: The house is a private residence located at 3333 NW Quimby Street in the Willamette Heights neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.
  • Fan Access: This is a crucial detail for visitors: the "Cullen House" is a private home and is not open for public visits or tours. Fans can drive by and take photos from the street, but privacy is strictly enforced for the current residents.
  • The Look: The home features clean lines, expansive windows, and sits up a short, private driveway, blending seamlessly into the idyllic hillside neighborhood.

Forks High School: Kalama, Washington & Portland, Oregon

The school where Bella first meets the mysterious Cullen siblings was a composite of two different real-life institutions.

  • Exterior Shots (The First Look): The exterior of Forks High School, where Bella’s truck pulls up and she first locks eyes with Edward, was filmed at Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington. This small-town school, located just off Interstate 5, provided the perfect modest facade for the setting.
  • Interior Shots (The Biology Classroom): The iconic biology classroom scene, where Edward's reaction to Bella’s scent sets the story in motion, was filmed inside Madison High School (now Leodis V. McDaniel High School) at 2735 NE 82nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon.

Bella’s House: St. Helens, Oregon

The humble home of Bella and Charlie Swan is another location that was not filmed in Forks, but in the charming small town of St. Helens, Oregon, which is about an hour outside of Portland.

  • The Location: The house is a private residence, but unlike the Cullen House, this particular property has been purchased by fans and is now known as the "Twilight Swan House."
  • Fan Access: In a major update for fans, the Swan House is now available to rent for overnight stays through sites like Airbnb, allowing visitors to sleep in Bella’s room and truly immerse themselves in the experience.

The Carver Cafe, Oregon

The diner where Bella and Charlie eat and where Bella has a memorable conversation with her dad was filmed at the actual Carver Cafe in Clackamas, Oregon. This is a fully operational restaurant that welcomes fans to this day. You can still sit in the booth where Bella and Charlie shared a meal.

Lesser-Known but Essential Filming Spots

Beyond the main residences, several other locations were used to establish the moody, supernatural atmosphere of the film. These spots are crucial for a truly comprehensive Twilight tour.

The Prom Scene: The View Point Inn (Troutdale, Oregon)

The elegant, outdoor setting for the school prom, where Bella and Edward share their final dance of the movie, was filmed at The View Point Inn in Troutdale, Oregon. This historic inn offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge.

  • Current Status: The inn has faced challenges, including a fire, but efforts have been made to restore and preserve this iconic location, making it a place of interest for fans tracking its revitalization.

The Baseball Scene: Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

The iconic, action-packed baseball scene, set to Muse’s "Supermassive Black Hole," was filmed in the expansive, lush forests of Silver Falls State Park in Oregon. The park is known for its stunning waterfalls and trails, providing the perfect, isolated woodland setting for the Cullens' high-speed game.

The Port Angeles Bookshop and Alley

The fictional town of Port Angeles, where Bella goes shopping for a dress and is nearly attacked, was primarily filmed in the real-life streets of St. Helens, Oregon, the same town as the Swan House. The scenes where Bella is cornered in the alley were shot in this area, utilizing St. Helens' historic downtown to stand in for the larger Port Angeles.

The Journey to Forks: The Columbia River Bridge

The scene where Bella and Charlie are driving into Forks, crossing a large bridge over a body of water, was filmed on the bridge that spans the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. This shot visually establishes the transition into the Pacific Northwest environment.

In summary, while Forks, Washington, remains the heart of the Twilight universe and a must-visit for its tourist attractions, the actual cinematic magic of the first film was captured primarily in the diverse landscapes and small towns of Oregon and Southwest Washington. Planning a trip that encompasses Portland, St. Helens, Kalama, and the real Forks will give any fan the complete, authentic experience of the Cullen and Swan worlds.

12 Real-Life Twilight Filming Locations You Can Visit (And The Ones You Can't) in 2025
where the movie twilight was filmed
where the movie twilight was filmed

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