Where the Movie Twilight Was Filmed

Where the Movie Twilight Was Filmed

Introduction

When Twilight hit theaters in 2008, it wasn’t just another teen romance—it became a global phenomenon. The love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen introduced a wave of vampire fever that defined a generation of pop culture. Along with the story and characters, fans quickly became fascinated with the real-life filming locations. For many, visiting these places is like stepping into the world of Twilight.

Main Filming Locations

Forks, Washington: The Inspiration vs. Reality

Stephenie Meyer set her novels in Forks, a rainy town tucked away in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. While Forks inspired the setting, most of the movie wasn’t actually filmed there. Production teams needed accessible locations with reliable infrastructure, which pushed filming to Oregon and parts of Washington instead.

That said, Forks has fully embraced its connection to Twilight. Today, fans can visit the “Swan House,” Forks High School, and themed shops. The town holds an annual “Forever Twilight in Forks” festival, drawing fans from around the world.

Oregon Locations

Portland, Oregon
Portland served as the central hub for many shooting days. Its proximity to forests and urban neighborhoods made it ideal for doubling as Forks.

St. Helens, Oregon
One of the most recognizable filming spots is Bella Swan’s house, which still stands in St. Helens. The home looks almost identical to the film and remains a pilgrimage site for fans.

Madison High School
For the Forks High School interior scenes, crews used Madison High School in Portland. Classrooms, hallways, and even the cafeteria were shot here.

Columbia River Gorge
The lush forests and dramatic cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge created the perfect backdrop for moody outdoor sequences, from Bella and Edward’s walks to the atmospheric forest shots.

Oregon City & Vernonia
Smaller towns like Oregon City and Vernonia provided quiet streets and wooded backdrops that blended seamlessly into the Twilight universe.

Washington Locations

Kalama High School
While Oregon hosted most high school interiors, the exterior of Forks High was filmed at Kalama High School in Washington. Fans often recognize the iconic parking lot scenes shot here.

Pacific Northwest Forests
Additional forest scenes were captured in Washington, adding authenticity to the movie’s misty and green atmosphere.

Iconic Scene Locations

• Bella’s House: Located in St. Helens, Oregon, it remains one of the most visited sites.
• Forks High School: A blend of Kalama High School (exteriors) and Madison High School (interiors).
• Meadow and Forest Scenes: Filmed in various Oregon and Washington woodlands, giving the movie its hauntingly beautiful look.
• Baseball Scene: Shot in a clearing near Portland, this sequence is still considered one of the most visually striking parts of the film.

Visiting Twilight Filming Sites Today

Fans can still explore many of these filming locations. Bella’s house is privately owned but often welcomes visitors for photo opportunities. Kalama High School allows fans to see the exteriors, while Forks, WA, has become a full-on tourist hub. Visitors can join guided Twilight tours, stay in themed hotels, and even eat at restaurants inspired by the series.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

Filmmakers chose Oregon and Washington over Forks due to better accessibility, infrastructure, and tax incentives. The Pacific Northwest climate also provided the overcast skies Meyer described in her books, but it wasn’t without challenges. Rain and limited daylight hours often complicated shooting schedules, forcing the crew to adapt quickly.

Conclusion

The world of Twilight is inseparable from its moody, rain-soaked setting. While Forks was the inspiration, Oregon and Washington provided the cinematic landscapes that defined the film’s atmosphere. For fans, these locations have become more than just backdrops—they are part of the Twilight legacy. Whether exploring Forks’ fan-driven tourism or retracing filming spots in Oregon, visiting these places offers a unique way to step inside the story that captured millions of hearts.