15 Secret Spots: Where Was The Original Twilight Movie Filmed? (It Wasn't Just Forks!)

For dedicated Twi-hards, the allure of Forks, Washington, is eternal, but the cinematic reality of the 2008 blockbuster Twilight is far more geographically complex. As of December 18, 2025, the mystery surrounding the true filming locations continues to draw fans to the Pacific Northwest, with many iconic scenes—from the Cullen family's home to Bella Swan's first day of school—actually shot hundreds of miles away from the fictional setting of the Olympic Peninsula. This deep-dive reveals the exact, often surprising, addresses and towns in both Oregon and Washington that brought Stephenie Meyer’s vampire romance to life.

The original Twilight movie, which launched the careers of its main stars and created a global cultural phenomenon, relied heavily on the moody, perpetually overcast atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. While the narrative is firmly rooted in the small, rainy town of Forks, Washington, the production team chose to leverage the logistical and financial benefits of filming predominantly in the greater Portland, Oregon, area. This article serves as the ultimate guide for fans, breaking down the essential locations, from the easily recognizable landmarks to the hidden forest trails.

The Twilight (2008) Film: A Brief Cinematic Biography

The original Twilight film is a landmark piece of 21st-century romantic fantasy cinema, adapted from the 2005 novel by author Stephenie Meyer. It set the stage for one of the most successful young adult franchises in history, cementing the cultural impact of the *Twilight Saga*.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Title: Twilight
• Release Date: November 21, 2008
• Director: Catherine Hardwicke
• Screenwriter: Melissa Rosenberg
• Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Greg Mooradian, Mark Morgan
• Based On: The 2005 novel *Twilight* by Stephenie Meyer
• Main Cast:
  • Kristen Stewart as Bella Swan
  • Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen
  • Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black
  • Peter Facinelli as Carlisle Cullen
  • Elizabeth Reaser as Esme Cullen
  • Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen
  • Nikki Reed as Rosalie Hale
  • Kellan Lutz as Emmett Cullen
  • Jackson Rathbone as Jasper Hale
• Box Office: The film grossed over $408 million worldwide, a massive success given its modest budget.

The Surprising Truth: Oregon’s Role as 'Forks, Washington'

Despite the story being explicitly set in Forks, Washington, the majority of the principal photography for the first *Twilight* movie took place across the state line in Oregon. Director Catherine Hardwicke and the production team utilized the diverse landscapes and architecture around Portland to create the film’s iconic look. This decision was largely due to logistical ease and the availability of specific, visually striking locations.

1. Bella Swan's House (St. Helens, Oregon)

The cozy, two-story house where Bella Swan moves in with her father, Charlie Swan, is one of the most recognizable locations. While the fictional house is in Forks, the actual residence is located in the charming small town of St. Helens, Oregon. This house, known to fans as "The Swan House," has become a major tourist attraction and is sometimes available for rent, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the world of Forks. The exterior has remained largely unchanged since filming, maintaining its cinematic authenticity.

2. The Cullen House (Portland, Oregon)

The Cullen family’s home, a sleek, modern architectural marvel, is arguably the most famous non-Forks location. The house, known as the "Hoke House," is a private residence located in Portland, Oregon. Its unique design, featuring massive windows and wood accents, perfectly captured the sophisticated, timeless nature of the vampire family. The interior shots, however, were filmed on a sound stage, though the exterior and surrounding grounds are instantly recognizable as the home of Edward Cullen.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

3. Forks High School Exterior (Kalama, Washington)

One of the few locations actually filmed in Washington State was the exterior of Forks High School. These scenes, including Bella's arrival and her first interactions with the student body, were shot at Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington. This location, just off Interstate 5, provided the necessary look for a small-town high school in the Pacific Northwest.

4. Forks High School Interior (Portland, Oregon)

In a classic Hollywood switch, the interiors of Forks High School, including the cafeteria where Bella first sees the Cullens, were filmed at Madison High School in Portland, Oregon. The use of two different schools for interior and exterior shots is a common filmmaking practice, but it adds to the geographical confusion for fans tracing the movie's steps.

More Key Filming Locations in the Pacific Northwest

The production team utilized a variety of other locations to create the distinct, misty aesthetic of the *Twilight* universe. These secondary locations are crucial for completing the fan pilgrimage.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

5. Port Angeles Scenes (St. Helens, Oregon)

The scenes set in the larger, nearby town of Port Angeles, where Bella and her friends go for a night out and where Bella is cornered in an alley, were actually filmed back in St. Helens, Oregon. The small-town streets of St. Helens were transformed to stand in for the slightly larger Port Angeles, showcasing the production's clever use of location dressing.

6. The Carver Café (Carver, Oregon)

The diner where Charlie and Bella eat, and where Bella receives advice from her dad, is the real-life Carver Café in Carver, Oregon. This is a fully functional diner that has embraced its fame, becoming a required stop for *Twilight* enthusiasts. The interior remains much like it appeared in the film.

7. The Baseball Field (Portland, Oregon)

The iconic, suspenseful baseball scene—where the Cullens play a game during a thunderstorm—was filmed in a dense forest area near Portland, Oregon. The specific location is often cited as a secluded spot within the state’s natural parks, utilizing the dramatic, misty conditions of the region to maximize the scene’s tension.

8. The Ballet Studio (Portland, Oregon)

The old, dilapidated ballet studio where Bella confronts the villainous James was filmed in a warehouse district in Portland. The production team constructed the set within a large, empty building to create the perfect setting for the climactic battle.

9. The Prom Venue (The View Point Inn, Corbett, Oregon)

The beautiful, historic building used for the high school prom, where Bella and Edward share a famous dance, was The View Point Inn in Corbett, Oregon. Located overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the venue offers breathtaking views, though it has faced periods of closure and repair in the years since filming.

10. Forest and Exterior Shots (Silver Falls State Park, Oregon)

Many of the deep forest scenes, including the opening deer hunting sequence and various dramatic outdoor moments, were filmed in the majestic Silver Falls State Park near Sublimity, Oregon. Known as the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system, its moss-covered trees and lush greenery perfectly encapsulate the perpetually wet environment of the Olympic Peninsula.

The Real Forks, Washington: A Tourist Destination

While the movie was filmed elsewhere, the real town of Forks, Washington, is a genuine and important entity within the *Twilight* universe. The town, known primarily for its logging industry, has fully embraced its fictional fame and is a central hub for *Twilight* tourism. The town features:

• The Forks Welcome Center: A dedicated area for *Twilight* memorabilia and maps.
• The Forks Police Department: They maintain a police cruiser similar to Charlie Swan's, often available for fan photos.
• Forks Community Hospital: The real hospital that inspired the one where Carlisle Cullen works.
• La Push Beach: While the movie scenes were filmed at Cannon Beach, Oregon, the actual La Push Beach, home of the Quileute Tribe, is a popular spot for fans visiting the Olympic National Park area.

The enduring popularity of the *Twilight Saga* ensures that both the real-world filming locations in Oregon and the fictional home of the story in Forks, Washington, will remain essential destinations for pop culture enthusiasts for years to come. The geography of the film is a beautiful blend of cinematic magic and Pacific Northwest reality.