7 Surprising Twilight Series Filming Locations You Can Still Visit in 2025

7 Surprising Twilight Series Filming Locations You Can Still Visit In 2025

7 Surprising Twilight Series Filming Locations You Can Still Visit in 2025

The enduring mystery of the Twilight Saga's misty, romantic backdrop continues to captivate fans more than a decade after the first film's release. As of late 2025, the pilgrimage to the Pacific Northwest remains a top travel intention for Twihards, but understanding where Bella Swan and Edward Cullen's story truly unfolded on screen is key to a successful tour. The reality is that the fictional town of Forks, Washington, is only half the story; the cinematic magic was actually stitched together from multiple, equally atmospheric locations across two countries.

This guide cuts through the confusion, providing the most current and up-to-date details on the exact spots used for the iconic scenes—from the Swan House to the terrifying ballet studio showdown. Prepare to be surprised, as many of the locations are not in Forks, but rather scattered across Oregon and even Canada, offering an epic multi-state (and multi-country) road trip for the ultimate fan.

The Real vs. Reel Forks: Washington vs. Oregon

The biggest misconception among fans is that the entire first movie was filmed in Forks, Washington. While author Stephenie Meyer famously chose the real-life, perpetually overcast town of Forks on the Olympic Peninsula as the setting for the books, the majority of the 2008 film’s principal photography took place in the state of Oregon.

Forks, WA, is a very real, small logging town that has fully embraced its literary fame, offering the iconic "Bella's Truck" and official signage for key book locations like the Forks Police Station (Charlie Swan's workplace) and Forks Community Hospital.

However, for logistical and aesthetic reasons, director Catherine Hardwicke chose to film most of the scenes around the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area and the smaller town of Vernonia, Oregon, to create the moody, perpetually damp atmosphere of the cinematic Forks.

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

The most sought-after location is Bella's humble, two-story home, the place where she first arrived in Forks. The actual filming location is in St. Helens, Oregon, not Forks.

  • Location: 184 South 6th Street, St. Helens, Oregon.
  • Current Status: The house is now a popular Airbnb known as "The Swan House," allowing fans to book a stay and sleep in Bella's actual bedroom, which has been decorated to match the film's aesthetic.

2. Forks High School (Kalama & Vernonia, Oregon)

The school where Bella first encounters the mysterious Cullen family was a composite of two different schools.

  • Exterior Shots: The exterior of Forks High School, including the parking lot where Edward famously saves Bella from a crushing van, was filmed at Kalama High School in Kalama, Washington.
  • Interior Shots: The interior classroom and hallway scenes were filmed at Vernonia High School in Vernonia, Oregon.

3. The Cullen House (Portland, Oregon)

The Cullen family’s sleek, modernist glass house is a masterpiece of architectural design and a symbol of their wealth and detachment.

  • Location: The house is a private residence in Portland, Oregon, known as the Hoke House.
  • Current Status: Unfortunately, the Cullen House is no longer accessible to fans due to privacy concerns for the residents. You can only view it from a distance or via online photos.

4. The "Forks" Town Center (Vernonia, Oregon)

Many of the small-town street scenes meant to represent Forks were actually shot in Vernonia, Oregon. This includes the Wauna Federal Credit Union, which was used for various street backdrops.

Beyond the First Film: Vancouver and Other Twilight Saga Locations

As the Twilight Saga progressed and the scope of the story expanded, the production moved north to take advantage of the diverse landscapes and tax incentives offered by Canada.

5. The Volterra Clock Tower (Montepulciano, Italy - Stand-in)

For the climax of New Moon, where Edward attempts to expose himself to the sun, the production needed a location to stand in for Volterra, Italy. They chose a different Italian hill town.

  • Location: Montepulciano, Italy.
  • Key Scene: The iconic clock tower square where the Volturi reside was filmed here, not the actual Volterra mentioned in the book.

6. The Pacific Northwest Wilderness (Vancouver, British Columbia)

The films New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn moved the bulk of their filming to Vancouver and the surrounding areas in British Columbia, Canada. The lush, dark forests and rugged mountains of BC perfectly captured the mystical tone of the later installments.

  • Locations: Various spots around Vancouver, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and other areas that stood in for La Push Beach and the Quileute Reservation.

Visiting the Twilight Locations Today (2025 Update)

Planning a Twilight-themed road trip in 2025 is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning, as the locations are spread across Washington, Oregon, and Canada. The most satisfying trip often involves combining the literary setting with the cinematic backdrops.

The Forks, WA, Experience:

While the movie wasn't filmed here, Forks is the heart of the Twilight universe. Fans visit the town to see the places Stephenie Meyer wrote about, including the actual Forks Police Department and the local visitor center, which provides maps to the book's locations. The town hosts annual Twilight events, including the widely popular "Stephenie Meyer Day" in September.

The Oregon Film Tour:

The Oregon portion of the tour is where you see the actual movie sets. A popular route starts in St. Helens (for the Swan House) and moves south toward Portland, hitting the various high school and street scenes along the way.

Key Locations to Include on Your Itinerary:

  • The Swan House (St. Helens, OR): Book a stay well in advance.
  • Multnomah Falls (Oregon): Featured in the opening credits and establishing shots, this breathtaking waterfall is a must-see for its natural beauty.
  • Thunderbird & Whale Bookstore (St. Helens, OR): The location used for the bookstore where Bella researches the "cold ones."
  • Port Angeles, WA: The town where Bella and her friends go for dinner and where the alley scene was filmed.

The journey to these locations is a deep dive into the moody, rain-soaked aesthetic that defines the Twilight Saga. By visiting both the literary home in Washington and the cinematic sets in Oregon and BC, fans can fully appreciate the dedication and vision that brought this iconic vampire love story to life.

Remember to respect the privacy of residents at locations like the Swan House and the Cullen House, and always check current travel advisories, especially for crossing the US-Canada border, to ensure your 2025 Twilight tour is a magical success.

7 Surprising Twilight Series Filming Locations You Can Still Visit in 2025
7 Surprising Twilight Series Filming Locations You Can Still Visit in 2025

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