Oregon in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just south of Portland, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers sweeping views and dramatic cliffs that have drawn filmmakers for decades. About a 45-minute drive east of Portland, this gorge is a treasure trove of waterfalls, hiking trails, and panoramic overlooks. One particularly famous spot is Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet. The falls appeared in movies like The Ring Two and Twilight, providing a moody, misty backdrop that heightens the sense of mystery. Visitors can take the easy 2.4-mile round-trip hike to Benson Bridge, which offers a stunning vantage point over the falls. The gorge’s lush greenery and roaring waters make it especially magical in spring when wildflowers bloom and runoff feeds the cascades.
Downriver from Portland in the small town of Oregon City, the historic district feels like stepping back in time. About 20 minutes south of Portland, Oregon City was a key filming location for the cult classic Kindergarten Cop. The town’s charming brick sidewalks and vintage storefronts shine with character, allowing visitors to wander through scenes that blend history with Hollywood nostalgia. Walking along Main Street, you can spot the old courthouse and various shops that helped set the authentic small-town mood. Fall is a particularly atmospheric time to visit, when the leaves turn golden and the cooler air adds a crisp edge to the quiet streets.
In the northern coast town of Cannon Beach, roughly 90 minutes west of Portland, the iconic Haystack Rock dominates the shoreline and has starred in films like The Goonies. This massive monolith rises 235 feet from the sand and is surrounded by tide pools teeming with starfish and anemones. The beach itself stretches for miles, making it easy to imagine scenes of adventure unfolding along the surf. Visitors love to explore the tide pools at low tide and climb the nearby Ecola State Park trails, which offer dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and the rock formations. Moody fog and early morning light often enhance the cinematic quality of this landscape, making dawn a particularly special time to experience the beach.
Central Oregon’s Smith Rock State Park, about 30 minutes north of Bend, offers a distinctly different cinematic palette with its sheer volcanic cliffs and rugged desert terrain. This dramatic landscape was featured in the film Wild starring Reese Witherspoon, where it stood in for the challenging Pacific Crest Trail. Smith Rock’s famous Misery Ridge Trail is a challenging 3.7-mile loop that rewards hikers with breathtaking views of the Crooked River winding through high desert canyons. Rock climbers from across the country flock here to scale its vertical faces, but even casual visitors can appreciate the striking geology and vibrant wildflowers in late spring. The golden hues of sunrise and sunset particularly emphasize the reddish cliffs, turning the park into a glowing spectacle.
The timber town of Astoria, perched at the mouth of the Columbia River about 90 minutes northwest of Portland, is a beacon for classic film fans. Best known for The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop, this town’s Victorian-era homes, quaint docks, and foggy waterfront offer a blend of rugged charm and cinematic nostalgia. The Astoria Column, a 125-foot tall tower on Coxcomb Hill, provides sweeping views of the river and town below and was featured in several films. Visitors can climb its spiral staircase for panoramic vistas, then wander the nearby historic district where many iconic scenes were shot. Early fall, when the weather is still mild and the summer crowds thin, reveals Astoria’s hauntingly beautiful atmosphere.
Farther south near Medford, the Rogue River’s dramatic landscapes served as a backdrop for the film Stand By Me. The river runs through the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, about 15 miles north of Medford, where visitors can hike the Rogue River Trail. This moderate 13-mile route offers towering old-growth forests, rugged river canyons, and glimpses of abundant wildlife like bald eagles and river otters. The river’s crystal-clear waters and steep cliffs create an adventurous setting that feels cinematic in any season, but summer’s warm temperatures and vibrant greenery make for the best paddling and hiking conditions.
In the heart of downtown Portland itself, the Pearl District offers a modern contrast to Oregon’s natural settings. This revitalized warehouse neighborhood is frequently used for film and television scenes depicting urban life. With its sleek lofts, art galleries, and boutique shops, the Pearl District was featured in the TV series Grimm, which shot extensively in Portland. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the Portland Center Stage theater, or relax at Jamison Square Park, which showcases a unique fountain that doubles as a public art piece and splash pad. Spring and summer bring lively street fairs and outdoor dining, breathing extra life into the district’s cinematic vibe.
Finally, just off the beaten path near the town of Vernonia, about 40 miles northwest of Portland, lies the Tillamook State Forest. This vast woodland has been the setting for numerous outdoor adventure films thanks to its old-growth Douglas firs and moss-draped trails. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail, a 21-mile paved rail trail, offers a gentle way to explore the forest’s depths by bike or foot. Many parts of this forest were used in the series Wayward Pines, providing a mysterious and sometimes eerie setting. The dense canopy and quiet streams create a secluded atmosphere, best enjoyed on crisp fall mornings when fog often clings to the trees.
Each of these places captures a different facet of Oregon’s cinematic allure, from coastal giants and misty rivers to urban charm and high desert cliffs. Traveling to these spots not only lets visitors walk in the footsteps of their favorite films and shows but also reveals the diverse landscapes and unique small towns that make Oregon an enduring star in America’s visual storytelling.