With a rich abundance of natural beauty and unique locations, its no surprise that Oregon has served as the backdrop for many films over the years. From intense thrillers like The Shining (1980) to the childhood favorite The Goonies (1985), the list of movies made here is long and varied. We have put together a collection of the Beaver State’s most iconic (and bucket list-worthy) film locations along what’s known as the Oregon Film Trail.

Grab some popcorn and read on:

1. Haystack Rock - Cannon Beach

Haystack Rock, US-101, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
Flickr/Chris Campbell
The awe-inspiring Haystack Rock sea stack is no stranger to the big screen. It famously appeared in "The Goonies" (1985). This classic film features stunning scenes of the Oregon Coast.

2. Ecola State Park - Cannon Beach

Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
Joan Amero/Flickr
Ecola State Park at Cannon Beach was featured in the movie "Twilight" (2008). The location was used as a stand in for First Beach in La Push, Washington.
3. Timberline Lodge - Mt. Hood
Timberline Lodge, 27500 E Timberline Road, Government Camp, OR 97028, USA
YouTube/mountainbikekayak

The classic thriller "The Shining" (1980) was filmed at the historic Timberline Lodge. (Known as The Overlook Hotel in the movie). The interior of the lodge was not used in the film, only the exterior, establishing shots. See more of this iconic film location in the shot video below from youtube user mountainbikekayak.

4. Smith Rock State Park - Redmond
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA
Flickr/Carly Luehrs - OregonDOT

The iconic Smith Rock State Park was featured in the movie "Wild" (2014). This stunning park is located in Central Oregon's High Desert region.

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5. Oregon Film Museum - Astoria

Oregon Film Museum, 732 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103, USA
Wikimedia/Another Believer
You may recognize this building as The County Jail from "The Goonies." In real life it is the Oregon Film Museum.

6. Oregon State Hospital - Salem

Oregon State Hospital, 2600 Center St NE, Salem, OR 97301, USA
johnrosman/Flickr
The Academy Award-winning film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (1975) was filmed at this infamous mental institution - the Oregon State Hospital. In 2008, the hospital was converted into the Museum of Mental Health. The rotating exhibits tell the stories of the people who lived and worked at the hospital.

7. Bridge of the Gods - Cascade Locks

Bridge of the Gods, Cascade Locks, OR 97014, USA
Flickr/Peter Murphy - OregonDOT
The incredible Bridge of the Gods was an important location in the movie "Wild," just as it is a place of significance for many Oregonians.

8. University of Oregon - Eugene

University of Oregon, 1585 E 13th Ave, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
Wikimedia/Another Believer
"Animal House" (1978), one of the most beloved college films of all time, was shot in and around the University of Oregon campus, which is located in Eugene.

Have you been to any of these iconic locations along the Oregon Film Trail? If so, which ones were your favorites? Know any movies we missed? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.

Want to see more famous movies filmed in Oregon? Then be sure to read Most People Don’t Know These 19 Movies Were Filmed In Oregon.

For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around these areas by going to the AllTrails website.

If you’re still in the mood for more Beaver State adventures, take a look at this video:

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More to Explore

More Adventures In Oregon

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | December 06, 2023

Where can we find breweries in Oregon?

  • The Fort George Brewery in Astoria serves up a wide variety of beers and also offers tours of the brewery facility.
  • The Better Living Room by Ninkasi Brewing (commonly called Ninkasi Brewing) in Eugene has a beer tasting room and offers behind-the-scenes brewery tours.
  • The Deschutes Brewery, which has several locations in the Bend area, has been a city favorite for years and makes some of the best brews in the state.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fantastic breweries in Oregon.

Where can we find historic homes in Oregon?

  • The John and Susanna Ahlf House in Grants Pass is named after the husband of this German immigrant who eventually became one of the most successful businessmen in Oregon’s Rogue Valley.
  • The Silas A. Rice House in Condor was built in 1884 and now serves as the Gilliam County Historical Museum.
  • The Captain John C. Ainsworth House in Oregon City dates back to 1851 and once belonged to John C. Ainsworth, the founder of the Oregon Steam Navigation Company.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other exciting historic homes in Oregon.

Where can we find beaches in Oregon?

  • South Beach is unique in that the sand is as white as white you’d find in the Caribbean islands.
  • Oceanside Beach is one of the state's less-crowded beaches and recognized for its rugged natural beauty.
  • Lincoln Beach is recognized as having some of the best beachcombing for shells, starfish, sea glass and more on the sand and in the tide pools.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful beaches in Oregon.

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