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.
Grab some popcorn and read on:
- Haystack Rock (Cannon Beach)
Flickr/Chris Campbell This awe-inspiring 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.
- Ecola State Park (Cannon Beach)
Flickr/George Vetter - OCVA This beach was featured in the movie “Twilight” (2008). The location was used as a stand in for First Beach in La Push, Washington.
- Timberline Lodge (Mt. Hood)
YouTube/mountainbikekayak The classic thriller “The Shining” (1980) was filmed at this historic 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.
- Smith Rock State Park (Redmond)
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.
- Oregon Film Museum, Astoria
Wikimedia/Another Believer You may recognize this building as The County Jail from “The Goonies.” In real life it is the Oregon Film Museum.
- Oregon State Hospital (Salem)
Flickr/johnrosman The Academy Award-winning film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) was filmed at this infamous mental institution. 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.
- Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks)
Flickr/Peter Murphy - OregonDOT This incredible bridge was an important location in the movie “Wild,” just as it is a place of significance for many Oregonians.
- University of Oregon (Eugene)
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.
Have you been to any of these iconic locations? Know any movies we missed? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments below.
Flickr/Chris Campbell
This awe-inspiring 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.
Flickr/George Vetter - OCVA
This beach was featured in the movie “Twilight” (2008). The location was used as a stand in for First Beach in La Push, Washington.
YouTube/mountainbikekayak
The classic thriller “The Shining” (1980) was filmed at this historic 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.
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.
Wikimedia/Another Believer
You may recognize this building as The County Jail from “The Goonies.” In real life it is the Oregon Film Museum.
Flickr/johnrosman
The Academy Award-winning film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) was filmed at this infamous mental institution. 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.
Flickr/Peter Murphy - OregonDOT
This incredible bridge was an important location in the movie “Wild,” just as it is a place of significance for many Oregonians.
“Animal House” (1978), one of the most beloved college films of all time, was shot in and around the University of Oregon campus.
Want to see more famous movies filmed in Oregon? Check out this list.
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