Where the Movie Twilight Was Filmed: A Complete Guide for Fans

When Twilight was released in 2008, it sparked a cultural phenomenon that transcended books and cinema. Millions of fans were captivated not only by the vampire-human love story of Edward Cullen and Bella Swan but also by the moody, atmospheric settings of small-town America. The misty forests, overcast skies, and intimate locations became such a strong part of the storytelling that they’re almost characters themselves.

But here’s the big question fans often ask: where was Twilight filmed?

The answer lies in a mix of real small towns, movie studio sets, national parks, and even international locations. While Stephenie Meyer’s novels take place in the rainy town of Forks, Washington, most filming actually happened across Oregon, British Columbia (Canada), and parts of Italy and Brazil.

In this post, we’ll take you on a cinematic road trip to explore the true filming locations of Twilight and its sequels.

Why Filming Locations Matter in Twilight

The tone of Twilight depends heavily on its setting. Forks was chosen as Meyer’s fictional hub because of its reputation as one of the rainiest towns in the United States. From the forests dripping with moss to endlessly gray skies, the region serves as a believable backdrop for vampires who thrive away from sunlight.

However, the practicalities of filmmaking meant directors needed accessible sites with film infrastructure, studio support, and financial incentives. This meant production crews branched out across Oregon, Washington, and Canada to create the world we see on screen.

Was Twilight Filmed in Forks, Washington?

A common misconception is that Twilight was filmed entirely in the real town of Forks. While Forks did inspire Stephenie Meyer, very few scenes were actually shot there.

Forks today has become a fan pilgrimage site where visitors can tour the high school building, stop by Bella’s supposed house, and even attend the annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival. However, for practical reasons, large-scale filming didn’t take place in this small Pacific Northwest logging town.

Oregon: Twilight’s Primary Filming Ground

The original Twilight (2008) was filmed almost entirely in Oregon. Here are the standout spots:

1. St. Helens, Oregon – Bella’s House and Town Scenes

Bella’s house, one of the most iconic settings in the movie, is in St. Helens, Oregon. This modest green residence with its porch and familiar bedroom window became instantly recognizable.

St. Helens was also used as a stand-in for many Forks town shots. Today, fans still stop by to see Bella’s home, though it’s privately owned.

2. Kalama High School, Washington (near Oregon border)

Even though Bella and Edward were supposed to attend Forks High School, most exterior shots were filmed at Kalama High School, north of Portland. Key moments like Edward saving Bella from a van in the parking lot and the cafeteria introduction scene were shot here.

3. Multnomah Falls in Columbia River Gorge

This natural wonder made a brief but breathtaking appearance. Its misty backdrop and towering drop contributed to Twilight’s dramatic aesthetic.

4. Ecola State Park – Indian Beach

While the story described “La Push” beach in Washington, the movie filmed those scenes at Indian Beach in Ecola State Park on the Oregon coast. Its rocky cliffs and crashing waves gave filmmakers the cinematic power they needed.

Vancouver, British Columbia: New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn

After the success of the first film, the rest of the saga moved production to Vancouver, Canada, a major filming hub with tax incentives and larger facilities.

Highlights include:

West Vancouver – Cullen House: The sleek, modern glass house that serves as Edward’s family home.
Squamish & Pemberton: Forest and wedding scenes, including Bella and Edward’s famous forest wedding in Breaking Dawn Part 1.
Vancouver Studios: Most of the Cullen interiors and Volturi set designs were recreated here.

Italy: Montepulciano as Volterra

For The Twilight Saga: New Moon, a pivotal part of the story takes Bella and Alice to Italy to stop Edward from revealing himself. While Meyer wrote about Volterra, actual filming took place in Montepulciano, a picturesque Tuscan town with medieval architecture.

Fans will remember the iconic piazza scene where Bella runs through a red-cloaked crowd to save Edward.

Brazil: Isle Esme Honeymoon

In Breaking Dawn Part 1, Edward and Bella head to the tropics for their long-awaited honeymoon. Production chose Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the arrival scenes. The secluded honeymoon house “Isle Esme” combined Brazilian exteriors with custom-built sets.

Twilight Filming Locations by Movie (Quick Guide)

Twilight (2008): Mostly Oregon (St. Helens, Portland, Columbia Gorge, Kalama High School).
New Moon (2009): Vancouver + Montepulciano, Italy.
Eclipse (2010): Vancouver wilderness (battle training and newborn army fight).
Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011): Vancouver (wedding) + Brazil (honeymoon).
Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012): Vancouver (Volturi showdown).

Twilight Tourism Today

Even years after the final movie, Twilight tourism is alive and strong. Fans regularly retrace the saga’s filming locations:

Start in Forks, Washington for themed tours.
Visit La Push Beach (real Quileute territory—though filming didn’t happen here, the landscape is breathtaking).
Stop in St. Helens, Oregon to see Bella’s house and filming streets.
Explore Kalama High School, if you can visit the grounds.
Fly to Vancouver for a broader filming tour.
Extend your trip to Italy or Brazil for the international touch.

Why Fans Love Visiting Twilight Locations

Beyond simple tourism, visiting filming locations gives fans a sense of connection with the characters and themes they fell in love with. Places like Multnomah Falls or Montepulciano offer authentic natural beauty, allowing fans to step into a scene straight from the big screen.

This phenomenon shows how powerful movies can be in shaping real-world travel trends. Much like how Game of Thrones boosted tourism in Croatia or Harry Potter expanded visits to Scotland and London, Twilight keeps drawing thousands of fans to small towns across North America and Europe.

Conclusion

So, where was Twilight filmed? Not just one place. While Forks, Washington, will forever be the series’ heart, the saga is a tapestry woven from Oregon’s fog-drenched forests, Vancouver’s cinematic wilderness, Italy’s medieval streets, and Brazil’s tropical coasts.

For fans, these destinations are more than filming spots—they’re living memories of a franchise that left an unforgettable cultural mark.

Whether you’re visiting Forks’ rainy streets or standing atop Montepulciano’s piazza, you’re stepping into a love story that defined a generation.