​Astoria

In December 2018 and January 2019 the first small group of signs was placed in various spots around Astoria to mark and celebrate the productions of "Short Circuit," "Kindergarten Cop" and, of course, "The Goonies." One sign in particular is positioned at the East End Mooring Basin near the Astoria Riverfront Trail to give an alternative view of the “Goonies House” in an effort to eliminate trespassing on the hill of the privately owned residence.  While the sign signifies a location for that viewpoint, the sign copy shares information about the nearby Astor Elementary School which was featured in "Kindergarten Cop."  The lesser-known Alameda Park offers a great viewpoint of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and it is the topic of the "Short Circuit" sign located there.  The sign for "The Goonies" is located by the Oregon Film Museum and speaks to it and the Flavel House’s roles in that film.  

​WARRENTON

In July 2019, in partnership with the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, the City of Warrenton and the Oregon Coast Visitor's Association a sign was placed at Hammond Marina next to the breakwater where the Orca Willy jumped to freedom. 

Oregon Film Trail: "Free Willy," Hammond Marina, Warrenton, OR

 

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Gleneden beach

In September 2018 the first Historic Oregon Film Trail sign was installed in collaboration with Oregon State Parks in Gleneden Beach SP. The sign celebrates the 1971 production of the Paul Newman film based on Ken Kesey's novel "Sometimes a Great Notion" which filmed on nearby beaches and at a house on the Siletz River only a few miles away.  Unfortunately, this sign was vandalized and stolen in early 2021.

Oregon Film Trail: "Sometimes a Great Notion," Gleneden State Park, Gleneden Beach, OR

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​BROWNSVILLE

In May 2019 three more signs were placed in Brownsville to recognize the filming of Rob Reiner's film adaptation of Stephen King's novella "Stand By Me." Through a partnership with the Lane County History Museum, The City of Brownsville, The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and Lane County Parks, the signs were unveiled at the Museum, City Hall and Pioneer Park - the latter of which was the filming location of the infamous blueberry pie eating contest where more than 100 local residents took part as extras. The City Hall sign also occupies a space just yards from the spot where Verne found a penny in the road at the end of the film - a cinematic event commemorated by a penny permanently embedded in the roadway. ​

​Ecola pOINT & indian beach

Two signs and a map panel that were installed in October 2019 to honor Ecola State Park’s starring role as a location in Twilight, Point Break, The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. The signs feature facts and anecdotes about the films. Some visual cues have been added to the map panel and they link Astoria and the north coast to the Ecola locations, to encourage visitors to travel the Trail to see other areas.

​SALEM

Two Oregon Film Trail signs were placed here honoring Salem’s starring role as a location for “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest."  The signs mark two different filming locations related to the now classic feature film and feature facts and anecdotes about the film. The signs were unveiled at the Oregon Museum of Mental Health and the Salem “Dome” Building (currently occupied by the Oregon Department of Corrections) in October 2019, marking the end of Mental Health Awareness Week in the United States. Partners include Travel Oregon, Erik Andersson, the Museum of Mental Health and Travel Salem.

PIER PARK, PORTLAND

On April 14th, 2017, a grove of trees was planted by Oregon Governor, Kate Brown, in honor of the NBC television series, "Grimm." For six seasons the City of Portland and Pier Park served as both "Grimm’s" inspiration and setting. The grove of trees and the replica of "Aunt Marie’s Book of Lore" make for a fitting and evocative commemoration. This project was a joint partnership between the City of Portland, Friends of Trees, Pier Park, Comcast/NBC and the Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television. It recognizes not only an individual park that "Grimm" memorialized many times on TV screens, but also the large contribution that the City of Portland made to the production of popular NBC series.

​depoe b​ay

A new Oregon Film Trail sign was installed in December 2019 in Depoe Bay harbor.  The sign honors the town harbor’s starring role as a location in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest.  The Oregon Coast Visitor's Association, Depoe Bay Chamber of Commerce and Travel Oregon partnered to bring this newest sign on the Oregon Film Trail in the World’s Smallest Harbor – between dock 1 and 2. This sign was made possible, in part, by a grant from Travel Oregon and the Oregon Coast Visitors Association.

PORTLAND TRAIN STATION

Noah Dille, a local welder and fabricator with a background in the motion picture industry, presented his winning design bid for a "Portlandia" themed bike rack that now sits outside the Portland train station in commemoration of the City’s involvement in the series that shot in the city for 8 seasons. Additionally, a commemorative plaque hangs outside the Mayor's office inside City Hall. The plaque and bike rack were specifically commissioned by the Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television and the Portland Film Office, with support from the Oregon Media Production Association (OMPA), as a gift to Portland City Hall to celebrate "Portlandia’s" contributions to the city. Read More here.

The "Portlandia" bike rack on the Oregon Film Trail.

​ATHENA

Another Oregon Film Trail sign was installed in June 2020 at the Gem Theater in Athena.  The dedication of this sign is celebrating the local filming of F.W. Murnau's feature film, "City Girl," a silent era film that starred Mary Duncan. Duncan spent several weeks in and around Athena shooting the farm scenes that were shot at the top of Thorn Hollow (approximately 6 miles from downtown Athena). Many local crews and livestock were used in the harvesting wheat scenes during the summer of 1928. This sign was made possible by a grant from Travel Oregon.

Oregon Film Trail: "City Girl," Gem Theatre, Athena, OR

​silver falls state park

Installed in August 2020 at the Howard Creek Trailhead parking lot near the campground utilizing a grant from the Willamette Valley Visitors Association, this sign marks filming locations related to the popular romantic vampire fantasy feature film, "Twilight," that was based on Stephenie Meyer's novel of the same name.  The film was directed by Catherine Hardwicke, starred Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson and was the first film in this popular saga series.  Other films have used Silver Falls State Park as a filming location, such as the William Friedkin thriller, "The Hunted," the horror movie, "Just Before Dawn" and the opening scenes from Warner Bros. animated feature, "Yogi Bear."

The "Twilight" marker at the Howard Creek Trailhead in Silver Falls State Park

​smith rock state park

This sign celebrates the park as a filming location that has "starred" in many movies, from traditional westerns to more recent films such as "Wild" (2014).  The rock scrambling scenes filmed here at the park doubled for a location on the Pacific Crest Trail in California. This sign is a partnership with the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, the Central Oregon Visitors Association and Smith Rock State Park. The sign was paid for in part by a grant from Travel Oregon, with help from Redmond Chamber of Commerce and the Central Oregon Visitors Association.

​ASHLAND

Historic downtown Ashland featured prominently in Wild, the highly acclaimed 2014 film adaptation of the best-selling book, starring Reese Witherspoon as Oregon author Cheryl Strayed. When Witherspoon's character emerges from hiking following a particularly difficult section of the Pacific Crest Trail, the Downtown Plaza doubled as a community-gathering place to mourn the death of the Grateful Dead icon Jerry Garcia.  

A fictionalized version of Ashland provided the inspiration for the setting of the animated feature film Coraline, the first stop-motion film from Oregon-based Laika Studios. Adapted from Neil Gaiman's novella of the same name, the film tells the story of Coraline, a young girl living in a small and charming town, complete with a Shakespeare Festival that permeates the culture and wonder of the community, who finds a door leading to a parallel reality.

These signs are a collaborative effort, paid for in part by a grant from Travel Oregon and a grant from the City of Ashland facilitated by Andrew Gay, Associate Professor & Program Coordinator Digital Cinema at Southern Oregon University, and placed in partnership with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival​, Ashland Independent Film Festival, and Film Southern Oregon.

Oregon Film Trail: Ashland, the home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival that helped to inspire the setting for the animated film "Coraline"

Oregon Film Trail: "Wild" in downtown Ashland

​TOLEDO

The recently installed sign marks and celebrates locations in and around Toledo in the filming of “Sometimes A Great Notion” (1971), a motion picture based on the second novel by Oregon author Ken Kesey and published in 1964. The film was directed by Paul Newman, who also co-starred with Henry Fonda and Lee Remick. Partners include the Toledo Chamber of Commerce and the City of Toledo. It was paid for in part by a grant from Travel Oregon.

Harney County Fairgrounds

"Lean on Pete" - This coming of age drama starring, Steve Buscemi, Chloë Sevigny and Charlie Plummer, was directed by Andrew Haigh and based on the novel by Oregon author, Willy Vlautin. Many of the scenes depicting the young boy's connection to a special racehorse were filmed at this fair ground track, as well as close by in the city of Burns and Hines. Many local residents were employed as extras. This sign was part of a collaborative partnership between the Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television, (partnered with the Oregon Made Creative Foundation) and was paid for in part by a Grant from Travel Oregon , and in partnership with the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Hines , and the Harney County Fairgrounds.

The Oregon Film Trail marker at the Harney County Fairgrounds

​Wallowa lake state park & joseph

Two signs celebrate the filming locations near the City of Joseph and Wallowa Lake State Park.  These beautiful and dramatic Filming locations in Eastern Oregon have inspired Hollywood filmmakers all the way back to the silent movie era when the "Winds of Chance" (1925) shot close to Wallowa Lake but played-for the Canadian mountains in the gold rush era.  The Disney family adventure-comedy, "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey", starred two dogs and cat, and filmed in multiple locations close in the Wallowa area, including a picturesque ranch a few miles from Joseph, Mount Howard as well as multiple other locations in Oregon. These signs are a partnership with the Wallowa County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Joseph, Wallowa Lake State Park, and was paid for in part by a grant from Travel Oregon.

cottage grove

Cottage Grove has five Oregon Film Trail markers in around this picturesque city.  Buster Keaton's “The General", "Stand By Me", "Lost In The Stars" and "Animal House" were all filmed here.  These signs are a collaborative partnership between the Oregon Film Office (partnered with the Oregon Made Creative Foundation), the City of Cottage Grove, and the Cottage Grove Historical Society and has been funded in part by a grant from Travel Oregon.  Additional logistical help came from Travel Lane County and the BLM.

​Klamath falls

An historic marker will be formally unveiled as part of a full slate of activities in celebration of the film “Phoenix, Oregon” on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in downtown Klamath Falls with a simultaneous livestream.  Meeting directly with multiple community organizations throughout the fall, Klamath Film rallied letters of support and financial donations to cover the cost of the marker’s construction and confirm sufficient community support for the film’s recognition. Pledged support in financial donations or letters was received from Klamath Falls City Council, Klamath County Commissioners, Soroptimist International of Klamath, Klamath Falls Downtown Association (KFDA), Klamath Film and Discover Klamath, along with private citizen donations. This marker was also paid for in part by a grant from Travel Oregon.

Oregon Film Trail: "Phoenix, Oregon" in downtown Klamath Falls

​OREGON CITY

Oregon City sign honors the town’s starring role as a location in the popular teen drama, "Twilight."  It sits along the McLoughlin Promenade, overlooking the former Blue Heron paper mill where scenes from the iconic vampire movie were shot. The Mill has also been featured in "The Hunted" and "Grimm." The Works Progress Administration-era Promenade has itself been featured in scenes from "The Librarians" and "Trinkets."

Oregon Film Trail: "Twilight" in Oregon City.

Portland International Airport

Oregon Film Trail: McLoughlin Promenade, Oregon City.

Portland International Airport is home to a wall mural and film poster exhibit in the South Pedestrian Tunnel where  travelers can see over 160 uninterrupted feet of colorful mural art, iconic movie posters, and Oregon landscapes. This informative mural represents a carefully curated collection of some of Oregon’s extremely rich film history with 22 rotating posters on display.  This exhibit was created by The Oregon Made Creative Foundation and their partners in collaboration with the PDX Art Program, and the professional production communities that successfully partner together to make Oregon so film-friendly.

HINEs, Eastern Oregon

"Lean On Pete" is a coming-of-age drama starring Steve Buscemi, Chloë Sevigny, and Charlie Plummer, was directed by Andrew Haigh  based on the novel by Oregon author, Willy Vlautin.  It filmed mostly in and around the community of Hines during the annual Harney County Fiar, Rodeo & Race meet.  Many locals were hired as extras.  "Meek's Cutoff,"  a period drama by filmmaker Kelly Reichardt and written by Oregon author, Jonathan Raymond filmed in varius high desert areas about 100 miles southwest and southeast of town.  The film depicted an ill-fated journey on the Oregon Trail and starred Michelle Williams. This sign was part of a collaborative partnership between the Oregon Governor’s Office of Film & Television, (partnered with the Oregon Made Creative Foundation) and was paid for in part by a Grant from Travel Oregon, and in partnership with the cities of Burns and Hines and the Harney County Chamber of Commerce.

​St. Helens

St. Helens is no stranger to film productions, and two standouts were “Twilight,” and "Halloweentown."  "Twilight," the romantic fantasy film based on Stephenie Meyer’s novel was directed by Catherine Hardwicke and starred Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.  It filmed many scenes here, such as the restaurant where Edward tells Bella he can read minds, the bookstore, Bella’s house, the dress shop, and alley where Edward saved Bella. In the Riverfront District of St. Helens, the Disney family classic, “Halloweentown” filmed.  This show starred Debbie Reynolds as the witch, “Aggie” and every year during the month of October the Plaza Square comes alive with the “giant pumpkin” and the Spirit of Halloweentown festival.

​Canby

The NBC series, "Grimm" shot seven seasons in the Portland area.  The show was inspired by the classic "Grimm" Brothers fairy tales.  Scenes from the "Synchronicity" episode were filmed in Eco Park that doubled for a European forest.  Filming also took place at the Logging Road Trail as well as Aurora Airport and Molalla.  Also filmed in the county were; "Twilight", "The Shining", Into the Wild, and the television sketch comedy, "Portlandia".

EUGENE

In Eugene, #OregonMade films such as; "Without Limits," "Tracktown," "How to Beat the High Co$t of Living," "Animal House" and "Wild" have filmed in this versatile city.  In fact, over 24 Hollywood film projects have showcased Eugene, and Cascades & Coast region since the 1920's (when Buster Keaton first filmed, "The General" in the close-by historic town of Cottage Grove.) Other movies that called Eugene home are,  "Animal House," Bob Rafelson's "Five Easy Pieces" (1970) starring Jack Nicholson, Nicholson's own "Drive, He Said" (1970), parts of "Stand By Me" (1986) and "The Simpsons" series (1989 - 2020) created by Oregon cartoonist, Matt Groening, was set in close-by Springfield.  Historic Hayward Field starred in the sports dramas; "Personal Best "(1982), "Without Limits" (1998) depicting Steve Prefontaine's relationship with legendary coach Bill Bowerman, as well as, "Tracktown" (2016) written by Alexi Pappas and Jeremy Teicher.
Many of these film locations have attracted many film fans over the years, excited to visit such landmarks as the Denny's restaurant featured in the Jack Nicholson "hold the chicken" scene from "Five Easy Pieces," or the railroad bridge over Mosby Creek ("Stand By Me") or the Dexter Lake Club ("Animal House"). There is even a self-guided tour of "Animal House" film sites on the University of Oregon campus, and now the City features 3 Oregon Film Trail signs.  The region has also been highlighted in popular television shows from "Antiques Roadshow" to "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."

Suggestions happily accepted: makeit@oregonmade.org
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