You think that we are the only ones who love the Oregon Coast? Hardly! Hollywood has been infatuated with it for many, many years. Beginning as early as 1908, film makers have found that the beauty of the Oregon Coast makes a perfect backdrop for their next big feature film.

Undoubtedly there are quite a few Oregon Coast movies that you had no idea were made here, especially if you're not from the Pacific Northwest. Before my research, some even surprised me. Once you find out what was filmed where, though, it is a lot of fun to not only be able to acknowledge the movie's setting, but you also begin to look for landmarks. "Hey, I know that house! Hey, I know that restaurant! Hey, I know that store!" It quickly becomes a type of "Where's Waldo" game.

Once a few Hollywood moguls caught the Oregon Coast bug, others soon followed....in droves. They fell head-over-heels for the gorgeous surroundings. It added character to their movies. Intrigue, mystery, adventure. The romantic coastal communities, often inclement weather and sometimes dense fogs added the elements for a great story to be told. They found out what we have known all along. Silly Hollywood! ;)

Here is a list of the Oregon Coast movies made right here in my own stomping grounds:

• The Fisherman's Bride - made 1908, filmed in Astoria

• The Great Race - made in 1965 in portions of Gearhart

• Sometimes A Great Notion - starring Paul Newman and Henry Fonda. Made in 1970 and filmed along the Central Oregon Coast. You can find the house used in the film on the Siletz River in Kernville, Oregon.

• One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - made in 1975 and was filmed in Salem and along the Central Oregon Coast

• 1941 - made in 1978 and portions were filmed in Cannon Beach and Gold Beach

• Premonitions - made in 1980, filmed in Coos Bay

• Hysterical - made in 1981 and filmed in Cannon Beach, Newport and Depoe Bay

• California Mix - made in 1981 and filmed in Astoria

• Cry For The Stranger - made in 1982 and filmed in Florence

• Goonies - One of the most well-known Oregon Coast movies and a Steven Spielberg film, Goonies was made in 1984 and filmed in Astoria

• Short Circuit - made in 1985, filmed in Astoria, Portland and along the Columbia Gorge

• The Haunting Of Sara Hardy - made in 1989, this Made-for-TV movie was filmed along the North Coast area

• Come See The Paradise - made in 1989 and filmed in Astoria, Portland, and the Willamette Valley

• Kindergarten Cop - Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, this famous Oregon Coast movie was made in 1990 and filmed in Astoria

• Shattered - made in 1990, portions of this Oregon Coast movie was filmed along the Northern coast

• Fallen Fortress At Cape Lookout - made in 1990, this Made-for-TV movie was filmed at Cape Lookout, near Tillamook

• Point Break - released in 1991, portions of it was filmed in Wheeler and Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach

• Claire Of The Moon - released in 1992 and filmed in Portland and along various portions of the Oregon Coast

• The Temp - made in 1992 and filmed along the northern section of the Oregon Coast

• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3 - released in 1993 and filmed in Astoria, this Oregon Coast movie was a smash with the kiddies and comic book fans

• Free Willy - released in 1992 and filmed in Astoria and Portland

• Frameup - filmed in 1992 in Newport

• Free Willy 2 - made in 1994, a portion of this Oregon Coast movie was filmed in Astoria

• The Ox And The Eye - made in 1994 and filmed in Portland and Coos Bay

• Eban And Charley - made in 2000, between Portland, Astoria and Seaside

• The Ring - made in 2002 and filmed in Newport and the Columbia Gorge

• Fahrenheit 911 - made in 2004, portions of it being filmed in Florence

• Ring 2 - made in 2004, partially filmed in Astoria

• Ctulhu - made in 2005, portions filmed in Astoria

• Into The Wilderness - made in 2006 and filmed in Astoria and the Cascade Mountains

As you can plainly see, there is quite a batch of movies made along the Oregon Coast. I can't blame the creative minds behind those films. They know true beauty when they see it....although, I can't quite explain Woody Allen.

If you're curious, you should be able to find more information about any of these Oregon Coast movies on Google.

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And, to purchase any of them, I'd recommend Amazon for best prices and selection.
 

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