Discover Film in Washington State: Explore Hollywood’s Hidden Northwest Gem

Northern Exposure

Washington on Screen: Where Movie Magic Meets Natural Beauty

From Seattle’s shimmering skyline to the misty forests of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State has long been a filmmaker’s paradise. Its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and atmospheric small towns have brought to life some of Hollywood’s most beloved films and television shows. Whether you’re strolling through Pike Place Market from Sleepless in Seattle or visiting the haunting forests of Twilight in Forks, Washington’s cinematic charm invites you to step inside the scenes of your favorite stories.

For decades, directors have chosen Washington’s iconic scenery to capture emotion, adventure, and romance. The result is a state where every mountain, coastline, and downtown street tells a story worth discovering.

Follow in the Footsteps of Hollywood Legends

The beauty of Washington is that many of its most famous film locations are only a short drive apart, making it easy to weave cinematic stops into a classic Pacific Northwest itinerary. Start in Coupeville on Whidbey Island—the real-life stand-in for Owens County, Massachusetts, in Practical Magic. Then make your way to Seattle to visit landmarks immortalized on screen and continue your journey across the state to find hidden gems featured in cult classics and contemporary hits.

TV Series Filmed in Washington

Northern Exposure – Roslyn

Step back into the 1990s in the small town of Roslyn, which doubled as Cicely, Alaska, in the hit TV series Northern Exposure. Visit the historic Brick Saloon—Washington’s oldest continuously operating bar—and snap a photo outside the Roslyn Café, known for its iconic camel mural. The town’s coal-mining heritage is preserved at the Roslyn Historical Museum, while nearby Suncadia Resort offers hiking, golfing, and spa experiences amid the Cascade Mountains.

Twin Peaks – Snoqualmie Valley

Photo Credit: Alex Michael

Enter the surreal world of Twin Peaks in the misty Snoqualmie Valley. Fans of David Lynch’s cult classic can visit the majestic Snoqualmie Falls, instantly recognizable from the show’s opening credits. Stay at the luxurious Salish Lodge & Spa, which doubled as the Great Northern Hotel, or enjoy a slice of cherry pie at Twede’s Café, the real-life Double R Diner. Nearby, the Kiana Lodge and Roadhouse Restaurant offer additional filming sites steeped in mystery and nostalgia.

Z Nation – Spokane

Spokane and its surroundings transformed into a post-apocalyptic world for the zombie series Z Nation. Iconic landmarks like Riverfront Park and the Museum of Arts and Culture were featured throughout the series. The nearby Kaiser Aluminum Foundry and Fort Casey State Park also appeared in episodes, showcasing Washington’s rugged landscapes and industrial backdrops in equal measure.

Movies Filmed in Washington

Sleepless in Seattle – Seattle

Seattle

Few films have captured Seattle’s charm quite like Sleepless in Seattle. Begin at Pike Place Market, where the Athenian Seafood Restaurant and Bar displays photos from the movie. The famous houseboat where Tom Hanks’ character lived can still be seen from the water on a local cruise. Don’t miss a visit to the Space Needle for panoramic views or Chihuly Garden and Glass to see a breathtaking collection of glass art that reflects the city’s creative soul.

An Officer and a Gentleman – Port Townsend

Port Townsend’s Victorian seaport and the historic Fort Worden became the setting for An Officer and a Gentleman. Today, Fort Worden State Park invites visitors to explore military bunkers, coastal trails, and the picturesque Point Wilson Lighthouse. Stay overnight in film-inspired accommodations or enjoy the town’s art galleries and maritime history in its charming National Historic Landmark District.

10 Things I Hate About You – Tacoma

Tacoma’s castle-like Stadium High School was the backdrop for the beloved teen classic 10 Things I Hate About You. Perched above Commencement Bay, this architectural gem is still in use today. Nearby, explore filming spots like Gas Works Park and the Fremont Troll in Seattle. For fans seeking a behind-the-scenes experience, Pretty Gritty Tours offers guided walks that reveal the film’s local legacy.

Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home – San Juan Islands

Free Willy 2

The stunning San Juan Islands provided the backdrop for Free Willy 2: The Adventure Home. Scenes were filmed on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island—locations known for their pristine waters and thriving marine life. Today, visitors can embark on whale watching tours from Friday Harbor or visit Lime Kiln Point State Park, affectionately known as “Whale Watch Park,” for one of the best chances to see orcas from shore.

Experience Washington’s Cinematic Spirit

Exploring Washington through the lens of film offers a new way to connect with the state’s natural and cultural treasures. Each filming location tells its own story—of creativity, history, and beauty. From the quiet corners of Roslyn to the cinematic skylines of Seattle, Washington invites travelers to create their own on-screen adventures.

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