Oregon Celebrates 40 years of Stand By Me
In 2026, Oregon celebrates the film’s 40th anniversary, and with a direct British Airways flight from London to Portland, it has never been easier for British fans to step straight into this iconic cinematic landscape.
Brownsville
From Portland, the heart of Stand by Me country lies an easy drive south into the lush Willamette Valley. Fans should begin in Brownsville, the small town that doubled as the fictional Castle Rock. Three Historic Oregon Film Trail signs mark key filming locations, creating a self-guided walking tour through cinematic history. Every July, Brownsville hosts its much-anticipated Stand by Me Day on 25 July 2026, featuring live music, games, classic cars, homemade pies, a costume contest and multiple screenings of the film.
Beyond Brownsville, visitors can continue their journey just outside Cottage Grove, where the famous red trestle bridge appears along the Row River Trail, a dramatic crossing etched into the memories of generations of moviegoers. Crossed by Gordie, Chris, Teddy and Vern, the bridge is also a piece of classic film history, having featured decades earlier in The General. Visitors can explore the area by foot or by bike along this car-free stretch of the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, a family-friendly route that runs alongside Dorena Lake and links some of Oregon’s most scenic covered bridges. Alongside Dorena Lake, it links some of Oregon’s most scenic covered bridges in Lane County, home to more than 20 historic spans — more than any other county in the American West.
Venture from the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast to see the 100 year-old McCloud River Railroad #25 — the iconic locomotive steam engine that chased the boys on the trestle. Housed at the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad’s station in the quaint fishing village of Garabaldi, the steam engine makes special guest appearances in the summer months for the Oregon Coastal Excursion, a 90-minute scenic train ride along the Tillamook Bay and coastal estuaries. On board narration on this excursion treats passengers to an immersive step back in time, complete with beautiful views.
See more of Oregon
Round out your trip with a stop in Astoria, at the northern tip of the Oregon Coast. A town built for cinematic magic as the backdrop for iconic films such as The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Overboard and Short Circuit, which also celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026. Festivities are planned for 6-7 June to commemorate the occasion, but the Oregon Film Museum in Astoria offers a year-round glimpse into Oregon’s legendary film appearances.
Film fans have been flocking to Oregon for years to track down iconic locations that appeared on the big screen and it’s easy to see why directors are drawn to the state’s beautifully varied landscapes, from forested valleys to rugged coastline and characterful small towns. Beyond Stand by Me, visitors can explore filming locations from beloved classics and modern favourites including The Goonies, Twilight and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Today, the Oregon Film Trail features signed locations across the state, making it even easier to step into your favourite scenes and turn a holiday into a true movie-moment journey.
Take me to Stand By Me filming locations in Oregon with Bon Voyage
Bon Voyage offers a nine-day Exploring the Oregon Film Trail itinerary From £2,345 per person. This self drive itinerary follows the Oregon Film Trail, inviting travellers to step into some of the state’s most iconic on screen locations while soaking up its extraordinary natural beauty. The price includes return flights from the UK to Portland, car hire for the full duration and eight nights of accommodation in carefully chosen prime locations.
To book, visit www.bon-voyage.co.uk or call 0800 316 3012
For further information on Oregon, visit www.traveloregon.com
Image credit – Joey Hamilton
