E.T. Phoned Home from Here. Sandra Bullock Paddled the Smith River Blindfolded. And Velociraptors Roamed our Redwoods.

Download the Map of the Movies App to Follow in the Footsteps of Your Favorite Films: Map of the Movies Filmed in Del Norte County, California

Updated April 4, 2023

Film buffs rejoice. The Map of the Movies map — made possible by the Humboldt-Del Norte County Film Commission — is now available as a mobile app. Adventure to Prairie Creek Redwoods National & State Park to see where dinosaurs roamed in Jurassic Park: The Lost World, amble to the Forest Moon of Endor where the Ewoks lived in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, or see where E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial phoned home from in Del Norte County.

From thrillers, horror, and sci-fi movies to beloved family classics, seek out the movie spots scattered around Del Norte County, California below.

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 

(1982) Numerous scenes were filmed on private property around Del Norte County: The aliens landing, E.T.’s near-death experience, and E.T.’s final phone home were all mainly captured at the Palmer Westbrook Ranches. Additional filming locations included the Little Mill Creek off the Smith River. Elliott’s famous bike ride with E.T. was also shot in Del Norte County’s Redwood National Park.

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi

(1983) George Lucas’ epic favored the Redwoods as Planet Endor and employed 100 Del Norte residents as Storm Troopers. Filming took place on private property and in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. Wear your favorite Star Wars costumes and come join us in Del Norte County for the annual Forest Moon Festival every June. Look for special themed events and activities celebrating our favorite Star Wars film!

Bird Box

(2018) ‘Bird Box’ was filmed in the Redwood region of Del Norte County with the actors staying in Crescent City. Filming took place in Crescent City, Jedediah Smith State Park, and on the Smith River. The film, which stars actress Sandra Bullock, is an adaptation of the 2014 post-apocalyptic thriller novel by writer/singer Josh Malerman. You’ll never look at the beautiful Smith River in the same way again after watching this super thriller of a movie!

The Lost World: Jurassic Park

(1997) Wedding Rock in Patrick’s Point State Park and Fern Canyon in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park appears as the rain forests of Isla Soma in Steven Spielberg’s sequel based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel. Note: Permits are now required to enter Fern Canyon by vehicle from May 1 – Sep 30. You can still hike or bike in (12 miles one-way) without needing to get an online permit.

Love in the Time of Monsters

(2014) Two sisters travel to a cheesy tourist trap where they battle toxic monsters. Filmed at the Historic Patrick Creek Lodge and Trees of Mystery.

Not a Moment Too Soon

(1994) The music video for Tim McGraw’s hit song from his second album featured the historic Battery Point Lighthouse in Crescent City as its backdrop.

The Final Terror

(1983) The terror commences in the Redwoods at Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The Tree of Life

(2011) Brad Pitt and Sean Penn starred in this deeply philosophical movie that featured images of dinosaurs in Grizzly Creek State Park, Fern Canyon, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

The Big Trees

(1952) Starring Kirk Douglas, forest shots were filmed near Orick and in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Swiss Army Man

(2016) Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe starred in this tale of a hopeless man who is stranded on an island and befriends a dead body. Filmed on Agate Beach in Patrick’s Point State Park, Houda Point Beach and Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Primal Rage: The Legend of Oh-Mah

(2016) A newly reunited young couple’s drive turns into a nightmare as they are forced to face nature, unsavory locals, and a monstrous creature. Filmed on the Palmer Westbrook Ranches.

Dead Man

(1995) Johnny Depp, on the run after murdering a man, encounters a strange Native American named “Nobody,” who prepares him for his journey into the spiritual world. Filmed on the mouth of the Klamath River.

Last of the Mohicans

(1936) In this version, the Mohicans were played by 20 local Yurok tribe members. The exciting canoe chase scene took place on one of the several rivers in Del Norte County, while other filming was done by the mountains near Lake Earl in Crescent City.

A Wrinkle in Time 

(2018) After the disappearance of her scientist father, three peculiar beings send Meg, her brother and her friend into space in order to find him. Filmed in Patrick’s Point State Park and Eureka.

Jezebel’s Kiss

(1990) The tale of revenge was filmed at the Mad River Community Hospital, the restaurant at Moonstone Beach, and Trinidad Pier.

Humboldt County 

(2008) The comedy-drama finds a Los Angeles medical student stranded in Humboldt County. Filming took place in many locations: Blue Lake, Eureka, College of the Redwoods, Arcata and locations in Trinidad including Luffenholtz Beach.

Fern Canyon Photo by Nate Wyeth

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