David Lynch’s television masterpiece, Twin Peaks, enjoyed cult success in the 1990’s. Recently it has been resurrected (unlike Laura Palmer) in the form of several new shows available for streaming thru Showtime via Amazon.
Twin Peaks definitely has its hardcore fans. And with good reason! The storyline is engaging to the hilt, the cinematography is grand, the directing, genius. Much of the show was filmed on location in the backwoods of Washington State. It was a natural and familiar place, as Mr. Lynch spent some of his childhood in Spokane.
While some of the set was recreated on a Hollywood soundstage, many of the locations and structures shown in the series are still in existence in Washington. It should come as no surprise that fans of the show may want to make their pilgrimage to Washington at some point to visit some of these locations. Here they are!
Ronette’s Bridge
In the pilot episode, Ronette Pulaski staggers across the bridge, setting the stage for several plot scenes and twists. This bridge is actually Reining Bridge and crosses the Snoqualmie River. Built in 1916, it suffered a fire in recent years and is no longer in use.
North Bend is home to Twin Peak’s Double R Diner, which in real life is called Twede’s Café. But fear not, currently the restaurant retains much of the original décor of the tv show. You can saunter in, order a slice of cherry pie, and wash it down with a damn fine cup of coffee! Don’t forget to see the back of the building, where a recreation of the famous ‘Welcome to Twin Peaks’ sign is painted, mural style.
The historic Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo was the inspiration for several rooms featured in the Great Northern Hotel on the show. Scenes for the pilot were filmed in the lobby, the Horne’s family dining room and Ben Horne’s office was filmed in the hotel’s Moose room.
The Beach Where Laura Palmer’s Body was Found
Nearby Kiana Lodge, there is a pebble beach containing a large log, where Ms. Palmer’s body was found. The log is still there and fans of the show come far and wide to seek it out. This is a popular wedding photo op location, even given the morbid location.
The Falls featured in the show’s opening credits…
Are none other than Snoqualmie Falls about an hour’s drive from Seattle and a popular tourist attraction all around. The Great Northern Hotel, where Agent Cooper stayed during his investigation, is actually Salish Lodge & Spa and is directly behind the falls.
Not far from the Falls is this home-town bar and grill, whose exteriors were shot as a biker bar (which it is not in real life). This is a family-friendly place to have lunch or dinner.
The Twin Peaks’ Sheriff Station
In real life, the sheriff’s station is a motorsport company and rally school called DirtFish. However, the building retains the original façade and inside, Lucy’s reception desk is preserved.
