Oregon
Top 10 most-Googled film locations include 2 Oregon spots, according to tech company data
There’s no shortage of surveys that purport to tell us bits of trivia about favorite foods, places, destinations, etc. The sources of these rankings vary wildly, with some seeming fairly legit, and others that sound on the iffy side.
Given that, it’s not surprising that yet another press release, this one a list of the what it says are the most-Googled film locations, has landed in our email inbox.
The source is EarthWeb, which the press release says “helps you discover the best research guides and resources for tech and online privacy. Their mission is to help you simplify processes and make informed buying decisions.”
The press release goes on to describe the methodology behind this Top 10 roundup: “The data was gathered with keyword analysis software on ahrefs.com using the keywords ‘film location.’”
Maybe you’re wondering just what ahrefs.com is. Us, too. The website says it’s a multinational startup headquartered in Singapore, that creates “online SEO tools and free educational materials for marketing professionals.”
So, what are these most-Googled film locations? And are there any Oregon ones in there?
To answer the second question first, yes, Oregon locations do show up, and in the Top 10, no less. High up in the No. 2 slot, for example, is “The Goonies” film location, in Astoria.
The 1985 movie, which filmed in and around Astoria, remains so popular, and such a tourist draw, that June 7 has been declared an Astoria holiday, known as “Goonies Day.”
This Goondocks.org website link has a list of activities associated with the holiday.
In the No. 8 spot is “The Shining” film location, with tips on where to find locations, including Timberline Lodge, on Mount Hood, which was used for exterior shots of the fictional, and very scary, Overlook Hotel.
What else made the Top 10? Here’s the list:
No. 1: “It’s a Wonderful Life” film location. Where to find the location? Seneca Falls, New York (the movie’s fictional Bedford Falls was apparently inspired by Seneca Falls). “It’s a Wonderful Life” was originally released in 1946, and has gone on to become a holiday viewing staple.
No. 2: “The Goonies” film location. Where to find the location? Astoria, Oregon.
Oregon film tourism trend brings visitors to communities where movies and TV shows filmed
No. 3: “Jurassic Park” film location. Where to find the location? Hawaii (Kauai and Oahu), Costa Rica. The first “Jurassic Park” movie opened in 1993.
No. 4: “The Equalizer 3” film location. Where to find the location? Amalfi Coast, Italy. Bonus points if you knew that there were three “The Equalizer” movies, and that the third one came out in 2023.
No. 5: “Saltburn” film location. Where to find the location? Oxfordshire, England, and other parts of the United Kingdom. “Saltburn” played in some theaters in late 2023, and streams on Amazon Prime Video.
No. 6: “Resident Alien” film location. Where to find the location? Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada. According to the press release, in the TV series, “Resident Alien,” Ladysmith doubles as the fictional town of Patience, Colorado.
No. 7: “Couples Retreat” film location. Where to find the location? Bora Bora, French Polynesia. “Couples Retreat” was released in 2009.
No. 8: “The Shining” film location. Where to find the location? Timberline Lodge, Mount Hood, Oregon (exterior shots); The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado (which inspired Stephen King’s novel, “The Shining”). The movie was released in 1980.
Popular Oregon Film Trail stops include locations associated with ‘Grimm,’ ‘Twilight, and more
No. 9: “Pale Rider” film location. Where to find the location? Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho. “Pale Rider” was released in 1985.
No. 10: “Dirty Dancing” film location. Where to find the location? Lake Lure, North Carolina; Mountain Lake, Virginia. “Dirty Dancing” was released in 1987.
— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist
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Oregon
Illicit massage businesses shut down in Washington County
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Multiple illicit massage businesses in Washington County were shut down on Friday following action by multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Office of Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said it worked alongside Sherwood police, Tigard police, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Washington County District Attorney’s Office to execute multiple warrants at illicit massage businesses.
Following months of surveillance into two of the illegal massage parlors in Sherwood, investigators conducted searches at four locations in total on Friday: a home in Southwest Portland, Goji Foot Spa and Aroma Spa in Sherwood, and Tigard’s Sunny Massage.
More than $45,000 of cash and evidence of prostitution was seized during the operation. Three people were also arrested for alleged prostitution-related charges and two were cited for operating a massage business without a license.
The investigation was carried out as part of the Oregon Department of Justice’s partnership with Washington County law enforcement agencies through the program Special Projects: Investigate, Respond, Enforce.
Oregon
Ryan Reynolds-backed Aviation Gin shutters Oregon distillery
Ryan Reynolds on John Candy’s prideful vulnerability
Ryan Reynolds reflects on John Candy’s mix of pride and vulnerability in “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” The actor produces “John Candy: I Like Me.”
Entertain This!
The Aviation American Gin Distillery and visitor center in Portland, Oregon, has closed its doors as the company behind the celebrity-backed spirits brand shifts its production strategy, according to multiple reports.
Diageo, the global spirits company that acquired Aviation American Gin in 2020, confirmed the closure to local TV stations KGW and KOIN, saying the decision was made because of changing business needs.
“This decision reflects evolving business needs, as we continue to support growth ambitions for our Aviation American Gin brand,” Diageo’s statement reads. “Aviation American Gin remains an important part of Diageo’s portfolio and we are committed to the brand, our customers and consumers.”
USA TODAY contacted Diageo on July 9 for comment and additional information regarding the closure.
The nearly 33,000-square-foot facility opened in September 2022 in northwest Portland, offering visitors a cocktail bar, tasting room, gift shop and tours highlighting the gin-making process, including distillation and bottling operations.
Portland’s House Spirits Distillery founded Aviation American Gin in the early 2000s and later became associated with Emmy Award-winning actor Ryan Reynolds, who acquired a stake in the company in 2018.
“A little over two years ago, I became an owner of Aviation Gin because I love the taste of Aviation more than any other spirit,” Reynoalds said in a statement in 2020 after Diageo acquired the company. “What I didn’t expect was the sheer creative joy learning a new industry would bring. Growing the brand with my company, Maximum Effort Marketing, has been among the most fulfilling projects I’ve ever been involved with.”
Is Ryan Reynolds still a co-owner of Aviation Gin?
As of July 9, Reynolds remains an owner of Aviation Gin, according to his social media accounts. His Instagram says he owns Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, Maxixum Effort and the Wrexham A.F.C. soccer club.
When Diageo acquired Aviation Gin, the acquisition agreement valued the deal at up to $610 million, including an initial payment of $335 million and a potential additional payment of up to $275 million based on the company’s performance over a 10-year period, according to a 2020 news release.
Diageo, one of the world’s largest spirits companies, also owns other alcohol brands including Captain Morgan, Crown Royal and Smirnoff.
What’s next for Aviation, Diageo?
Diageo said it had already begun moving Aviation’s production from Portland to other facilities in 2025 as part of an effort to improve efficiency and strengthen its North American operations, KGW reported.
Diageo also said Aviation American Gin will remain part of its portfolio despite the closure of the Oregon visitor center and distillery.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com, or on X @athompsonUSAT
Oregon
Pierce County Sheriff: Homicide ‘suspect was shot and killed by police in Seaside, Oregon’
The man wanted in connection with two Pierce County homicides was shot and killed by police in Seaside, Oregon, Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank announced on X Wednesday night.
Hayes McCloud, 24, was identified earlier in the day by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) as a person of interest in two killings — the first in Puyallup around 2:40 a.m. and the second in Tacoma shortly after 3 a.m.
On Wednesday night, authorities referred to him as a suspect.
“The suspect has been contacted by police in Seaside, Oregon,” PCSO said in a Facebook post. “We are no longer looking for the suspect and details of the contact and major incident that transpired in Oregon will be available once the investigation is concluded.”
After that announcement, Swank posted an update on X.
“After he killed the person in Tacoma, he drove away. We didn’t know where he went, but he was picked up by a Flock camera in Lewis County around 4 a.m. So we knew he was headed southbound at that point,” Swank’s post said. “The suspect was shot and killed by police in Seaside, Oregon. No cops were hurt. I’m glad he was stopped before he killed anyone else. Great police work!”
The murder suspect from the homicide on Woodland Avenue also shot and killed a person in Tacoma.
After he killed the person in Tacoma, he drove away. We didn’t know where he went, but he was picked up by a flock camera in Lewis County around 4:00 AM. So we knew he was headed…
— Sheriff Keith Swank (@SaveOurSheriff) July 9, 2026
35-year-old killed in Puyallup home early Wednesday
At 2:40 a.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to the 12500 block of Woodland Avenue E. in Puyallup after receiving reports that a man was found dead in a home. Two homeowners were at the scene when deputies arrived.
“The preliminary investigation indicates there was homicidal violence in a bedroom that eventually led outside the home,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office reported. “The 35-year-old male was located inside the home with multiple deadly injuries. We have no suspect in custody at this time.”
Second homicide in Tacoma less than 30 minutes later
Just after 3 a.m., police responded to the 6900 block of E. D Street in Tacoma’s Hillsdale neighborhood after multiple people reported hearing gunfire. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Officers began lifesaving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Contributing: Frank Sumrall, MyNorthwest
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
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