Where was Forest Warrior filmed?
1996
City Locations
Oregon (USA)
Location Types
House, Nature
Location Styles
Camper, Industrial
About Forest Warrior
Chuck Norris stars in the 1996 American adventure film Forest Warrior, which was directed by his brother Aaron Norris. The movie was released on DVD in the US on November 5th, 1996, and has since become an iconic piece of pop culture, with a particularly memorable scene where Chuck Norris uses his bare hands to stop a chainsaw. Another highlight is a logger who plays an air guitar with his chainsaw!
Critics responded with a mixed reception to "Forest Warrior." Jonathan P on Rotten Tomatoes commented that it is "made for children," and not suitable for adults, who may find its plot absurd and the acting subpar. However, kids may still enjoy it enough.
Doug Walker, also known as "The Nostalgia Critic," recommends Forest Warrior to viewers who don't think Terry Kiser's Weekend at Bernie's role as a corpse could be worse. Richard Scheib, on Wayback Machine, says that Forest Warrior is Chuck Norris's "desperate and ungainly attempt" to break out of his one-dimensional image as a macho man and become an eco-defender. This, however, fails due to Norris's lack of acting range.
The film takes its environmental message too seriously, with highly obvious villains depicted in montages of smoke-belching trucks and factories, while the animals give much better performances than any human lead. The third act of Forest Warrior devolves into Home Alone-style slapstick, with environmentalism as the excuse for cruel behavior towards the shallow and bumbling antagonists.
Chuck Norris's name is meant to draw an audience, but he spends much of the movie off-screen. The main focus becomes the juvenile antics of the Lords of Tanglewood, having fun in their treehouse and cruelly tormenting their dimwitted adversaries.
Forest Warrior Locations
Forest Warrior was filmed in some of Oregon's most stunning locations, with the production process beginning on January 14th and wrapping up after 56 days on March 10th, 1996. Filming kicked off at Silver Falls State Park, known for its series of cascading waterfalls, including South Falls which was featured in the movie.
Other noteworthy Forest Warrior filming locations include Lost Lake with its spectacular view of Mount Hood, Lava River Cave, one of Oregon's deepest caves, and the climactic scene shot at Tumalo Falls, a 97-foot waterfall in Deschutes National Forest surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush foliage.
The production also utilized several locations along the Columbia River Gorge such as Multnomah Falls, which is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the US--Coyote Wall, and Trillium Lake. From cascading waterfalls, crystal clear lakes with mountain views, and dramatic lava caves to soaring cliffs and lush foliage around Tumalo Falls, any fan of the movie would appreciate the once-in-a-lifetime trip to visit the filming locations of Forest Warrior.
Campfire scene in Forest Warrior
20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE, Sublimity, OR 97385, United States
The opening scene of Forrest Warrior introduces us to a group of children eagerly gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and listening intently. Clovis Madison (Roscoe Lee Browne) is the storyteller this evening, and he begins recounting the tale of Jebediah McKenna (Chuck Norris), a man who lost his life in the Tanglewood forest while fighting against bandits some hundred years ago.
Clovis describes how Jebediah was an incredibly brave man, willing to put his life on the line for what he believed in. He was a skilled fighter, able to take on multiple opponents at once and come out victorious. He had been traveling through the forest when he encountered bandits but refused to back down in the face of their threats and intimidation. With courage and determination, Jebediah drew his sword and prepared himself for battle - rallying those around him against their enemies even as they outnumbered him by far.
Located in the foothills of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Silver Falls State Park is a nature lover's paradise. With lush forests and crystal-clear cascading waterfalls, this stunning park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers, day-trippers, and long weekenders alike. From horseback riding and hiking to boating on a pristine lake and camping in rustic cabins, Silver Falls State Park offers all the outdoor recreation enthusiasts could desire. With its unique topography, remarkable wildlife, and majestic views, this state park truly is a hidden gem worth visiting!
Silver Falls State Park is a paradise in the Pacific Northwest, and getting there couldn't be easier! Located near Sublimity, Oregon, Silver Falls State Park is just a short drive away - it's less than 7 miles south of I-5 on Cascadia Scenic Byway. There are several options for travel to the park; scenic drives, long hikes, and biking trails all offer opportunities to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
Kids heading to Camp scene in Forest Warrior
Parkdale, Oregon 97041, USA
The scene near the gas station is bustling with excitement as the kids gather together, their bikes in tow. It is a warm summer day, and they were dressed in brightly colored clothes, ready for their upcoming adventure. The sun shines down on them as they talk and laugh, eager to begin the bike ride through Forrest Warrior. Some have turned up with their own bikes, while many rent bikes from the local shop.
Nestled in the shadow of Oregon's Cascade Mountains, Parkdale is a charming town surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. With rolling hillsides, winding rivers, and lush forests, this small town boasts incredible outdoor recreation opportunities like fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Parkdale also offers relaxation for those looking for a more laid-back experience – take a stroll downtown to browse boutique shops or explore the local vineyards and wineries.
Located just off the Hood River Gorge, there are several different ways to get there. Driving from anywhere in the state of Oregon on highway I-84 east will take you to the small town that has a lot to offer by way of entertainment and sightseeing. Alternatively, take an Amtrak train to Hood River and catch either a taxi or public transportation onwards to Parkdale.
Children get to the treehouse scene in Forest Warrior
Mount Hood, Oregon 97041, United States
Finally, the children get to their destination - their favorite treehouse, where they spend all their time hiking. They start playing and running around, and some of them start looking for firewood. Suddenly, they hear a bear howling and decide to find out what’s wrong. They see a group of loggers, who try to shoot a bear cub called Rags.
The kids know the little bear, having become friends during all their hikes. The loggers start to scare them away with guns and knives. Forrest Warrior appears from nowhere, beats the loggers, and essentially saves the day. Afterward, Austine (Megan Paul) sits down with the little bear, hugs him, and talks for a while with Forrest Warrior.
Mount Hood is an iconic peak in the Cascade Mountain Range of northern Oregon. Standing at 11,255 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the state and a must-visit destination for all outdoor enthusiasts. With its snow-capped summit and meandering ski slopes, Mount Hood is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders looking for an unforgettable winter experience.
For hikers, there are plenty of scenic trails to explore with breathtaking views of the surrounding cascades and forest valleys. And with nearby lakes, rivers, and rustic cabins, Mount Hood is a wonderful weekend outdoors destination.
Driving the Mount Hood Scenic Byway, located along Highway 26, is the easiest route to get to the Forest Warrior filming location. This 81-mile drive from the city to the summit offers travelers breathtaking views of lush forests and rivers in the foothills and snowcapped peaks. During summertime, you can even meander through lavender fields or chowder farms on your way up the mountain!
The fishing scene in Forest Warrior
Lost Lake, Oregon 97014, USA
After a long day, the children decide to go fishing. They sit near a beautiful lake with stunning views. Rags comes around when Austin has already caught 7 fish. Rags swims in the lake and the children decide to forget about fishing and have fun in the water.
But the loggers, who were previously trying to harm Rags, keep watch from the forest. They are planning on placing a bomb in the treehouse. Lost Lake is a water body nestled in the foothills of Oregon's Cascade Mountains. With its crystal clear waters and tranquil atmosphere, this secluded spot is heaven for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Lost Lake offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, whether you prefer to kayak or canoe, fish or swim, or just lie by the shore and enjoy the stunning views. And with campgrounds nearby and stunning sunsets that blanket the water body in a warm glow, Lost Lake is guaranteed to provide a peaceful and memorable getaway!
The best way to get to Lost Lake is by car, given that it's about an hour and a half drive from Portland. The route winds through scenic mountain roads, and an alternate option may be taking the bus, though it will take longer without being as direct as driving.
Conclusion
For Forest Warrior, a group of rambunctious children go on a quest up the mountains and find an old tree house. Unexpectedly, they come across McKenna, the Spirit of the Forest who protects it from evil lumberjacks who want to tear down their beloved space.
Thus begins a classic good vs. evil tale as the kids and McKenna do whatever is necessary to save their home from being destroyed by the ruthless land developers. Norris, who portrays the Spirit of the Forest, has phenomenal power. He can shape-shift into a bear, eagle, or even a pile of crap.
His transformation at the end is truly remarkable, as he turns into a bear and talks! For anyone who stuck through this movie until the end, it is most certainly worth an award, and that could be making a commitment to visit the filming locations of Forest Warrior.