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Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey filmed?

1993

City Locations

Oregon, (USA), San Francisco (USA)

Location Types

Nature, Farm/Ranch

Location Styles

Modern Car, Ranch Style

About Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

From director Duwayne Dunham, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is a remake of the 1963 film based on Shelia Burnford's best-selling novel. Released in 1993, the film tells the story of three loyal pets - Shadow the Golden Retriever (Don Ameche), Sassy the Himalayan cat (Sally Field), and Chance the American Bulldog (Michael J. Fox). Together they embark on an adventure that will test their courage and friendship as they face danger and unexpected surprises while making an incredible journey back home.

Chance is an American Bulldog who has been abandoned as a pup and thus struggles to believe in the concept of "home." Along his journey, he is joined by Jamie Burnford's beloved pet Shadow - an older Golden Retriever - and Hope’s Himalayan cat Sassy.

After Bob Seaver and Laura Burnford get married, the family goes on a trip to San Francisco, leaving their beloved pets at Kate’s ranch, and so begins their big and eventful adventure.

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey was a box office success, grossing over $40 million and prompting the release of a sequel in 1996. The sequel dubbed Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco featured the same trio of pets led by Ralph Waite as Shadow (Don Ameche, who voiced Shadow in the first installment, passed away shortly after the original production’s release).

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey Locations

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey is set in California, with the pets' journey taking them through the Sierra mountain range. In reality, however, filming was conducted in Oregon due to its varied topography, and diverse locations in Portland were used to substitute San Francisco.

Eastern Oregon served as Bishop and the Eagle Cap Wilderness area resembled the Sierra Nevadas. Filming kicked off in August 1991 and wrapped up in October of that same year.

Midway through the project, the film crew took their cameras and equipment on mules and horses for a journey of more than 15 miles into the Eagle Cap area of the Wallow Mountains, which is a protected wilderness area. This portion of filming took three days, and production designer Roger Cain felt that Mother Nature made his job easier given how grand and remote the scenery is.

Audiences will certainly be awed by what these animals endured during their incredible journey, and the movie’s biggest fans will equally enjoy a trip down memory lane to explore the filming locations of Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.

Chance’s introduction scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Redmond, OR 97756, USA

At the start of the movie, Chance (Michael J. Fox), a selfish and independent American Bulldog, reveals that he belonged to Jamie Burnford (Kevin Chevalia), and he has no interest in being part of a family. Chance had been abandoned prior to getting to Jamie's home, and spent some time at an animal shelter.

The railway in the opening scene is located in Redmond, a vibrant outdoor community situated in the heart of Central Oregon. It's been described as a "gateway to adventure," and it's easy to see why. Visitors can access nearby mountains and forests for hiking, camping, and fishing, while downtown Redmond is bustling with restaurants, bars, and cafés.

With its stunning scenery and thriving art scene, Redmond is a perfect spot to explore nature and soak up city life all in a single day. The easiest way to get to Redmond is down I-5 and then take exit #67 at OR-331 towards La Pine & Sunriver. From there, turn onto Forest Road 20, which will take you straight through the Deschutes National Forest toward your destination.

The wedding scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

5402 SE 37th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, USA

During the scene that introduces Chance’s family, the canine causes quite a fracas when he devours the cake at the wedding ceremony of Laura Burnford (Kim Greist) and Bob Seaver (Robert Hays), much to the surprise of all who attend.

Located in the Southeast quadrant of Portland, 5402 SE 37th Ave is the perfect starting point for anyone who wants to experience the best of Portland life. Whether you are up for an after-work stroll through a quaint neighborhood park or a delicious meal prepared by some of the city's top chefs, this Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey filming location offers it all.

Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at local boutiques or grab a drink with friends at one of the many craft breweries nearby. With its tree-lined streets and stunning views of Mount Hood, 5402 SE 37th Ave should undoubtedly make it on the itinerary of your movie locations tour.

Follow Interstate 84 until you reach exit 3 and proceed onto I-205 north before taking exit 21b and following 122nd Avenue east until you turn right onto SE 37th Ave. Alternatively, if you're taking public transit then you can catch the 72/72 bus going westbound from Sandy and 12th or the 77/77X lines that run along 85th Avenue.

Arriving at Kate’s ranch scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

63246 Hurricane Creek Rd, Enterprise, OR 97828, USA

Shortly after the wedding, the family is forced to move to San Francisco due to Bob's (Robert Hays) work obligations. They decide to leave their pets with Kate (Jean Smart), who is a friend of Laura's (Kim Greist) from college.

Shadow (Don Ameche) and Sassy (Sally Field) quickly miss their owners, while Chance (Michael J. Fox) sees it as an opportunity to relax and enjoy his freedom. Freels Ranch is an idyllic getaway situated in the heart of Central Oregon.

The sprawling grounds provide breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and streams, as well as a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. From horseback riding to fishing and camping, tourists can explore miles of scenic trails at this location.

An alternative is to make your way through the trails on foot or by bicycle, and history buffs will appreciate the homestead's antique buildings. Freels Ranch also offers opportunities to take part in local cultural events such as rodeos and farmers' markets.

Starting from Pendleton, Oregon, a drive along I-84 W for about 35 miles will take you right to Freels Ranch. Cruise down US-395 S for 18 miles until you reach the County Road 11 intersection, make a left, and continue from there for another few minutes which brings you to your destination.

Where's the house scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Mount Howard, Oregon 97846, United States

With Shadow (Don Ameche) in the lead, Sassy (Sally Field) and Chance (Michael J. Fox) start their journey back home. As they traverse the rocky, mountainous wilderness of the Sierra Nevada, they come to the top of a mountain and see the vast expanse below them. It is there that they wonder where their true home lies.

Nestled in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon, Mount Howard is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. This picturesque landscape features sweeping views of surrounding alpine meadows and pine forests, perfect for a day of hiking, camping, and fishing. Explore miles of trails on foot, horseback, or mountain bike, or simply relax and take in the beauty of nature.

Located in eastern Oregon, Mount Howard is an eight-mile roundtrip hike consisting of switchbacks and uphill terrain. With plenty of spots to take in the breathtaking views, getting to Mount Howard is a journey that offers plenty of opportunities to see the beauty of Oregon along the way.

The most accessible route starts at Elk Meadows Trailhead off NF-52B, just west of Granite. Follow Deadhorse Trail 1675 to Deadhorse Lake and connect with Wolf Point Trail 931 south - then you'll be on your way to Mount Howard!

Сrossing the river scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Paulina Creek, Oregon 97739, USA

Sassy (Sally Field) adamantly declines to swim across the river with the other dogs, instead preferring a wooden bridge further along. Halfway across, the wood snaps and she falls into the river. Shadow (Don Ameche) tries desperately to save her, but she ultimately goes over the waterfall, leading to her presumed death.

As they grapple with immense guilt and despondency, Shadow and Chance (Michael J. Fox) proceed onward without her. Paulina Creek Falls located at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, south of Bend, Oregon, served as the film set for this film scene.

The waterfall cascades from a streambed of Paulina Lake and into an 80-foot (24 m) plunge that encircles a small island near the edge of the cliff.

To get to Paulina Creek, the nearest major airport is Redmond Municipal Airport, located just under 100 miles away in Redmond, Oregon.

From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle that will take them to their destination. Alternatively, take a bus from the airport to Bend and then transfer to a public transportation service that runs straight to Paulina Creek.

Meeting a mountain lion scene in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

Smith Rock State Park, Terrebonne, OR 97760, United States

For the next two days, Shadow (Don Ameche) and Chance (Michael J. Fox) attempt to secure food, with a mountain lion hot on their trail. Desperate, Shadow has an ingenious plan to use rocks as a seesaw, in an attempt to trick the big cat.

He acts as bait while Chance jumps onto the other end of the rock, sending the lion flying over the edge and into a river below. Miraculously, Sassy (Sally Field) hears their barks in celebration and joins them soon after.

Smith Rock State Park is a stunning display of nature's splendor and a popular destination for rock climbers from all over the world. This park boasts mile-high cliffs, winding trails, desert vegetation, and awe-inspiring panoramic views. Outdoor enthusiasts will love basking in the sun during a day of hiking, camping, or fishing on the Crooked River.

Smith Rock also offers opportunities to discover plants, animals, and fossils unique to this region. Located in Terrebonne, OR, this incredible park is easily accessed by car. From Southwest Powell Boulevard/U.S. Route 97 head east on S.R 11/Smith Rock Way and you'll find yourself at the entrance in no time!

If you decide to take Highway 20, go south at Northeast 27th Street until you reach the Crooked River, and then follow territorial highway 11! This scenic drive culminates at the entrance of this breathtaking nature park - so don't forget your camera!

Conclusion

Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey became an instant favorite, with viewers of all ages falling in love with the adorable Chance (Michael J. Fox), an American bulldog pup, Sassy (Sally Field), a Himalayan cat, whose humor is befitting of her royal name, and Shadow (Don Ameche), a wise old golden retriever - all of whom have very recognizable human voices!

The story begins when their devoted owners are forced to leave them in the care of a distant friend. After several days go by and no word from home, the worried animals take it upon themselves to make the long and arduous journey back home.

Along the way, they experience unexpected obstacles, face off with both humans and nature, and all the experiences the trio faces make for an exciting adventure. It's an unforgettable story about courage and loyalty which still appeals to people of all ages, long after its release.