The Fog (1980)

One of the creepiest movies of all-time, The Fog came out in John Carpenter’s prime in 1980. I was 10 at the time, and remember the promo displays in the theatres blowing fog at you as you walked by. Since I was too young to see a Rated R movie, I bought a ticket for some PG rated loser and snuck into The Fog. It scared the heck out of me.  This movie will forever hold a place on my list of favorite horror films. It was filmed in the Olema/Point Reyes area, an area which is naturally foggy and turned out to be the perfect creepy setting. Everyone I talk to loves Adrienne Barbeau as the sexy DJ, and I have to agree.

Detour 1: Tomales Point Trail

Not to get off subject, but while at Point Reyes I checked out a great hiking trail called Tomales Point Trail. It has photo-worthy coastal scenery, rock outcroppings, and you may come across some tule elk, which are endemic to California.

The Birds (1962)

Probably the most recognized California coast horror movie location is Bodega, the setting of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds (1962). The old church (Saint Teresa of Avila Church – 1859) is still operating and the old schoolhouse (the Potter School) is now a private residence. The church is also famous for a 1953 photograph by Ansel Adams.

The Howling (1981)

The Howling featured Dee Wallace (the mom from E.T.), and came out in 1981 alongside other werewolf classics American Werewolf in London and Wolfen. Parts were filmed in Russian Gulch State Park near Mendocino, and the colony retreat where key werewolf scenes were filmed is about 20 miles east on a dirt backroad. Like every road trip, there are hits and misses, and after driving the backwoods 20 miles to get to the colony location, the ranger said they had a high school retreat there that weekend – and thus, no access. So will have return some other time. Bum deal!

Detour 2: Confusion Hill

After a hairy cliffside drive north out of Mendocino with some incredible ocean views, Highway 1 turns into Highway 101. Shortly past Leggett, I finally caved into a Clark Griswold tourist trap I had passed dozens of times: Confusion Hill. Walking in skeptical, I thought: “alright…you got 15 minutes…let’s see what ya got.” I must admit, some of those gravity illusions were very convincing. I got sold, and I now have to recommend you check it out. Probably the most convincing display for me was the gravity defying golf ball:

Salem’s Lot (1979)

Farther north up 101 is Ferndale, a Victorian town that looks like a living, breathing movie set. The entire business district is on the National Register of Historic Places, and the town is like wandering into an early 1900’s time capsule. No fast food or chains in this town. No wonder many movies have been filmed here, including Outbreak, The Majestic, and one of the all time classic horror flicks, 1979’s Salem’s Lot.

Like the original Halloween, Salem’s Lot is on the short-list of truly scary films that is perfect for revisiting around Halloween. What an accomplishment for a made-for-TV movie!  The 70’s low budget TV production adds to the creepy vibe – like some old Night Gallery episode.

Even if you’re not a fan of Salem’s Lot, Ferndale should be on your bucket list if you like nostalgic old towns. I recommend the Victorian Inn.

Halloween III (1982)

I remember how up-in-arms everyone was over Halloween III. It had one the best horror movie posters ever…but didn’t have Michael Myers. Over the years, though, it has attained “cult status.” It is mindless fun, and reminds of that early 80’s video game craze with its intro and Atari sounding soundtrack. Tom Atkins is (unintentionally) hilarious as the boozing doctor picking up on the nurses. Much of the movie was filmed in the tiny, lost railroad town of Loleta, about 10 miles north Ferndale.

The Love Witch (2016)

In Eureka, the farthest point north on this trip, sits one of the most haunted looking houses in the country: Eureka’s Carson Mansion (1886). The Wikipedia entry says it is “the most grand Victorian home in America.” The Love Witch was filmed here and is worth checking out for it’s early 70’s Technicolor look along with some laughs and suspense: Think Night Gallery mixed with an episode of I Dream of Jeannie or The Monkees.

Detour 3: Prairie Creek Redwoods

While in Eureka area, I recommend biking or hiking Prairie Creek Redwoods…you get the beauty of Muir Woods, but without the crowds. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt elk.

Then & Now Movie Locations Site

If you want to see then-and-now shots of the movies above – in addition to hundreds of others – I strongly recommend the excellent Then & Now Movie Locations site.