How Star Wars Transformed the Northern California Redwoods into Endor for ‘Return of the Jedi’
In the early 1980’s, the third installment of the wildly popular Star Wars franchise was in production, and creator George Lucas was looking to create a forested moon named Endor for his action-packed movie. Lucas found the perfect location just north of where he grew up in Modesto, California, in a beautiful place called the Redwood National Park.
In April of 1982, the Star Wars filming crew descended on the northwest corner of California to create a world in which the Star Wars fans had never experienced for Return of the Jedi. The NorCal redwoods would provide the stage for the home of the Ewoks, an epic speeder bike chase and a battle that would spark the end of the Empire.
The battle scene and much of the Ewok scenes were filmed on the private property owned by a logging company in the town of Smith River, near the Avenue of the Giants. Unfortunately, much of the area you see in the film was eventually clearcut. Here are a couple scenes from that area:
But there is an area that remains full intact since the shooting of the film, and that is located in the Chetham Grove section of Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, where the speed chaser scene was filmed. If you go visit the area today, you’ll see much of the same trees as in these scenes:
It’s no surprise that Lucas chose to film the forested Endor moon in the beautiful redwood forest of NorCal. When you look at the scenes, the trees look so big that it’s hard to imagine they could grow on planet Earth. But they can, and for anyone lucky enough to visit the Redwood National and State Parks, it’s like traveling to another world. Maybe a Star Wars world?
May the Force be with you, NorCal.
“The battle scene and much of the Ewok scenes were filmed on the private property owned by a logging company in the town of Smith River, near the Avenue of the Giants. ” Say what?? Not hardly! Smith River is in Del Norte County about 15 miles north of Crescent City and the Avenue of the Giants is in Humboldt County some 100 miles south of Smith River. Might want to consider some fact checking before publishing.
I like the “just north of Modesto” part as well. Maybe 350 miles is considered just north.
It is a poorly constructed sentence. The logging company was based in Del Norte county, but the property they owned was in Humbolt county.
Fact checking only applies to Republicans and conservatives, anyone else can say whatever they want.
Sadly true.
George, they got their geography wrong (Smith River is also not “just north” of Modesto), but RotJ was filmed in Smith River, not Humboldt. I grew up in SR and remember it very distinctly when the crew stayed at the Ship Ashore hotel during filming. Anthony Daniels came to our school and gave a little speech.
I worked on the film it was north of crescent city and I have pictures of the bunker under construction
Please do share 🙂
I enjoy what you guys are usually up too. Such clever work
and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys
to blogroll.
For most recent news you have to go to see the web and
on web I found this website as a best web page for most up-to-date updates.
I know this if off topic buut I’m looking into starting my
own blog and was curious what all is required to get set up?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Hi there, this weekend is nice for me, as this moment
i am reading this great informative paragraph here at
my residence.
Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I’m impressed!
Very useful information specially the last phase 🙂 I take care
of such info much. I was looking for this particular
info for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
Fastidious respond in return of this question with genuine arguments
and explaining the whole thing about that.
The Gold Diggers video slot from Betsoft is element of their preferred 3D-impact variety.
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
As 1 of the most established names in retail betting in the
US, Bally’s Corporation owns and operates casinos and sportsbooks in 14 distinct states nationwide.
Fantastic blog you have here but I was wondering
if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get responses from other experienced
individuals that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions,
please let me know. Bless you!
I got this web site from my friend who shared with me about
this web page and at the moment this time I am browsing this website and reading very
informative posts here.
A person necessarily lend a hand to make severely articles I’d state.
This is the very first time I frequented your web page and to this point?
I surprised with the analysis you made to create this particular submit
amazing. Excellent process!
Great goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous
to and you’re just too great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly
like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific site.
Rakyat123 memiliki permainan judi slot online yang familiar dan terlengkap dengan variasi permainan terpopuler yang bisa dimainkan sepanjang waktu.
Hal terbaik bagi Anda untuk bergabung adalah begitu banyak alternatif taruhan yang disedikan oleh situs taruhan berbasis web luar biasa ini.
Rakyat123 menjadi salah satu tempat judi online terbaik masa kini.
Currently it looks like Movable Type is the top blogging platform available right now.
(from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?
Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?
I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options
for another platform. I would be awesome if you could
point me in the direction of a good platform.
New shoppers in Virginia can register via the exclusive
hyperlinks on this web page to claim the Bet365 Virginia bonus code.
Hey there! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally
got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out
from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to say keep up the excellent job!
whoah this weblog is great i really like reading your articles.
Keep up the great work! You realize, lots of people are
searching round for this information, you
could help them greatly.
What’s up, I check your blogs on a regular basis.
Your writing style is witty, keep it up!
Ahaa, its pleasant dialogue concerning this piece of writing here at this website, I have read all that, so now me also
commenting at this place.
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my weblog thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!