Homeward Bound: From the Wild West to Welcome Home 🎬🐾❤️

A story about a happy dog named Wilbur who found his forever home by the lake.

Hello fellow wanderers, animal lovers, and fans of muddy trails and wagging tails,

Growing up, I loved animals. I loved books. And, I especially loved movies based on books about animals. One of my favorites was the 1963 Disney classic The Incredible Journey, based on Sheila Burnford’s novel about two dogs and a cat on a 200-mile journey in search of home.

Where am I? | © Kacey Carpenter

Years later, as a parent, I loved watching the remake, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, with my children. This time, the story followed Shadow (Don Ameche), the wise and loyal golden retriever; Chance (Michael J. Fox), a playful American bulldog puppy with a lot to learn; and Sassy (Sally Field), the sarcastic yet fiercely loving Himalayan cat.

The message was the same in both films: no matter how far we roam, the journey is always about finding our way back home.

Oregon Trails and Movie Magic 🎥🥾🗺️

Now I live in Oregon and love to explore this beautiful state on my life journeys. It turns out Homeward Bound was filmed right here in Oregon in the forests, rivers, and rugged wilderness that I love to explore and protect.

Over the years, I’ve explored Oregon from the waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge to the high peaks above Wallowa Lake, from Smith Rock to Bend and Portland. I’ve wandered the forests of the Deschutes and Willamette, stood beneath cascading falls, and traced tracks through old rail yards. Following the paths of Shadow, Chance, and Sassy through these real Oregon landscapes reminded me that every trail we take can lead us home.

Oregon Journey | © Kacey Carpenter

The locations were filmed across Oregon and provides a great trip plan.

• Eagle Cap Wilderness, Wallowa Mountains near Joseph: The film crew took a challenging 15-mile journey with equipment on mules and horses to capture the area’s natural beauty.

• Shevlin Park, Bend: Featured the Hixon Crossing Bridge, which was modified with walls and a roof to resemble a covered bridge for the movie.

• Brooklyn Intermodal Rail Yard, Portland: Used for scenes where the animals navigate a train yard, adding tension to their journey.

• Reed College Area, Southeast Portland: Served as the family’s home, appearing in both the wedding scene and the emotional reunion at the film’s conclusion.

• Redmond: Featured in the opening scenes, introducing Chance’s backstory.

• Wahclella Falls, Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks, Oregon: The waterfall where the animals find a lost girl, Molly.

• Freels Ranch, Enterprise: Kate’s ranch, where the animals are left at the beginning of the film.

• Mount Howard near Wallowa Lake, Oregon: Featured in scenes depicting the animals’ challenging trek through mountainous terrain and the animals’ arduous journey.

• Deschutes National Forest: The forest provided forested settings throughout the animals’ journey.

• Willamette National Forest: Used for waterfall scenes.

But something or someone was missing.

Meet Wilbur: From the Streets of Texas to Lakeside Living 🚦🚣‍♂️🌲

Which brings us to the newest member of our family: Wilbur. Found homeless in Texas, Wilbur faced some challenges as a puppy. His foster parents warned us he might take weeks, or even months, to feel safe again. But sometimes, you know when they’re home.

By the end of his first day, Wilbur was curled up next to us on the couch, tail thumping, eyes closing in peace. He found his way to our backyard like he’d always known it was his. He sniffed the herbs by the garden beds, raced across the soft grass, and let out a sigh that said: I’m safe now.

Wilbur’s story isn’t just about a rescue. It’s about what happens when love meets patience, and when a dog’s journey finds its happy ending on a quiet Oregon lakeside, surrounded by kindness.

Thank you, Rescuers 🙏🐕‍🦺

We’ve also always opened our hearts to rescue dogs and cats, including some who began their lives far from Oregon. We’ve helped bring in dogs and cats from the streets of Mexico, and now a good boy from Texas.

This story wouldn’t be possible without the amazing work of animal rescue organizations like Fur Love Haven. From the fosters and transport teams to the volunteers who clean kennels and post pup profiles online. Thank you.

To every animal out there still on a journey: may you find your way home soon.
And to every person who opens their heart and home: you’re part of something beautiful.

Keep traveling, keep dreaming, and always welcome love when it shows up, sometimes with a wagging tail and muddy paws.