Exploring Filming Locations of Netflix’s Penelope: Where Was It Shot?

The coming-of-age series Penelope, featuring Megan Stott in the lead role, recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The story follows Penelope, a 16-year-old who grows increasingly disillusioned with her urban lifestyle, prompting her to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery.

Determined to become a solo traveler, Penelope seeks to leave behind her past and reconnect with nature. All eight episodes of the inaugural season are now streaming on Netflix. The official synopsis provides a glimpse into her journey:

“A 16-year-old who feels alienated from contemporary civilization is pulled into the uncharted wilderness and starts to build a new life for herself there.”

This captivating narrative takes viewers through stunning locations, showcasing the allure of a simpler existence. Throughout her journey, Penelope meets new friends and embraces an alternative way of living.

Exploring the Filming Locations of Penelope

Snoqualmie, Washington

The series begins by introducing us to Penelope in Snoqualmie, Washington, a small town that symbolizes the mundane city life she yearns to escape. This location prominently showcases her initial feelings of discontent.

Pivotal scenes take place at the Black Dog Cafe, where Penelope first encounters Sam, a musician played by Austin Abrams, who later becomes her travel companion. Here, Penelope also collects a travel and survival guide, marking the initiation of her new adventure.

Ashford, Washington

As her journey unfolds, Penelope visits locations mimicking the fictional Cascade National Park. In reality, scenes were filmed at the breathtaking Mount Rainier National Park and the beautiful Olallie State Park in Washington, known for its dense forests and rich natural scenery. Notably, Olallie State Park also hosted iconic scenes from the cult classic Twin Peaks.

Index, Washington

In the latter parts of the series, much of the small-town vibe is captured in Index, Washington, where Penelope experiences an injury during her travels and finds herself hospitalized. Following her discharge, she wanders through the bustling town, reflecting on her journey back toward urban life.

The hospital scene is particularly significant, showcasing the integration of her transformative journey with her previous life.

Skykomish, Washington

Skykomish features prominently as a backdrop, with various scenes illustrating the charm of small-town life. Crucial moments occur in episode eight, where Penelope visits the Cascade Library to learn more about her parents, filmed in this picturesque location. As the season draws to a close, Skykomish provides a stunning visual setting for key scenes.

Other Locations

A variety of additional locations were also incorporated into the series. In an interview with Netflix Tudum, director Mel Eslyn mentioned that Arlington, Washington, was among the filming sites. The location scouting process spanned several months to ensure the perfect settings for the story.

Ultimately, Penelope showcases a diverse array of breathtaking filming locations across Washington state, from serene forests to charming towns. All episodes of the series are now available to stream on Netflix.

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