The Real "Northern Exposure"

Ever since I lived here I've wanted to go an visit Roslyn, where the TV show Northern Exposure was shot and filmed. With Roslyn just down the road from Cle Elum we thought this would be a great time to go and check it out.



Here is the mural that the moose walks by in the opening of the show. It is the last shot in the opening sequence. After a little research, this is what I found out. The mooses name was Morty. The scenes of Morty walking leisurely about the town were accomplished by fencing in the whole town of Roslyn and letting Morty walk freely through the streets occasionally luring him around with bananas and willow leaves. He was provided by Washington State University, he was an orphan from Alaska, and reportedly received $5,000.00 for that day of work. Morty did have a girl friend named Minnie. In 1994, Morty died at the age of 6 of an illness linked to cobalt and mineral deficiencies. He had at least two off spring, their names are Melody and Matilda.




Here is a picture I found on the Internet of Morty walking in front of the mural.

I have to admit that I didn't watch the show a whole lot but here is the Roslyn Cafe except it was called ROSLYN'S in the show. Matt told me that they taped an 'S on the signs and painted a 'S on the mural changing the name of the restaurant. I am please to tell you that we did eat here and the food was awesome.

Here is the station that Chris Stevens the ex-felon worked at. After a little more research I found out that the production team made the walls on the inside and outside removeable in order to place cameras, lights, and other filming equipment around this set. I guess there is also a bright orange neon "KBHR" sign that was hanging in the window during the show but it not there now.

Here is another angle of the radio station. I guess to black out the reflections in the plate glass windows during filming, large black curtains were placed toward the streets in front of the sets being shot. Cameras and lights were placed in between.

Here is a picture of the radio station I found on the Internet.