The Rambo Run
A First Blood Filming Location Running Tour in Hope B.C
By Erik Nachtrieb, SetJetters CEO & Cofounder
Looking for the ultimate First Blood filming location self-guided tour?
If you’re a Rambo fan, a runner, or a film location explorer, Hope, British Columbia delivers. This scenic mountain town served as the backdrop for the 1982 action classic First Blood, and today, it proudly celebrates its cinema history.
Watch the First Blood trailer.
First Blood drew me to Hope BC, Canada with dreams of recreating my own action packed Adventure Racing days. I combined the forces of the STRAVA app and the SetJetters app to create a film tourism marathon that evoked 20-year-old memories of playing in the mountains of Hope… here’s how it went!
The Rambo Run
To fully experience the movie’s filming locations, I designed The Rambo Run—an 8.55 kilometer (5.31 mile) running or walking route that takes you through 12 iconic film scene locations, 7 movie-related landmarks, and the best places in Hope to relive Rambo history.
The Rambo Run follows the movie locations and Points of Interest (POIs) throughout Hope on the SetJetters app, and I also recorded the run on STRAVA.
Following this trail, I discovered so much more about the “First Blood” filming locations, Hope BC, Canadians, and how proud they are of this iconic 80’s film. Let’s just say the town lives up to its name!
Whether you're a die-hard Sylvester Stallone fan, a movie buff, or simply looking for a unique outdoor adventure in British Columbia, this self-guided running tour is a must.
Why visit Hope, BC for First Blood movie locations?
This is where John Rambo’s story began! Hope proudly preserves its First Blood legacy, with local businesses carrying all kinds of Rambo merchandise, character sculptures, old movie props, and beers dedicated to the film.
The Rambo Run lets you explore these filming locations on foot, retracing Rambo’s escape through town while soaking in stunning mountain views and historic landmarks. Plus, when you download the SetJetters app you can locate the exact filming locations for the scenes and recreate your own ShotSync movie moments!
The Rambo Run Route Details
Distance: 8.55 kilometers (5.31 miles)
Elevation Gain: 90 meters (295 feet)
Difficulty: Easy (suitable for walkers and runners)
Best Time to Visit: Spring through Fall (for ideal weather conditions)
This loop-style course takes you through downtown Hope, past famous movie landmarks, and you can finish it with a well-earned craft beer inspired by First Blood.
See the route on STRAVA here.
Picture right: The Rambo Run on the STRAVA app
Kickstart your Rambo Run at Blue Moose Coffee House
Before hitting the pavement and running through First Blood fandom, fuel up at the Blue Moose Coffee House—Hope’s beloved café and a must-visit stop before your Rambo Run.
Located right in the heart of town, Blue Moose isn’t just any coffee shop; it’s a local institution known for its cozy, rustic atmosphere, friendly service, and seriously good coffee. Whether you’re looking for a pre-run caffeine boost or a hearty breakfast before tackling the First Blood movie scenes, this is the place to start.
🍴 What to Eat & Drink at Blue Moose
Moose Muffins 🦌 – These house-made muffins come in unique flavors like Cranberry Orange and Maple Walnut, giving you just the right amount of energy to kick off your run.
Waffle Breakfast Bacon 🧇 – Egg, cheddar, and bacon, smashed between thick Belgium waffles for grab-and-go option.
Trail Cookie 🍪 – A giant, energy-packed cookie loaded with oats, seeds, and chocolate chips—great for stashing in your pocket for a mid-run snack.
Signature Lattes & Fresh Roasted Coffee ☕ – Whether you go for a classic mocha or a specialty maple latte, their locally roasted coffee is the fuel you need before chasing Rambo’s footsteps.
Because in Hope, BC, every great adventure—especially a Rambo one—starts with a good coffee. ☕🔥
Top First Blood filming locations on the Rambo Run
This self-guided tour covers 12 legendary filming locations where you can stand where Stallone stood and relive iconic movie moments. Here are a few of the best ones:
Here We Go (Hwy 1 and Wallace St.)
🎥 Where Sheriff Teasle (Brian Dennehy) first spots Rambo and tells him to "keep moving."
🎥 This iconic shot of Rambo with the backdrop of mountains surrounding Hope is at the “Fort Hope” memorial and overlooks the Fraser River.
Rambo Jumps The Tracks (3rd Ave and The Kettle Valley Railway (KVR))
🎥 The location where Rambo jumps the railroad tracks as he speeds away from Sheriff Will Teasle
Dropping Rambo Off – (Old Coquilhalla River Bridge “Rambo Bridge”)
🎥 Sheriff Will Teasle escorts Rambo outside of town and drops him on the other side of the bridge.
Watch Out! (Fraser Ave and Wallace Street)
🎥 Rambo has stolen a motorbike and rides down the sidewalk telling everyone to watch out.
Rambo Takes Out The Lights (3rd Ave and Rambo Lane)
🎥 Rambo stands around the corner with his machine gun contemplating his strategy to defend himself against the Sheriff.
Find All Of The Movie Scenes and Points Of Interest on SetJetters App
🎥 All the must-visit spots in Hope BC for fans. See above for the free download.
Earn the First Blood Badge & climb the SetJetters Leaderboard
As you make your way through the Rambo Run, don’t just visit the filming locations—capture them!
Using the SetJetters app, you can collect all 12 First Blood movie scenes by lining up your shots with the exact frames from the film.
Each successful ShotSync and collection of the scene adds the scene to your badge achievement and brings you one step closer to unlocking the official First Blood badge—a must-have for your SetJetters trophy case. 🏆
But that’s not all—every scene you collect earns you points toward your SetJetters ranking, helping you climb the leaderboard and prove yourself as the ultimate movie location explorer.
W
hether you’re competing for the top spot or just adding to your film tourism bragging rights, Hope, BC is the perfect place to level up your SetJetters experience. 🔥🎬
Additional First Blood movie Points of Interest in Hope
Besides filming locations, the Rambo Run also takes you past these 7 essential Points of Interest, marked on the SetJetters app digital map:
📍 Rambo Statue – A life-size wood-carved statue tribute to John Rambo in downtown Hope. Note: During the winter you can find the statue inside the Hope Cascades & Canyons Visitor Centre.
📍 Sheriff Will Teasle Satue – A life-size wood-carved statue tribute to the antagonist Sheriff character sits in the same park as Rambo.
📍 Rambo Bridge Piling—Stand on the last remnant of “Rambo Bridge.” On the East side of the bridge is an epoxied piling from the original bridge.
📍 Hope Cascades & Canyon Visitor Centre – Learn more about Hope’s filming history, outdoor recreation, and get a preserved piece of “Rambo Bridge”.
📍 Gateway To Holiday Land sign – The sign Rambo walked under to enter Hope has rotted away, but you can check out a great replica near the Rambo Bridge.
📍 Rambo Lane – Walk down Rambo Lane in Hope. Really an alley, but still cool as there is a memorial to the final fight scene in the movie that took place there.
📍 Rambo Photo Stand-In – Want to be Rambo? Stand in a photo cut out near the visitors center.
📍 Othello Tunnels (Bonus Detour) – These tunnels and areas were used in the classic cliff descent and fall into the tree. (A must-visit just outside town! Check to make sure they are open).
Celebrate your Rambo Run at Mountainview Brewing Co.
After conquering the Rambo Run and collecting all of the iconic First Blood filming locations, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a cold pint at Mountainview Brewing Co.—Hope’s go-to spot for craft beer and good company.
Located just minutes from the movie scene hot
spots, Mountainview Brewing embraces the town’s First Blood legacy with its special tribute beer: First Blood Orange Ale. This crisp, citrus-infused brew is the perfect post-run reward, offering a refreshing balance of zesty orange and smooth malt flavors, and it’s blood red! 🍻
🍺 What to Try at Mountainview Brewing Co.
First Blood Orange Ale 🍊 – A bold, citrusy beer inspired by First Blood—a must-try for any visiting fan.
Coquihalla Kölsch 🍻 – A light, refreshing brew perfect for winding down after the run.
Locally Sourced Snacks 🥨 – Pair your pint with rotating food truck offerings or locally made soft pretzels and charcuterie boards.
🏔️ The Mountainview Experience
With its laid-back atmosphere, spacious patio, and mountain views, Mountainview Brewing Co. is the ideal place to unwind, swap stories, and relive your favorite Rambo moments. Sit back, raise a glass, and toast to Hope’s Hollywood history—because if there’s one place in the world where a First Blood beer truly belongs, it’s right here.
After all, every great action hero deserves a legendary last stop—and for First Blood fans, this is it. 🍻🔥
How to Experience the Rambo Run & First Blood movie locations
To get the most out of your visit, download the SetJetters app free from your app store.
(Scan the QR code to the right 👉)
Locate each movie scene using the SetJetters map. No need to run.
Use SetJetters ShotSync to match your photos with actual movie shots and post them to your socials.
Collect the movie locations on SetJetters, earn the badge, and finish with a beer.
To run the “Rambo Run” route download STRAVA premium from your app store and find the “Rambo Run” SetJetters ‘First Blood’ movie locations run.
Plan your trip to Hope, BC today!
Hope, BC, isn’t just another town—it’s the heart of Rambo’s legacy. Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or film tourist, the Rambo Run is the ultimate First Blood filming location tour.
So lace up your shoes, grab your phone, and follow in Rambo’s footsteps—because no First Blood fan’s journey is complete without visiting Hope, British Columbia!
🗺️ From Seattle WA, USA – 274 kilometers (170 miles), 3 hours, 1 border crossing
🗺️ From Vancouver BC, Canada – 151 kilometers (94 miles), 2 hours
🗺️ From Bellingham WA, USA – 129 kilometers (80 miles), 1.5 hours, 1 border crossing
🏃🏻♂️ Ready to run like Rambo? Download SetJetters and start your First Blood adventure today!
