Hey You Guys! Calling The Goonies Movie Buffs to Astoria, Oregon

Story, photos and video by Cassie Hepler

I’ve been wanting to visit the Goonies house since I first saw the movie! And it was always on my to do travel bucket list – that and the Oregon Coast as well. So when the press trip worked out well for exploring Wilsonville, Oregon who then connected me with the Cannon Beach tourism board, it was on like Donkey Kong. However in my confused travel state, I didn’t realize it until well after I had explored the small beach town above and tacked it on to the drive back toward the airport as suggested by the amazing staff at the tourism center. It’s a whole overnight or weekend experience in itself if you’re a crazy Goonie!

If you’ve never seen The Goonies, put it on your to watch bucket list. It’s the perfectly preserved 80s sytle story about kids coming of age, greed, capitalism and also a pirate ship with treasure and boobie traps galore. The whole family can watch it too, no naughty bits or gore needed to spice up this cult classic Steven Spielberg flick. Once you see it all broken down below, it will make more sense and probably inspire you to visit this small town in Astoria, Oregon. Located about a half hour north of Cannon Beach, it’s just like the movie depicts: a very blue collar town with tons of charm, loud seals heard from the coastline and quaint shops and eateries abound. The drive itself is worthy of a few interesting stops along the way as well so give yourself plenty of time to poke around before arriving to your final destination, Goonieville!

But this story begins at the beautiful beaches of Ecola State Park near Seaside, Oregon – an even tinier, charming seaside town. Wrapping around Tillamook Head (yes, that Oregon food brand that makes the best organic cheese and ice cream with ingredients you can actually read and recognize as it should be) between Seaside and Cannon Beach, Ecola is a glorious nature oasis of 9 miles of coastline with eye candy sightseeing, hiking and picnic tables all for $5 for the day. You may also recognize this space from The Goonies movie where the villains had their hideout which was built for the film but then taken down for safety reasons. You can still see a small building where the hideout once stood. I went early and was glad I did as the surfers arrived, ready to slay and the parking lot started to get jam-packed by the time I left late morning. And those windy, crazy sun drizzled roads through the vibrant green trees was giving Road to Hana in Maui, Hawaii vibes so I was clutching that steering wheel tight!

Welcome to Ecola State Park where some of The Goonies movie was filmed at Ecola State Park.

You can see why they chose this location in just one coastline photo at Ecola State Park. It’s a magical place filled with wonder!

Some rad surger gals getting ready to glide on the waves at Ecola State Park as I drove out.

My trusty hybrid car that got me all over the Oregon Coast.

Before I drove off up North, I had to pull over for a pic of this lineup… do you recognize these rocks?

I put in the GPS “The Goonies” which will take you to the Oregon Film Museum. It’s kind of its own treasure hunt!

The Oregon Film Museum is actually the “County Jail” in the movie where the one of the Fratelli brothers escapes from. It’s now a museum of all things Goonies and where you can score the actual Goonies house address.

Inside there is a fee to see all the rooms but the gift shop offers tons of take home memories. I was beating the car rental return clock so opted out of the tour this time.

The Goonies poster that is not familiar to me which was rad to see!

Does this getaway car ring a bell, fellow Goonie?

Or how about this gorgeous Victorian mansion?

A little side quest if you have the time, it’s quite interesting inside the Flavel House Visitor Center but back to The Goonies!

Hopping back in the car, the actual Goonies house is across the small town to the right of the ocean.

Once you approach the location, this sign greets you and anyone who is an actual Goonie will abide by it. Yes, it is this popular!

And perhaps the most adorable thing ever, these little stands set up along your walk to The Goonies house. Best Sloth drawing ever!

And then we’re almost there up a small hill with more signs to not be a turd at The Goonies house.

My first view of The Goonies house in all its glory. NO CARS!

A better view of The Goonies house with the flag flowing in the wind. The Goonies fans bought this property so you could still enjoy it and are there seasonally with neighbors on close watch.

You can go on the porch and peek inside respectfully however it just felt weird at The Goonies house. It was not like the 80s of course much more modern. The neighbors showing full support here!

Views from The Goonies house, you could hear the seals hollering from here.

And in the other direction from The Goonies house with a ship horn blowing nearby.

Then it was time to hightail it back to the airport in time to drop the car off just in the nick of time with two gas fill-ups along the way. Am I glad I did a speed tour? Hell yeah I am because The Goonies never say die!

I think one of the reasons this movie bonds people together is because it’s made for the loners, the weirdos, the outcasts who never quite fit in. If you’re looking to stay overnight or longer to explore more, these hotels are ideal – anything historic (possibly haunted) or unusual will give you that Goonies vibe that you’ve been craving since childhood and The Goonies theme is everywhere in every restaurant and store. Enjoy a slice of childhood treasure once more!

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