This year marks the 40th anniversary of The Goonies, one of the most beloved adventure films of the 1980s. Released in 1985, the movie directed by Richard Donner and produced by Steven Spielberg has maintained its cult status over the years, inspiring generations of fans with its story of a group of kids embarking on a thrilling treasure hunt. To celebrate its milestone, fans of the movie are flocking to the town of Astoria, Oregon, the iconic filming location for The Goonies. A road trip from Grants Pass to Astoria offers the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich history of the film and the stunning scenery that made it the perfect backdrop for the movie.
The journey from Grants Pass, located in Southern Oregon, to Astoria, a coastal town in the northwestern part of the state, is a scenic drive through the heart of Oregon. The road trip covers roughly 190 miles, taking travelers along the I-5 corridor, through the beautiful landscapes of the Rogue Valley, and eventually winding up through the lush forests of the Willamette Valley before reaching the Columbia River Gorge and the Pacific coast. For The Goonies fans, this trip holds special significance, as it connects them to the history of the film and its vibrant filming locations.
Astoria, a town of just over 10,000 residents, might seem quiet at first glance, but it is a treasure trove for The Goonies enthusiasts. Astoria served as the filming location for many of the movie’s iconic scenes, from the opening sequence with the chase to the cliffside mansion where the kids discovered the hidden treasure. For those making the trip, a visit to the famous “Goonie House” is a must. Located on 38th Street in Astoria, this charming Victorian house is where Mikey (played by Sean Astin) and his friends set out on their adventure to find the treasure of One-Eyed Willy. Though the house is a private residence, fans often stop by to snap a picture, paying homage to the place that kickstarted the gang’s unforgettable adventure.
Another important stop for fans of the film is the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which looms in the distance during the movie’s climactic scenes. The bridge, which connects Astoria with Washington state, provides a breathtaking backdrop for the movie’s most heart-pounding moments as the Goonies narrowly escape the villains in the film. The views from the bridge and its surrounding areas offer an incredible panorama of the Columbia River and its historic significance as the point where Lewis and Clark first encountered the Pacific Ocean.
The spirit of The Goonies is alive in Astoria, with numerous businesses and landmarks celebrating the film’s legacy. The Astoria Riverwalk, which runs along the Columbia River, is a great place to reflect on the film’s themes of friendship and adventure. For those who want to take it a step further, the Oregon Film Museum, housed in the old Clatsop County Jail, offers an interactive exhibit dedicated to the making of The Goonies and other iconic films shot in Oregon. Visitors can relive the magic through memorabilia, photos, and behind-the-scenes stories of how the film came to life.
While Astoria remains a charming small town, its importance in film history has transformed it into a destination for those who grew up watching The Goonies or those who are discovering the film for the first time. For fans planning a road trip from Grants Pass to Astoria, it’s not just a chance to relive the adventure of the film, but also an opportunity to connect with a piece of cinematic history. As the 40th anniversary of The Goonies unfolds, there’s no better time to celebrate the enduring impact of this iconic film by taking a road trip to Astoria, Oregon—the real-life “Goonies” treasure map.