What kid in the ’80s didn’t want to be a Goonie? This 1985 Steven Spielberg movie directed by Richard Donner and starring Sean Astin, Corey Feldman, Josh Brolin is now considered a cult classic, and the adventure comedy is still one of my all-time favorite movies. So, when we were road tripping up the Oregon Coast, I made sure to plan some time to wander around the area of Astoria to see some famous goonies filming locations.
Where was The Goonies Filmed?
The majority of The Goonies was filmed in and around Astoria, Oregon. There are many shoot locations in town and within a short drive along the scenic Oregon coast. There are a few other remote shootings locations as well as a bunch of footage shot on sets in sound stages. In this post, we’ll go into detail about Goonies filming locations that you can visit in and around Astoria.
Where is Astoria?
The town of Astoria, Oregon sits on the Oregon Coast along the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. It is the oldest town in Oregon and is a lovely place. Even without the Goonies sights the city of Astoria is a beautiful little town and is worth a visit anyway.
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Goonies Film Tour
Here are the must-see Goonies filming locations that I’ve been able to research and visit. I’ve detailed out the locations and tips for each one that you can see. Here they are in order of appearance in the film so crank up your Cyndi Lauper, shout “hey you guys” in your best Sloth voice, and start your Goonies road trip.
The Goonies Jail – Oregon Film Museum
The opening scene of The Goonies takes place in a real prison in Astoria, formerly the Clatsop County Jail, where Jake Fratelli makes his prison break. The Goonies prison address is 732 Duane Street, Astoria, and has since been converted into the Oregon Film Museum. The museum features exhibits from many of the motion pictures filmed in Oregon and the Astoria area. Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Short Circuit top the list of movies filmed in Astoria.
Goonies fans won’t be disappointed to see the actual cell from the movie where the Jake Fratelli makes his prison break. Tons of Goonies memorabilia is on display along with movie trivia, facts, and a real movie set. Did I mention that they have a replica of the Fratelli’s ORV parked out front? I forgot to check for bullet holes though.
There is a reasonable admission charge to see the museum and you can check out their hours and prices here.
John Warren Field
The field where Andi practices cheer during the car chase was formerly John Warren Field. Unfortunately, after some digging to find the location, I found out that it is gone. The field was converted into part of the Columbia Memorial Hospital. If you still want to see where it was during the filming of the Goonies, the field used to be at the corners of 20th Street and Exchange Street.
Astoria Coffee Co.
Again in the opening credits, Rosalita is seen crossing the street with groceries as the Fratellis pass in their “this real neat ORV” followed by police. This store in the background of this shot is now Astoria Coffee Co. and is located at 304 37th Street, Astoria. It is very near the Goondocks and is fun to see.
Mouth’s House
The exterior of Mouth’s house is briefly shown the car chase as well. Not much happens here, as Mouth is inside helping his dad with the sink. The house is located on the corner of Skyline Avenue and Valley Street in Astoria and still looks similar to this day.
East End Mooring Basin
In the opening credits of the movie, Stef is seen dunking in a basin for crabs along the pier. This takes place along dock 36 in Astoria.
You can park near the dock and walk along the piers to take in views of the fishing boats and cargo ships that frequent the Columbia River. Astoria has a bunch of resident sea lions that you can watch now too.
Lower Columbia Bowl
This bowling alley, sometimes referred to as Chunk’s Bowling Alley is really named Lower Columbia Bowl and is located at 826 Marine Drive, Astoria. It is where Chunk witnesses the car chase at the beginning of the movie.
Lower Columbia Bowl is still open for bowling and hasn’t changed a whole lot since filming. They love visitors and have a special corner of the alley dedicated to visitors and fans of the movie.
If you catch them on a slow day workers might be willing to tell their own stories from the filming days. I happened to catch a worker who detailed the shooting of the famous car chase scene and how Jeff Cohen, aka Chunk, kept missing his mark on the window (his pizza had to line up perfectly to cover a reflection on the glass). They had to reshoot the scene so many times they had to make multiple runs to McDonald’s to get more milkshakes.
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock
The Fratelli car chase scene ends at beautiful Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach in Oregon about 26 miles south of Astoria. The Fratellis cleverly blend into the 3rd Annual ORV Ralley and lose the police amid hundreds of other Jeeps and off-road vehicles.
Haystack Rock is seen in the background as the Jeeps start the rally. Cannon Beach is a great beach destination on the Oregon coast and is very popular with tourists.
The Goonies House
No Goonies tour would be complete without a visit to the Goondocks. The famous house of brothers Mikey Walsh (Sean Astin) and Brand (Josh Brolin) is located in the hills of Astoria overlooking the Columbia River. The address of the Goonies house is 368 38th Street, Astoria, but don’t plan on seeing it up close, not even to do a truffle shuffle.
Back in the day, visitors were able to park on the street below and trek up the driveway to get a photo of the iconic house which is a private residence. When we visited the house back in 2009 we even got a courteous wave from the owners.
The current owner, Sandi Preston, is a fan of the movie but has posted a no trespassing sign at the end of the driveway to crack down on unwanted visitors and litter. At times the house was even covered with a blue tarp to deter visitors.
Because of its location, it is impossible to see the house from the street below. There are also a bunch of no parking signs on the street, so the city has cracked down on visitors to the Walsh Home. Goonies never say die, so I’m holding out hope that someday it’ll be visitor friendly again.
Data’ House
Right next door and just a short zip line ride away Data’s house. Data’s house address is 344 38th Street, Astoria, but again, because of the no trespassing request, it isn’t available to see.
Flavel House Museum
The Flavel House Museum is located at 441 8th Street, Astoria and is seen in the movie as The Astoria Historical Museum where Mikey’s dad works as a museum curator. The Goonies pass the museum on their bikes on their way to search for One Eyed Willie and his treasure.
The actual house was finished in 1886 by a wealthy entrepreneur, Captain George Flavel and is now home to a museum about the Captain Flavel and the area.
Ecola State Park and the Lighthouse Lounge
Between Astoria and Cannon Beach is Ecola State Park which is home to a few more Goonies Film locations. To enter the state park you must have a pass which is around $8-10.
First, the state park has an iconic coastal view that is shown in the movie where the Goonies pull their bikes up the bluff while searching for the start of the treasure hunt.
Following the treasure map leads them to the second spot in Ecola State Park, the Lighthouse Lounge, aka the Fratelli’s hideout and entrance to the caves.
Lighthouse Lounge was constructed for the movie and was part of an elaborate set, and torn down after filming. Currently, there is a picnic shelter near its former site. The park has a bunch of hiking trails, great views, and is a nice stop to stretch your legs on your Goonies tour.
Goonies Beach Scene
Sadly the goonies beach scene location isn’t real. This beach scene of The Goonies is set on fictional Cauldron Point and wasn’t filmed in Oregon. Instead, the scene of the pirate ship and the Goonies walking the beach was shot on Goat Rock Beach in Northern California. Because of its location, I wasn’t able to make it to this beach, but maybe someday.
Goonies Day Celebration
If you’re planning a Goonies road trip and want to hit all of the stops you may want to plan your visit around Goonies day, an annual celebration in Astoria on June 7th. Every year on this day they have a special Goonies festival and celebrate this special movie. People from all around the world take a trip to Astoria for the festival.
Past events have featured cast visits, treasure hunts, competitions, and sightseeing. Every five years the anniversary celebration is amped up with larger events that occur. Apparently, the 25th anniversary was really packed and the 30th anniversary celebration was another success! I personally haven’t ever made it to a Goonies day, but I hope to get to one soon.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed this Goonies movie tour and get to see the Goondocks and some of the awesome sights from the Goonies. Which goonies locations were your favorite?
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Comments 5
What a cool post on a classic ’80s movie! I’d love to see some of the beautiful parks and beaches in person!
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You can now walk up to the goonies house. You have to park on Duane Dr to do so. But I was just there last week and took pics in front of the house