To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved film The Goonies, lifelong fan Damien Gabet embarked on a nostalgic pilgrimage to its iconic filming locations in Oregon. This personal milestone coincided with the film's own, offering the perfect excuse for a deep dive into the world of pirates, treasure, and derring-do that captured a generation's imagination.
A Journey to the Heart of Eighties Cinema
Flying into Portland, the gateway to this cinematic adventure, the first stop was the sleepy coastal town of Astoria. The town was abuzz with anniversary festivities, though Damien's arrival was tragically timed a day after the main events, missing a chance to meet actor Robert Davi. This setback, however, opened the door for an exclusive tour with Mac Burns, executive director of the Oregon Film Museum.
The museum itself is housed in the historic jailhouse from the film's opening breakout scene. "Astoria owns the 80s," Mac stated, pointing out memorabilia from other local productions like Short Circuit and Kindergarten Cop. The town's film-set charm is undeniable, with its Queen-Anne houses and a diner, Custard King, serving a "filthy good" burger.
Meeting the Guardians of Goonie Legacy
The quest for the famous Goonies house led to Judy, a local resident and the unofficial Fairy Godmother to fans. She explained the profound connection many have with the film: "You're dealing with a generation of 'latch-key' kids... Then they'd watch this film – adventure, friendship… and they got to be the hero." With her partner John as a guide, a quiet, front-row view of the private residence was achieved, a moment Damien described as a "slingshot to my childhood."
The journey took an unexpected turn with a visit to the Short Circuit house, now an Airbnb museum run by superfan Richard Bates. His story of quitting his job to buy and restore the property was a testament to the power of movie magic. The visit culminated in a retro evening of bowling and dive-bar pinball, perfectly capping the 80s immersion.
Beyond Astoria: Exploring Oregon's Film Trail
Venturing beyond Astoria, the road trip continued down the Pacific Coast Highway to other iconic spots on the Oregon Film Trail. This included Ecola State Park, the redwood backdrop for the Fratellis' hideout, and locations from Point Break, Stand by Me, and even Twilight. The pilgrimage concluded back in Astoria with a screening of The Goonies at the Liberty Theatre, the very cinema that hosted its 1985 premiere.
For those inspired to plan their own adventure, travel company America As You Like It offers a seven-night Oregon fly-drive package from £1,695 per person, including flights and accommodation in Portland and Astoria.
