Description: Astoria is located about 30 minutes up the coast of Oregon from Cannon Beach (in
The Goonies they make it seem like they are really close). My friend only knew where the County Jail (732 Duane Street at 9th Street) was and the Museum where Mikey and Brand's dad, Mr. Walsh, worked (Flavel House Museum @ 441 8th St.). They are pretty easy to find, and located across the street from each other. We were directed to the Heritage Museum (Exchange and 16th Street) where we bought a little book for $1 with all the Hollywood "landmarks" in Astoria ("Kindergarten Cop," "Short Circuit," and some other movies were filmed in Astoria as well).
From there, we followed the map in the book to "The Goonies House" (368 -38th Street). Although it's changed some in the 20 years since the movie was filmed, it is still awe-inspiring. From the hill the house is on (up a private driveway, so you have to park at the bottom of the hill (there's a sign welcoming The Goonies though)), you have not only the house, but a great view of the Columbia river and the city of Astoria. You can even see "Data's house" where data slid down the rope into the Walshs' house. However, the yard is no longer, but you can still imagine Chunk doing the "truffle shuffle." Well worth the trip.
A trip to Astoria is not complete without a trip to the Astoria Column. Many of the establishing shots for Goonies were taken from this lookout point. The column is located on top of Coxcomb Hill and displays 14 scenes commemorating the history of Astoria spiraling around the 125 foot tower. For free, you can climb the 164 steps up to the platform at the top of the structure. Up here, you are offered a gorgeous view of Astoria and the Columbia River. Before you make the trek up the stairs, make sure you go in the gift shop and buy a 70-cent balsa wood plane to throw off the top. As one guy said "it's the best 70 cents he's ever spent." It was cool to watch all the people throw their planes off and they would catch the airstream and float really far.
For more information on The Goonies from some experts, visit thegoonies.org. A great site. Be sure and watch the "movie" that they made -- it's really funny.
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