The Goonies Got Me There…. Then I Fell In Love
The Goonies at the Oregon Film Museum in Astoria, Oregon: Click HERE to see The Oregon Film Museum’s Site.
For an outdoor enthusiast, Oregon is a nature-lover’s playground. I have felt drawn to the natural wonders of the state for many years, but my interest in Oregon started in the mid 1980s with a film called The Goonies. At seven years old, I thought I was one of the Goonies, and I was fascinated with the adventures of Mikey, Mouth, Data, and Chunk as they searched for pirates’ treasure to save their childhood homes from foreclosure. I related to the way that the journey to find One-Eyed Willy’s ship and riches ultimately changed each character. Through the obstacles and shared experiences they gained confidence, bonded as a group, found purpose, and discovered what they valued most in life. Although it is a silly tale, the story stuck with me. The messages embedded in an 80s adventure flick align what I have learned: a journey has the power to change how we think and feel about ourselves and the world around us.
On my first trip to Oregon, I planned to explore the northern coast, Portland, and the Columbia River Gorge with my bestie, Roxanne. Unfortunately, two days before the trip, Roxanne became ill and was unable to travel. I considered cancelling my trip, but I had a feeling that I was supposed to go solo. Summoning the courage of the Goonies, I boarded the plane for a week-long trip to Oregon on my own. Solo trips were not new to me, but hiking alone was something that intimidated me. I was nervous, but my desire to immerse myself in the beauty of Oregon helped me overcome my fear and challenge myself.
On this trip, I appropriately started at the Oregon Film Museum which is housed in the jail that held the villian family, the Fratellis, in The Goonies film.. After the museum, I drove south along the coast to the famous vista from Ecola State Park that was used in the movie. This hillside with the rocky beach below is the starting point of the Goonies’ adventure - it was only appropriate for it to be a starting place for my Oregon travels.
View from Ecola State Park - Backdrop for the Fratelli’s Hideout: Click HERE for Location.
Ecola State Park has options for hiking and beaches to explore - but the view is what I was after. Although the shack that was the Fratelli family’s hideout in the movie is not in the park, looking out over Cannon Beach below and feeling the sea breeze is inspiring. I ended the my first day walking along Cannon Beach. Tasting the salty sea air, feeling the numbingly cold water on my feet, hearing the gulls flying around the sea stacks, and admiring Haystack Rock as it towered as a landmark in front of me - at that moment, I fell in love with Oregon. I felt alive. It didn’t matter that I was alone because I was connected to others who had been there before me and those would see these sights after me. The adventure and sense of discovery flooded my veins, and I knew that the next five days were going to be magical.
Enormous Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach - Look at the Birds for a Sense of Scale: Click HERE for location.
The second day of the trip was a coastal drive from Cannon Beach to Florence, Oregon (about half way down the Oregon coast). I was empowered and thirsty for more jaw-droping scenery. That day, I hiked to Heceta Head Lighthouse and Yaquina Head Lighthouse, explored Devil’s Punchbowl, took photos at Siletz Bay Wildlife Refuge Area, and then drove up through the forests central Oregon on my way to Portland. I could have spent a week exploring the upper Oregon coast, and I wanted to continue south of Florence, but I knew that would have to wait for another trip. I had plans for hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, and I didn’t want to miss the waterfalls and Mount Hood.
See these Oregon Coast Sights in the Slideshow Below
Even when I went to Portland, I was attracted to nature, and there was much natural beauty to see in this city. But after trekking through Portland for a few days - visiting the Pittock Mansion, the Portland Japanese Garden, the International Rose Test Garden, Washington Park, and the Lan Su Chinese Garden - I was ready to be out of the city. The waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood were calling me.
See the Portland Sights in the Sideshow Below
It was my last full day in Oregon, and I wanted to make the most of it. I had a few hikes planned and then a drive around Mount Hood. I started with a must-see spot, Multnomah Falls. The falls were magnificent (as I expected), but they were too touristy, and I left there feeling like I had not been able to immerse myself in the location because of the crowds. I wanted more solitude, and my next location would provide exactly what I was wanting.
Multnomah Falls - A Rare Moment Without People on the Bridge: Click HERE for the location.
The Oneonta Gorge hike was the Goonie-like adventure my heart desired. I was nervous because there were several obstacles that this hike presented - including a climb over a potentially dangerous log jam and wading through frigid, chest-high water. When I pulled into the parking lot, there was only one car, and I felt so alone. I almost backed out, but something urged me to give it a try. I took each obstacle as it came, and before long, I was at the end of the gorge with a waterfall view all to myself. This experience gave me a sense of accomplishment and helped me to realize that hard things often teach you so much about yourself. (Let me know if you would like to know more about this hike and experience in the comments below - I would love to share more details.)
Click On The Image Below: See a Video I Took While in the Oneonta Gorge
Click on the Image to See our Pines and Coastlines Instagram Reel: Click HERE for the location.
I was on a natural high after the Oneonta Gorge hike. This adrenaline gave me even more courage. I went immediately up the road to the Wahclella Falls hike, and then I drove around Mount Hood and took a break in Hood River and at Trillium Lake. This was one of the top five adventure days of my life, and it left me craving for more time in Oregon. However, I had to head back to Texas the next day.
It would take me two years to return to this nature paradise and explore the southern part of the state - the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor (see our BLOG about this location) and Crater Lake National Park. I can’t wait to share more about this return trip to one of my favorite states.
Although The Goonies got me to visit Oregon, I will keep going back because I have fallen in love with the scenery and what I learn about myself each time I explore the state. I guess my childhood dream of being a Goonie has come true - at least I feel like it has when I am in Oregon (minus One-Eyed Willy’s treasure).
See the Slideshow Below for Images of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood
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Coming Soon - Our Oregon travel companion and sample itineraries so you can plan your trip and live like a Goonie. Be sure to follow us on social media, and use #pinesandcoastlines to share your Oregon adventures with us.