Where the ending of ‘The Goonies’ was filmed
On a recent visit, the tide was high, and currents were strong, keeping me tight to the cliffs as I followed the decades-old steps of “The Goonies.” The beach itself is located near the mouth of the Russian River. It’s home to a colony of harbor seals, which is why dogs aren’t allowed. The castIn setting out to find where the movie’s last pivotal scenes were shot, much research was required. By that, I mean I watched the movie.
Side-by-side comparisons of Goat Rock landscapes in Sonoma County, above, and film stills from the final scenes of"The Goonies."As I stepped onto the beach, the setting for the final sailing of One-Eyed Willy’s ship was immediately upon me. The area appears now just as it did in 1985, virtually unchanged. The same spots where the kids reunited with their parents and watched Willy’s ship sail into the Pacific Ocean were just feet from the parking lot.
Strong winds and a setting sun “absolutely” provided additional hurdles for the crew in setting up the shots, makeup artist Michael Mills told SFGATE. Mills, an Oscar-nominated makeup artist, has worked on notable films like “Blade Runner,” “Crimson Tide,” the “Back to the Future” franchise and “Face/Off,” among many others.
“You’re having to create a complexion with your ability as a painter," Mills explained in a phone interview."You have to be able to reflect particular colors that don’t exist because it’s a piece of foam. It’s not skin. That was the challenge to try to make it work.”
Goonies
Such a gorgeous area.