Josh Gates Chases One-Eyed Willie’s Loot in Astoria

ASTORIA, Ore. — Josh Gates, star of "Expedition Unknown," is taking viewers on a treasure-hunting journey to Astoria and Cannon Beach, Oregon, in the latest episode airing Wednesday at 9 p.m. EDT on Discovery Channel. This time, the adventurer dives into the misty, magical world of "The Goonies," the 1985 cult classic that turned these coastal towns into a pop culture pilgrimage.

"I’ve wanted to explore Astoria Oregon since I first saw Mikey, Mouth, Chunk, and Data hunt for One-Eyed Willie’s treasure to save the Goon Docks," Gates said in a Discovery statement. "Cannon Beach and Astoria are just as enchanting as I imagined — foggy, wild, and full of mystery." For fans of "The Goonies" and "Expedition Unknown," this episode is a must-watch blend of nostalgia and exploration.

Gates kicks off his quest at iconic "Goonies" landmarks: the Walsh family home in Astoria Oregon and the dramatic shores of Cannon Beach, where Haystack Rock stands tall. With historical maps and local legends in hand, he investigates whether real pirate treasure — perhaps tied to the fictional One-Eyed Willie — could be hidden along Oregon’s rugged coast. "This place feels like a movie set come to life," Gates said, nodding to the film’s enduring appeal.

"Cannon Beach and Astoria are just as enchanting as I imagined — foggy, wild, and full of mystery." - Josh Gates

On social media, Gates rallied fans with a familiar cry: "It’s our time! Goonies never say die!" The hashtag #ExpeditionUnknown buzzed with excitement, as viewers anticipated his take on a story that’s inspired treasure hunts for nearly 40 years.

Astoria Oregon and Cannon Beach have long drawn "Goonies" fans. Astoria, a port city on the Columbia River, hosts Goonies Day each June, while Cannon Beach’s windswept beauty keeps visitors coming. Gates’ "Expedition Unknown" episode adds a fresh twist, digging into the area’s maritime past — shipwrecks, smugglers, and storms — that fuels speculation about lost loot. "The Oregon coast has secrets," Gates teased in a preview. "I’m here to uncover them."

Since its 2015 debut, "Expedition Unknown" has hooked audiences with Josh Gates’ quests for lost relics and unsolved mysteries. This episode, produced by Discovery Channel under Warner Bros. Discovery, promises to deliver. From booby-trap vibes to pirate lore, it’s a tribute to "The Goonies" wrapped in Gates’ signature adventure style.

Locals aren’t surprised by the attention. Astoria Oregon and Cannon Beach thrive on their cinematic legacy, but Gates’ knack for finding the unexpected could reveal new layers. Will he unearth clues the Goonies missed? "Stay tuned," he urged fans, hinting at surprises ahead.

For those searching for Josh Gates’ next move or planning a "Goonies" trip to Astoria Oregon and Cannon Beach, this episode airs Wednesday night. Follow along via @expeditionunknown, @discovery, and @wbd. Whether you’re chasing treasure or reliving movie magic, Gates proves the Oregon coast still holds plenty of allure.

Josh Gates is one of my biggest inspirations for pursuing a career in journalism. I’ve been following his journey ever since he won the sneak-into-Disneyland challenge, a bold move that essentially launched him onto our TV screens. It was his captivating career that inspired me to write my master’s thesis about him. As always, I enjoy the conversation! Give Derek2Earth a on Facebook so we can connect.