Goat Rock Beach, Sandy beach at Russian River mouth in Sonoma Coast State Park, California.
Goat Rock Beach is a crescent-shaped sandy beach at the mouth of the Russian River in Sonoma Coast State Park. The shoreline extends from the river outlet to a large rock formation that connects to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
Coast Miwok and Pomo tribes inhabited the area for centuries, leaving behind archaeological evidence of their settlements and daily life. This early presence established a long human history along this stretch of coast.
The beach served as a filming location for The Goonies in 1985, and it remains a recognizable spot for those familiar with the film. This connection to popular culture shapes how many visitors experience and remember the place.
Two separate parking areas provide access to different sections of the beach: one near the river mouth and another below the main rock formation. Exploring both areas at low tide reveals more of the beach and offers varied perspectives of the landscape.
Markings from ancient mammoths can be seen on elevated rock formations south of the main beach area. These rare scratches offer insight into a distant past when giant animals roamed this coastline.
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