Weird Laws Still on the Books in Oregon
In Salem, Oregon’s capital nestled about an hour south of Portland, the Marion County Courthouse quietly stands as a testament to the state’s legal quirks. Visitors wandering its grounds might be surprised to learn this historic building witnessed debates over statutes that sound downright peculiar today. For example, one old law still on the books once forbade hunting whales within the city limits—an oddity given Salem’s inland location, but a nod to Oregon’s coastal heritage and early legislative attempts to protect marine life. Touring the courthouse and its surrounding historic district in spring, when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, offers a perfect moment to reflect on how laws evolve with the culture and environment.
A short drive west from Portland along the Columbia River Gorge, Multnomah Falls enchants visitors with its 620-foot cascade, the tallest waterfall in Oregon. While the falls draw hikers and photographers year-round, few know that local statutes once regulated how visitors should conduct themselves near this iconic site. Early 20th-century ordinances prohibited loud noises and even certain types of clothing at the falls’ viewing platform, aiming to preserve the natural beauty and tranquility. Exploring the Benson Bridge and the moderate 2.4-mile loop trail here, especially in late spring when wildflowers dot the cliff edges, immerses visitors in nature while reminding them of the layers of human influence on the landscape.
On the southern coast, the town of Coos Bay, about three hours southwest of Eugene, blends maritime charm with a dash of the strange in its local laws. For instance, an old city ordinance technically bans the sale of ice cream on Sundays, reflecting a bygone era’s concern for Sabbath observance. While this law is rarely enforced today, stopping by the Coos Art Museum offers a more contemporary cultural experience. The museum showcases regional art inspired by the rugged Oregon coast and native history. Visiting during the mild summer months allows you to combine a stroll along the nearby Isthmus Slough Trail with a dive into the town’s evolving traditions, from old laws to modern creativity.
Heading inland, the historic town of Pendleton, roughly three hours east of Portland, is famous for its rodeo and rich Native American heritage. The Pendleton Round-Up Arena hosts one of the nation’s most significant annual rodeos, but the town also carries remnants of legal peculiarities around livestock and public behavior. For example, certain outdated statutes once prohibited carrying concealed weapons in town, with exceptions carved out for the rodeo season. Exploring the Pendleton Woolen Mills Visitor Center lets travelers see how the town’s culture and economy grew from these frontier roots. Autumn is especially magical here when the rodeo draws crowds and the surrounding Blue Mountains turn golden.
Near the Oregon-California border, Ashland sits about four hours south of Portland and pulses with a literary and theatrical spirit, especially during the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Yet when wandering Ashland’s historic downtown, visitors can stumble upon reminders of laws that once regulated everything from street performances to alcohol sales in precise and sometimes bizarre ways. The Ashland Historic District offers beautifully preserved architecture to admire while pondering how cultural expression has always required negotiation with legal frameworks. Early fall is the best time to visit, when the festival is in full swing and the town’s vibrant atmosphere showcases the interplay between law, art, and community.
In the high desert of central Oregon, Bend offers outdoor enthusiasts a playground with its extensive trail system and nearby volcanic landscapes. The Deschutes National Forest surrounds the city about three hours southeast of Portland, where visitors can hike the moderate 3-mile Pilot Butte Trail for panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. Historically, Bend’s mining and logging boom brought with it a patchwork of ordinances regulating everything from timber cutting to hunting. One of the odd remnants includes restrictions on shooting firearms within city limits, a law still technically in place to balance safety with outdoor living. Springtime, when wildflowers bloom and the weather is crisp, is ideal for exploring both the trails and the town’s quirky blend of wilderness and urban life.
Finally, in the coastal town of Astoria, about two hours northwest of Portland, the Oregon Film Museum tells stories of the area’s unique role in cinema history, including the filming of classics like “The Goonies.” Astoria’s streets are lined with Victorian-era buildings that witnessed legal oddities tied to maritime trade and local commerce. For example, an archaic ordinance once forbade the use of umbrellas on busy sidewalks during certain hours to prevent accidents—a rule reflecting a time when pedestrian traffic was far less predictable. Walking the Riverwalk along the Columbia River on a crisp autumn day allows you to soak in the town’s scenic charm while appreciating these fascinating intersections of law, culture, and place.
Each of these destinations offers more than just natural beauty or cultural attractions; they serve as living museums of Oregon’s evolving legal landscape. The curious laws still hanging around the state’s books provide a quirky lens through which to explore the history and identity of its communities. Whether you’re hiking near Multnomah Falls, enjoying the coastal breeze in Coos Bay, or attending a play in Ashland, Oregon invites visitors to experience the unexpected stories woven into its very fabric.