Weird Laws Still on the Books in Washington
Just a short drive east from Seattle lies Snoqualmie Falls, a stunning 268-foot waterfall that has long drawn visitors with its thunderous roar and misty spray. While most come for the breathtaking views from the observation deck, this spot also whispers tales of Washington’s quirky legal past. In the early 20th century, local laws around the falls prohibited visitors from throwing objects into the water—an ordinance meant to protect the delicate salmon runs below. Today, while the law might seem quaint, it underscores the region’s early conservation efforts, and guests can learn more about these historic protections at the nearby Snoqualmie Falls Park visitor center. Visiting during late spring, when the waterflow is at its peak from snowmelt, the falls feel especially majestic, reminding visitors of the balance between natural wonder and regulation.
Venture about 90 minutes north of Spokane to the Colville National Forest, a sprawling landscape of rugged peaks and dense woods. Within this forest lies the Sherman Pass Scenic Byway, a route that crosses the highest pass in Washington State at around 5,575 feet. Along this drive, one might recall the peculiar old law that once banned “loud noises” after sunset to protect wildlife—a rule that might seem odd to today’s adventure seekers blasting music from their car stereos. Hiking trails like the Sherman Pass Trail offer a chance to soak in deep wilderness, with opportunities to spot elk and rare alpine wildflowers. The best time to explore here is mid-summer, when the roads are clear of snow and wildflower blooms paint the meadows, echoing the quiet respect once mandated by the state’s unusual sound ordinances.
In Olympia, the state capital about 60 miles southwest of Seattle, the Washington State Capitol Campus stands as a monument to governance and history. Visitors wandering through the Legislative Building and its surrounding grounds might find it fascinating that Washington once had a law forbidding “horse-drawn vehicles” from traveling on certain streets within the city limits during business hours—a remnant of a time when the state was modernizing from horse power to motor vehicles. The Capitol’s architecture, with its gleaming marble dome, offers a tangible connection to these shifts in societal norms. The campus is particularly lovely in early fall when the leaves turn golden, inviting reflective strolls along Capitol Lake and the carefully tended gardens, connecting visitors to the layers of law and life that shaped the city.
Traveling to the San Juan Islands, particularly Orcas Island about three hours northwest of Seattle, you’ll find Moran State Park, a sprawling wilderness gem with 5,252 acres of forest, lakes, and trails. Here, one might be intrigued to learn that some of the islands had archaic fishing laws still technically in place, restricting certain gear types or times of day for catching the abundant salmon and halibut. Though modern regulations have replaced those old statutes, the legacy lives on in local stewardship attitudes. Climbing Mount Constitution, the park’s highest point at 2,409 feet, rewards hikers with panoramic views of the archipelago and, on clear days, even Mount Baker. Visiting during late summer or early fall offers the clearest skies for these vistas and an opportunity to appreciate both nature’s bounty and the old laws that once governed it.
Down south, near the border with Oregon, Walla Walla’s downtown historic district is a vibrant blend of brick buildings, boutique shops, and tasting rooms. Walla Walla has its share of odd laws from bygone days, including restrictions on selling certain types of alcohol on Sundays—a rule that echoes the state’s complex relationship with liquor control. Strolling through the district, visitors can appreciate how these legal remnants contrast with the modern wine culture that has blossomed here. The thriving culinary scene paired with award-winning vineyards makes this a prime spot for a fall visit when harvest festivals celebrate the season’s bounty and the town’s spirited past.
On the Olympic Peninsula, a short ferry ride plus a 90-minute drive west from Seattle, the town of Port Townsend offers a glimpse into Victorian-era life and law. The Jefferson County Courthouse, an imposing structure built in the late 19th century, stands as a living archive of the region’s legal heritage. Among the court records are references to curious regulations, such as prohibitions on certain styles of dress or public behavior deemed “disorderly” in days past. Today, Port Townsend’s lively arts scene and waterfront festivals provide a vibrant counterpoint to these old rules. Visiting in summer, when the weather is mild and the maritime atmosphere buzzes, enhances the charm of walking the historic streets while reflecting on how local laws have evolved.
Further inland, about two hours southwest of Spokane, the Palouse region with its rolling hills and wheat fields also carries stories of peculiar agricultural laws. In Pullman, home to Washington State University, some outdated statutes once restricted how farmers could market their produce or even the times when tractors could operate on rural roads. At the WSU Museum of Art and nearby experimental farms, visitors can explore exhibits on agricultural innovation and regulation that shaped this important farming area. Springtime is ideal to see fields turning green and university gardens blooming, offering a living dialogue between the old legal frameworks and the new scientific approaches to farming.
Each of these places invites travelers not just to witness Washington’s natural beauty or urban vitality but also to ponder the curious ways laws have shaped daily life. Whether it’s conservation efforts near Snoqualmie Falls, traffic ordinances in Olympia, or fishing rules in the San Juans, the state’s legal oddities come alive through specific locales where history, culture, and the environment intertwine. Exploring these spots with a sense of curiosity reveals a Washington as rich in story and character as it is in scenery.