Crazy, kooky Washington roadside attractions to visit this summer

We get it: Washington is pretty weird.

Since the 1900s, the state has erected a handful of quirky community gems. From a 60-foot-long squirrel bridge to a teapot-shaped gas station, Washington's whimsical side continues to support memories of the past, present and future.

Whether you're gazing up at a pedestal to grab a quick photo-op with the "world's largest egg," or feeding a few small pieces of garbage to a makeshift goat, Washington invites you to explore its oddities beyond Seattle's gum wall.

Think less about your destination and more about the journey along the way, is essentially the edict of these spots. Keep reading to see some of Washington's quirkiest roadside attractions to visit.

Teapot Dome Gas Station — Zillah

Constructed in 1922, the gas station was inspired by the Teapot Dome political scandal in the early 20th century. But now it remains a a welcome sign to the small town of Zillah in Yakima County and even landed on the National Register of Historic Places for its novelty design.

Walk-Thru Stump — Arlington

A graceful semi-retirement for a roadside drive-thru tree attraction. The red cedar tree succumbed to a fire in 1893, and in 1916 it was trimmed to giant stump height and the automobile tunnel was carved through.

In 1939 it was positioned for tourist appreciation alongside Highway 99. It has been at the Smokey Point Rest Area since 1971.

Troll Haven — Sequim

A refuge from the mundane, the 200-acre estate boasts carved fantasy sculptures, home rentals, and a working farm open to visitors during harvest season for fruit and pumpkin pickings.

Hat and Boots Park — Seattle

Amid Georgetown's Oxbow Park rests a 44-foot-wide hat and 22-foot-tall boots built in 1955. Though it's now a whimsical plaything, it was once the state's most successful gas station, housing the office in the hat, and the restrooms in the boots. Legend holds even Elvis Presley swung through the Western-themed gas station in 1962 for the Seattle World's Fair.

Commercial artist Lewis Nasmyth designed the South Seattle landmark, but now it stands in a Georgetown park. You'd have a hard time finding a larger hat. Or a larger pair of boots.

Bob's Java Jive — Tacoma

Need a late night pick-me-up? Stop by this no-frills, retro watering hole open daily from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., which is fitting for passers by along S Tacoma Way.

Originally built in 1927 as the Coffee Pot Restaurant, the kettle muddled through stages of drive-thrus and speakeasys, but is now home to a pint, karaoke, and live music for late-nighters.

World's Largest Egg — Winlock

The 1,200-pound local egg captures a prideful place in the hearts of Winlock residents. The egg often remains unpainted, but spruces things up when celebration or remembrance calls.

The World's Largest Frying Pan — Long Beach

To go along with the world's largest egg, take a crack at the world's largest frying span, also located in Washington. It's a self-proclaimed 14-foot-long, 9-foot-6-inch-wide, super-sized skillet. Enough said.

Twede's Cafe — North Bend

The first thing you notice when you drive into scenic North Bend is Twede's Cafe built in the 1940s. Formerly known as the Mar-T Cafe, the old-school cafe feels like a step back in time.

The humble cafe is a hot spot for Twin Peaks fans as it served as the Double R Diner in the show. The diner of the more iconic places where the townspeople would meet in chat in retro booths or at the lunch counter. You can still pick up a slice of cherry pie and "damn fine" cup of coffee, in Special Agent Dale Cooper's words.

Reptile Zoo — Monroe

Probably not the best stop if you are afraid of snakes. The Reptile Zoo on U.S. 2 in Monroe is one of those weird roadside attractions that harkens back to an era of trying to capture a living thing from the road-weary traveler. The zoo invites guests inside to see an albino alligator and deadly snakes.

The Old Apple Tree — Vancouver

Apple enthusiasts can visit the progeny of the state's oldest apple tree in Vancouver.

The folklore behind the tree is actually a "love story" according to Clark County historian Pat Jollota. Back in the 19th century, a young British officer was given an apple core by his sweetheart before he departed for Fort Vancouver. She told him to plant the seeds in memory of her. The tree produced a variety of apple called an English Greening.

The original tree succumbed to a crack in its trunk and died at the ripe old age of 194 last fall. However, sapling shoots from the tree live on, keeping the legacy alive.

Ghost town of Govan — Lincoln County

Not much remains of this once prosperous farming town south of the Grand Coulee Dam. Once a stop on the Central Washington Railway in the early days of Washington's statehood, the town grew to a population over 100 by the 1900s and included a post office, school, two churches and several businesses.

It's famous among Washington ghost towns for being home to several unsolved murders, including the axe murder of Judge J.A. Lewis and his wife in 1902. The Wilbur Register reported that it was the "most brutal crime ever committed in this county."

Now, the population of the entire community dwindles at just three — unless you count the ghosts, that is.

Yard Bird's Mall — Chehalis

The quaint (but beaked) mall boasts a myriad of knick knacks for curious passersbys. The mall features 50 independent merchants under one giant roof. The cartoon-like bird marks what used to be a home improvement chain that thrived in the region in the 1950s.

Nutty Narrows Bridge — Longview

In the 1960s, Longview apparently had enough of the street squirrel carnage along Olympic Way, so the 60-foot escape route seemed the only feasible option for our nutty friends.

During the holidays, the neighborhood garnishes the bridge with a Christmas tree and lights, just to keep things festive, and to guide the over-passing squirrels, of course.

Bike-Eating Tree — Vashon Island

Tucked along 99th Ave. rests the legend behind the children's book "Red Ranger Came Calling." Hovering about seven feet off the ground, travelers gaze and wonder at the bike that, perhaps, was swallowed by a tree after forgotten by a young rider.

Garbage Eating Goat — Spokane

For almost 40 years, the hoofed helper has been gobbling up small pieces of garbage, sucking down any small pieces fed through its mouth by curious visitors.

Discovery Bay Railroad Park — Port Townsend

This collection of railroad cars has seen a number of incarnations over the years. Situated near the head of Discovery Bay along U.S. 101, a few miles south of Port Townsend, the little park includes a few old railroad cars that have long been painted in bright colors and have, at times, been used as restaurant, ice cream shop, gift store and more. At one point, a mini golf course was put up in front of the cars. The site fell into disrepair repeatedly over the years but was rejuvenated again the last few years, this time as a cannabis store.

The Childhood Express Red Wagon — Spokane

Nestled along Centennial Trail lies a 12-foot tall, over 26-ton sculpture of concrete reminding us all of the simpler days. The crimson giant fits about 300 people, and despite its youthful appearance, is climbable and slideable to reminiscers of all ages.