Crater Lake National Park Is Resuming Operations Today After the 35-Day Government Shutdown

Over the weekend, employees cleared roads and emptied bathrooms.

Park Ranger leads snowshoe walk at Rim Village. (NPS)
By Elise Herron

Earlier this month, rangers closed Crater Lake National Park when the government shutdown left public restrooms unattended and filthy.

Today, the park is set to re-open, Statesman Journal first reported. That's thanks to President Donald Trump signing a bill Friday to reopen the government for three weeks.

According to a statement, park officials used the weekend to "clear roadways, repair leaks, open restrooms and other facilities, check fire alarm systems, and ensure that the park is safe for visitors."

On Jan. 3, rangers were forced to shut the main road to the lake after the shutdown prevented them from emptying park toilets. They feared excrement could overflow into the water supply.

Related: Road to Crater Lake Is Closed Amid National Park Poop Crisis

Friday's reopening of the government will put over 9,000 Oregon employees back to work.

"Crater Lake National Park's employees are happy to be back at work," Saturday's release reads, "serving the American people and welcoming visitors to their national parks."

A call to the park's visitor's center today confirmed the road to the lake's rim is open. "Should be a beautiful day to visit the park," a recorded message said, "with excellent views of Crater Lake from Rim Village."

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