The bathroom at the summit of Steptoe Butte North of Colfax will remain in place this year. The Washington State Parks Department has confirmed that the restroom on top of the butte will not be removed as part of the upcoming paving project. Previously, the agency had announced plans for its removal.

Paving is scheduled to begin this spring, and the work, along with damage from February’s flood, has led to the closure of Steptoe Butte State Park until October. The long-term status of the restroom is still under consideration, as the agency is engaged in a broader planning effort for the park. The initial proposal to remove the bathroom faced opposition from local stakeholders, including Washington State Senator Mark Schoesler.