STEPTOE, WA – The bathroom at the summit of Steptoe Butte North of Colfax will not be removed this year.

The Washington State Parks Department confirms that the restroom on top of the popular butte is not being taken out as part of this year’s paving project. The agency in Olympia had previously announced that the bathroom would be removed.

Paving is set to begin this spring. The work combined with damage caused by February’s flood has closed Steptoe Butte State Park until October.

Officials say the long-term status of the restroom on the butte hasn’t been decided as the agency is working on a broader planning effort for the park. The initial plan to remove the bathroom drew strong opposition from longtime local Washington State Senator Mark Schoesler.