Despite Government Shutdown, Redwood National Park Reopens Using Recreation Fees

Photo: National Park Service

Redwood National Park has announced that recently closed areas of the park will once again be accessible to visitors using revenue generated by recreation fees. Previously closed National Park Service bathrooms and day use areas will be cleaned and reopened during the week of January 13th with all bathrooms and day use areas reopened by January 19th.

National Park Service officials have determined that by using Federal Land and Recreation Enhancement funds to immediately bring back park maintenance crews to clean restrooms and remove trash will restore accessibility to the park for visitors while ensuring health and safety.

Outdoor areas of the park will remain accessible.  Most facilities will remain closed including Hiouchi and Kuchel Visitor Centers and the Crescent City Information Center.  Park roads, lookouts, and trails at the Redwood National Park unit of Redwood National and State Parks, will remain accessible to visitors, but emergency and rescue services will be limited.

The Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, and Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park units of Redwood National and State Parks will remain open as normal because they are managed by California Department of Parks and Recreation.

RELATED: 13 Breathtaking Hikes in the Redwoods National Park

“Our partnership with California Department of Parks and Recreation has allowed Redwood National and State Parks to remain accessible and safe during the lapse in appropriations,” said park superintendent Steve Mietz. “Their efforts have contributed significantly to our ability to restore access and basic services to Redwood National and State Parks.”

While basic visitor services have been restored, other services may be limited or unavailable during the lapse in appropriations, including visitor centers, ranger talks, educational school programs, and scientific research. Permits will not be issued for vehicle access to the Tall Trees Grove trailhead. No backcountry permits will be issued except for backcountry permits for Gold Bluffs Beach, which may be obtained at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center.   Trails may become impassable due to down trees and other debris and may not be cleared until all employees return to work.

For updates on the shutdown, please visit www.doi.gov/shutdown.

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