Government shutdown leaves options for outdoors enthusiasts

Karen and Tom Jacobs, of Carrollton, Texas, look out over the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2013. National parks would close Tuesday if an agreement is not reached on the federal budget. (Felicia Fonseca / Associated Press)

PUBLIC LANDS -- As the House and Senate continue to battle over a budget compromise, the impact of a potential government shutdown on Washington state would be a pain for some people, but it wouldn't necessarily be earth-shattering to the short-term plans of outdoors enthusiasts.

If Congress fails to reach an agreement by midnight, all national parks and refuges would be closed, as well as national monuments like Mount St. Helens, and Forest Service ranger stations would be closed.

Visitors using overnight campgrounds or other park facilities would be given 48 hours to make alternate arrangements and leave the park.

However, access would still be allowed to national forests and state lands would not be affected.

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