In 2020, COVID-19 shut down the U.S. Forest Service Cascade Lakes Welcome Station on Century Drive. Staffing challenges have kept it closed since, even as most places returned to normal when the pandemic waned.

That changes on Saturday when the welcome station reopens.

The $1.7 million station originally opened in 2016 and serves as the gateway to the Cascades Lake Highway, a 66-mile scenic route that winds through a volcanic landscape of craggy peaks and alpine lakes.

Kaitlyn Webb, a spokesperson for the Deschutes National Forest, said the agency has struggled to hire enough staff to keep all its sites operational due to post-pandemic hiring challenges. Webb said help from partner agencies has made the difference, providing enough staff to finally get the doors open.

Courtney Braun, co-owner of Wanderlust Tours in Bend, said the welcome station will help boost tourism in the area by keeping travelers informed about opportunities on the Cascade Lakes Highway.

“It’s a great resource for the community,” said Braun. “It’s a great gathering space for locals and tourists and also a great place to gather information.”

Braun said the highlights of the highway are the diversity of the lakes, with each one offering different views and experiences. The ease of getting up to high elevations for mountain views is another bonus, she said.

“The ability to see this incredible geology, to be in a volcanic chain of mountains and have these pristine, snowmelt-fed lakes to fish or swim or paddle on — the beauty is incredible, that quintessential alpine lake view,” said Braun. “But also the wildlife and the people. It’s a really special place to spend your time.”

The welcome station will offer various maps, books, posters and other items to visitors passing through on their way to the Cascades. Recreation passes, including the Northwest Forest and America the Beautiful passes will be available for sale.

Other permits will not be available. Central Cascades Wilderness Permits must be obtained through recreation.gov.

Summer hours for the welcome center this year are Friday to Monday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The building will be staffed by individuals representing the Forest Service and the nonprofit organization, Discover Your Forest.