Outfitter & Guide Permits

A special use permit for outfitting and guiding on National Forest System land is required when an individual, company, organization, institution or non-profit group charges a participatory fee for guiding services and/or provides recreation equipment. This policy is based on the following official definitions:

Guiding – Providing services or assistance such as supervision, protection, education, training, packing, touring, subsistence, interpretation or other assistance to individuals or groups in their pursuit of a natural resource-based outdoor activity for pecuniary remuneration or other gain.

Outfitting – Providing through rental or livery a saddle or pack animal, vehicle or boat, tents or camp gear, or similar supplies or equipment, for pecuniary remuneration or other gain.

There are two types of outfitter and guide permits. Temporary use permits authorize short-term, non-renewable outfitting and guiding use that is authorized in increments of 50 service days, up to a maximum of 200 service days in a 180-day period. Priority use permits authorize outfitter and guide activity for up to 10 years, based on the holder’s past use and performance and applicable programmatic or project decisions to allocate use. Priority use authorizations are, with some exceptions, subject to renewal.

A service day is a day or any part of a day for which an outfitter or guide provides service to a client on National Forest System (NFS) lands (1 service day for each client per 24 hours). For example, if an outfitter brings 5 clients on the forest for one day, that visit would utilize 5 service days.

An open season is currently the only period when prospective outfitters and guides may apply for a temporary or priority use permit that authorizes operations on the Olympic National Forest. The Olympic National Forest will be accepting proposals for new temporary/ priority outfitter and guide permits during the open season from November 1 – December 15, for use in the upcoming calendar year.

The Olympic NF will be accepting a total of 10 temporary outfitter and guide permit proposals for use in the 2023 season. The open season will close when we have received 15 applications, which may be sooner than December 15th. Proposals from past permit holders will be considered first, then we will be considering proposal in order of the date the application is received, and by completeness of the application.

Applications that are submitted without complete information will be denied. It is highly recommended to submit your application well in advance of the established deadline date (12/15) in order to be assured full consideration for a permit.

Proponents of applications that are not accepted will be notified in writing that the Forest has not accepted the application by January 31, or sooner.

Only complete proposals will be considered. Please allow sufficient time to coordinate with forest staff and to complete the application. All proposals must be submitted during the open season from November 1 – December 15.

A Complete Proposal Package Includes:

• A signed Outfitter and Guiding Permit Application.
• A signed and Completed Outfitter Operating Plan.
• Current insurance certificate with the U.S. Government listed as additional insured for the amount specified in FSM 2713.1.
 ⚬ Liability insurance is not required until a determination is made to process the application. Proof of liability insurance must be provided prior to issuance.
• Include a complete and legible map of all routes, overnight camping etc. Review this document on How to Create a Recreation Permit Map.
• Please review the first and initial and level screening criteria before submitting your proposal. All special use permit proposals must meet these screening criteria contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251.54).

Submit your complete application via email to annabelle.pfeffer@usda.gov or by mail to:

Olympic National Forest Supervisors Office
Attn: Annabelle Pfeffer
1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW
Olympia WA, 98512

Proposals for use in the following areas will not be permitted:
• Overnight guiding activities in the Buckhorn Wilderness area. Proposals for trips that pass-through the Buckhorn Wilderness to gain access to Olympic National Park land will be considered.
• Overnight guiding activities on the Dosewallips trail. Proposals for trips that pass-though the Dosewallips trail to gain access to Olympic National Park land will be considered.

Yes! We encourage you to call us before filling out your application, just in case we know whether or not we can allow your requests. Please call or email Annabelle Pfeffer at 360-956-2294 or annabelle.pfeffer@usda.gov, for any questions about the details of your application.

Priority Use Permits are billed 3% of gross revenue from the authorized activity. Discounts for time not on National Forest System Lands are not calculated directly. Revenue for the entire trip (on or off National Forest System lands) must be reported. An estimated fee must be paid before the season and reconciled with Actual Use after each season.

Temporary Use Permits are billed a set fee of $150 per 50 service days unless certain gross revenue levels are exceeded (see table below). Permittees will be billed upon approval of the temporary use permit. Payment will be required before the permit is issued, based on the following schedule.