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Commercial Filming & Photography

Photography and filming requests must be submitted to allow a full 14 calendar days for processing. The 14-day processing period starts on the first business day all relevant application materials are received. Fee structure and insurance requirements are found on the official Film & Photography Request Form. Email the completed request form to SM.FS.mthpermits@usda.gov. Any filming permit questions can be directed to joseph.mcclain-davis@usda.gov, permit administrator.

The Oregon Film Board's website has a database of images to help you with your scouting. While not required, out-of-town production companies benefit from hiring an Oregon-based location scout. The Oregon Film Board can also provide information regarding incentives that the State of Oregon offers.

Film & Photography Request Form

Does your filming project require a permit?

On January 4, 2025, the EXPLORE Act was signed into law (Public Law 118-234) and has been codified at 54 U.S.C. 100905. Section 125 of the Act changed how the U.S. Forest Service will manage filming and photography on national forests.

Key elements of the new law:

  • In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
    • Occurs in areas open to the public;
    • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
    • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
    • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
    • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity.
  • All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
  • When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the Mt. Hood National Forest will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
  • Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.
  • Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.

If you believe that your filming, still photography, or audio recording activity on Mt. Hood National Forest may require a permit, or if you have further questions, please contact our permit administrator for more information.

Need a filming permit in less than 14 days?

Our permit administrators need time to process filming permits. The amount of time needed may be dependent on the project's complexity. Although there may be some flexibility, you shouldn't expect the process to take less than 2 weeks. 

However, our Ski Areas can issue permits for filming & still photography within their boundaries and may be able to process permits more quickly. For details, read on.

Last updated July 23rd, 2025