Outfitters & Guides

There are all kinds of outfitters/guides on Mt. Hood National Forest, who cover activities ranging from summiting the mountain, to rock climbing, hiking, whitewater rafting, fishing, mushroom hunting, and so much more.

Outfitting & Guiding on Mt. Hood

The Mt. Hood National Forest holds an annual open season for accepting new outfitter and guide proposals from September 1 through November 1.

Due to concerns about crowding and parking congestion, the Mt. Hood National Forest is not accepting new proposals to guide in the following locations:

• Bagby Hot Springs
• Mirror Lake Trail (including Tom, Dick, and Harry Mountain)
• Mount Hood Wilderness (including summit of Mount Hood)
• Old Salmon River Trail
• Tamanawas Trail
• Top Spur Trail (McNeil Point)

The decision to issue an outfitter/guide permit is based on a few criteria including public need for the particular service and the capacity of the land to support the use. 

The Mt. Hood National Forest Land Management Plan provides basic direction concerning recreation and issuance of outfitter/guide permits. The Plan recognizes that the Mt. Hood National Forest is an “urban forest” adjacent to growing cities. That proximity makes this Forest a major provider of nature-based recreation opportunities. 

We encourage anyone interested in outfitting/guiding to call us before filling out your application in case we know whether or not we can allow your request(s). Please reference the screening checklist when completing the application, linked below under Resources & Forms. If you have further questions please contact Cate Dillon, Recreation Permit Administrator.

What is Outfitting & Guiding?

A special use permit for outfitting and guiding on National Forest System land is required when an individual, company, organization, institution, or nonprofit 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.

Outfitters and guides provide valuable recreational opportunities and contribute to the local economies. The Forest Service partners with outfitters and guides to provide services that connect people with the outdoors and ensure visitors have opportunities to safely recreate on National Forest System lands. For more information, refer to the Code of Federal Regulations (36 CFR 251.54).

Resources & Forms

• Outfitter/Guide Application Form
• Outfitter/Guide Screening Checklist for Application