Permits
Certain sites within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area receive extremely high visitation and require reservable permits to mitigate public safety concerns and resource damage.
Recreation Permits
Special Use Permits
Outfitting & Guiding Services
A special use permit is required to conduct outfitting or guiding activities on National Forest System land or on the Klickitat and White Salmon Wild and Scenic Rivers.
Recreation Events
A recreation event permit is required for any event where an entry or participation fee is charged, or where paid membership in a group or organization is a prerequisite for participation.
Commercial Filming & Still Photography
Like other commercial uses of National Forest lands and resources, commercial filming requires a special use permit issued by the Area Manager.
Other
Memorials, Plaques, Commemorative Monuments
The placement of monuments or memorials on National Forest System lands is prohibited. The Forest Service asks that you consider honoring the person or event in ways that do not have a lasting impact on the landscape or other visitors’ experiences.
Special Forest Products
Collection of forest products is currently prohibited in the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area.
While the Scenic Area, like all National Forests, does have authority to implement a Special Forest Products program, this authority is conditioned upon compliance with existing Forest Service law, regulation and policy concerning such matters. Proposed actions to harvest special forest products are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act. Other pertinent laws include the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960, which requires that natural resources be managed in such a manner that there is not impairment of the productivity of the land, and the Endangered Species Act which requires coordination and consultation with biologists and botanists concerning plants that are being considered for harvest. Activities must also be in compliance with the Mt. Hood National Forest Plan, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Plan, the Columbia River Gorge Management Plan, and the Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP). Without the proper environmental analysis and compliance with the above requirements, the Scenic Area cannot issue permits or authorize the collection of special forest products.
Why hasn’t the environmental analysis been done?
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a relatively new administrative unit, having been established on November 17, 1986 by Public Law 99-663. Past priorities of Land Management Plan development and land acquisition, and current priorities involving mitigation of damaging activities and at-risk ecosystems in the Scenic Area have deferred the development of a special forest products program.
Where can I collect mushrooms and other forest products?
Both the Mt. Hood National Forest and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest allow for collection of certain special forest products. Permits are often required which include specified conditions and locations for such collections. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to know authorized locations, conditions and guidelines, and to comply with all requirements. If you have any questions, you are encouraged to contact the District Office nearest to where you want to collect.