Outfitting and Guiding Services

Outfitters and Guides provide a critical service to the public. Outfitters and Guides are individuals that possess skill, equipment, and knowledge that the average client may not.  

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest accepts proposals for new outfitter and guide priority use permits September 1 through November 1 every year. During this time, prospective outfitters and guides may submit a proposal for a permit to operate guided tours, camps, hunts, and other experiences on the forest. Outfitters and guides help people enjoy our public lands by providing equipment, knowledge, and skills to people exploring their national forest.

Up to 10 permits will be analyzed with the intention of being issued; if there are more than 10 proposals, a lottery system will be used to choose permits to be analyzed. At least five permits will be awarded to outfitters and guides primarily serving youth or underserved communities reflecting the diversity of the American public.

Only complete proposals submitted during the open season will be reviewed. Please keep in mind that the time to analyze proposals will vary based on complexity and we do not guarantee that a reviewed proposal will result in a permit.

View a list of current permitted Outfitter-Guides at Gifford Pinchot National Forest (.pdf)

Outfitter and Guide Proposal Submission Information

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. Applicants who have not previously had priority use permits on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be issued a two-year permit which may be converted to an eight-year priority use permit contingent upon satisfactory performance reviews after two years. Permit holders are expected to follow established best practices for Leave No Trace on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Proposals including the following areas or uses will not be considered:

• Guiding in Tatoosh, Glacier View, Mount Adams, Indian Heaven, or Trapper Creek Wilderness areas
• Climbing Mount St. Helens or Mt. Adams
• Any outfitting activities between Crab Creek and Middle Falls on the Lewis River (Forest Road 90)
• Any outfitting activities originating from Packwood Lake Trailhead, Snowgrass Trailhead, Walupt Lake Trailhead, Lily Basin, and Lily Basin Stock Trailheads
• Only caves considered for outfitting and guiding will be the Guler, Layser, and Ape Caves with some possible limitations

How to Submit an Outfitter/Guide Proposal

Only complete proposals will be accepted.  Please allow sufficient time to coordinate with forest staff and to complete the application.

1. Contact the appropriate Ranger District recreation person to discuss your proposal location and ideas.  (Contacts below.)
2. Complete form FS-299.
3. Complete all of the Outfitter and Guide Application Supplement. Be sure to include enough detail to give reviewers a clear, complete description of the proposed activities and locations.
4. Include a list of all trails, roads, campgrounds, etc.
5. Read the Insurance Requirements page.  If your proposal is approved, you must satisfy insurance requirements at least 30 days ahead of your first trip.  The Forest Service cannot issue a signed permit without appropriate insurance coverage.
6. Review Initial and Second-level Screening before submitting your proposal.
7. Note: Only complete proposals will be reviewed.
8. Send your completed proposal package to:

Brittany Clegg
Recreation Special Uses
987 McClellan Road
Vancouver, WA 98661

Or email signed forms to: Brittany.Clegg@usda.gov

Additional Contact:

Joel Nowak, Special Uses Program Manager
360-819-3378, joel.nowak@usda.gov 

1835 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia WA 98512

Frequently Asked Questions about Permits

Contacts

It's highly recommended that if you have any questions about your proposal that you contact one of the following people:

• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument: Camile Stephens, camille.stephens@usda.gov.
• Mount Adams Ranger District (south half of forest): David Wickwire, david.wickwire@usda.gov, 509-395-3410
• Cowlitz Valley Ranger District (north half of forest): Kacy Smith, kacy.smith@usda.gov, 360-497-1173 

For general special use permit questions:

• Recreation Special Use Coordinator: Brittany Clegg, Brittany.Clegg@usda.gov, 360-768-7499, Mailing Address: 987 McClellan Rd., Vancouver, WA 98661.
• Special Uses Program Manager: Joel Nowak, joel.nowak@usda.gov, (360) 819-3378, Mailing Adress: 1835 Black Lake Blvd SW, Olympia WA 98512

Other units:

Click on the links for info about outfitter/guide activities on the Mt. Hood National Forest & the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

Outfitter-Guide Definitions

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.

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.