Filming & Photography
Photography and filming requests must 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.
Do I need a permit?
Filming, photography, and audio recording activities do NOT require a permit when:
(1) Your filming or photography is part of an activity that’s already allowed or authorized on National Forest System lands - and it won’t cause any resource damage. For example, filming a 5k race event that already has a permit or a wedding.
(2) When your activity involves five or fewer individuals and meets the requirements below:
- Occurs in areas open to the public;
- Uses hand-carried equipment only;
- Does not require exclusive use of a site or the use of high visitation sites during peak season;
- Does not adversely impact forest/grasslands resources, values, or other visitors; and
- Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the Forest Service.
The Forest Service may issue a free 'de minimis' use authorization:
A de minimis use authorization allows groups of 6–8 individuals to engage in low-impact filming or still photography on federal lands without any costs. This authorization requires the group meet the same rules summarized in item 2 above (i.e. using only handheld equipment, no exclusive or high visitation site use, and no negative impacts on resources).
Special Use Permit may be required if:
Filming and photography activities involve 9 or more individuals (including cast and crew). Filming and photography activities may impact National Forest System lands, resources, or programs. Land use fees and cost recovery likely apply in these cases.
Apply for permit or de minimis authorization
When requesting a film or photography permit, include information that outlines the who, what, when where, and why of your proposal to the Forest Service. Examples include providing the following information:
- Project title (movie or tv show name)
- Business name
- Contact name(s), related job titles, and contact information (cell phone numbers, email addresses and a billing address)
- Location of national forest lands desired to use (be as specific as possible)
- Requested dates and times of use (including any back-up dates)
- Number of people who will be on site (crew, actors)
- Description of any staging or other equipment that will be used
- Description of any anticipated ground disturbance
- Outline any details regarding the need to close any locations to the public
- Identification of parking areas or other staging needs
- Documentation of insurance coverage
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. The amount of time needed may be dependent on the project's complexity.
Need a filming permit in less than 14 days?
However, Mt. Hood ski areas (Timberline, Skibowl, Mt. Hood Meadows & Cooper Spur) can issue permits for filming & still photography within their boundaries and may be able to process permits more quickly.
| Ski Area | Contact Name & Information |
|---|---|
| Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Area | Anna Holgate: (503) 337-2222 x8113 |
| Mt. Hood Skibowl Ski Area | Shannon Berger-Hammond: (503) 272-3206 x1100 |
| Timberline Lodge & Ski Area | Heidi Thomas: (503) 272-3154 |
Examples of required information that will be evaluated include:
- Type and complexity of the production
- Proposed location
- Amount and type of equipment and props
- Proposed stunts and special effects
- Potential resource impacts
- Unreasonable disruption of the public's use and enjoyment of the site
- Health or safety risks to the public.
Film & Photography Request Form
Fee structure and insurance requirements are found on the official request form.
Submit your proposal: Email the completed request form to SM.FS.mthpermits@usda.gov. Any filming permit questions can be directed to joseph.mcclain-davis@usda.gov.
Filming or still photography proposals intended to produce commercial content within congressionally designated wilderness areas require an additional level of review to determine whether the activity constitutes a commercial enterprise or commercial service under the Wilderness Act of 1964. If you hope to film in a congressionally designated Wilderness, contact us for guidance before making any plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several popular filming locations across Mt. Hood National Forest, and each have their own individual restrictions. Learn about filming guidelines at Mt. Hood's most popular sites.
The Forest Service requires cost recovery fees to cover processing and monitoring costs associated with special use applications and authorizations.
If you are planning to utilize an Unmanned Aircraft Systems for your commercial filming and still photography activity, review the Federal Aviation Administration requirements for flying drones for work/business on National Forest System lands. The FAA regulates and has jurisdiction over airspace. 
Restricted areas: UAS are prohibited from launching, landing or being controlled from within designated wilderness areas and may not be allowed in other areas of the national forest. 
Wildfire: Individuals who fly UAS/drones over wildfires may be violating federal, state, and/or local laws- whether a Temporary Flight Restriction is in place or not. All unauthorized UAS/drone flights near wildfire suppression operations on National Forest System lands will be reported to the FAA and law enforcement agencies. 
Resources
Oregon Film Board: 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.
Public Domain Photos: A selection of public domain photos of Mt. Hood National Forest are available on our Flickr album for free use. (Request you credit "Mt. Hood National Forest")
Additional References:
- USDA Forest Service Filming and Photography Guidelines
- United States Code: USC 460l-6d: Filming and Still Photography
- Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (PDF, 389 KB)
Contact Us
Any filming permit questions can be directed to joseph.mcclain-davis@usda.gov, permit administrator.