Outfitting & Guiding Permits
The Chugach National Forest offers hiking, fishing, kayaking, skiing and more to those seeking adventure in the great state of Alaska. Outfitters and guides are vital in helping the Forest provide these experiences and fulfill the agency's mission - caring for the land and serving people.
A special-use permit is required in advance of operating on National Forest System lands. The Forest Service regulates outfitting and guiding operations to provide safe conditions for the public to recreate and to protect natural resources. With an approved operating plan and proof of liability insurance, permit holders are authorized to conduct business in specific forest areas.
It is the outfitter or guide's responsibility to verify land ownership and obtain proper authorization for use. Outfitting and guiding without a special-use permit is prohibited.
Important notes:
- Late or incomplete proposals will not be processed
- Submitting a proposal does not guarantee a permit
- Proposals are not applications until accepted by the Forest specialist.
Application cycle for new outfitting & guiding permits - Jan. 1 thru March 6
The Chugach National Forest is holding an application cycle for new outfitter and guide operators beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and ending March 6, 2026. This application cycle will occur annually. During this period, we will only accept proposals from new outfitter and guide operators or from those previously only authorized for use at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.
Proposals are only considered applications once reviewed by an authorized officer and approved. Rejected proposals can be resubmitted for consideration at the next application cycle.
Remember, all operators on the Forest are required to maintain active liability insurance.
A complete proposal packet must include:
- A complete Outfitter & Guide Application Form
- A detailed Outfitter & Guide Operating Plan
- Copies of all licenses required to conduct the proposed activities, including a State of Alaska business license
- A detailed map of the proposed area of use
We will not be accepting proposals at this time for the following uses/areas:
- Big game hunting
- Heliski operations
- Fishing on the Copper River Delta
- Hiking on Resurrection Pass in the Seward Ranger District
- Horseback riding on the Carter Lake Trail in the Seward Ranger District
- Jet boating on the Placer River
- Any uses in the Russian River area
- Use on Six Mile Creek
Areas open to ALL outfitter & guides during application cycle
During the application cycle, the Chugach National Forest will accept proposals from all outfitter and guide operators for the following areas:
- Spencer Whistle Stop areas of the Glacier Ranger District
- Grandview Whistle Stop areas of the Glacier Ranger District.
Outfitter & Guide Application
This document is considered a proposal until it is evaluated to ensure it meets minimum screening criteria before it is accepted as a formal application.
NOTE: A pre-application meeting is no longer required. If you would like to schedule a meeting or have questions, email sm.fs.cnfpermits@usda.gov.
Outfitter & Guide Operating Plan
The purpose of this plan is to define the responsibilities of the holder for protecting public health, safety, and the environment and for ensuring delivery of high-quality services as authorized through an outfitter/guide special use permit
Complete this form in as much detail as necessary for the Forest Service to understand your annual operation.
Accessibility Guidebook for Outfitters & Guides
The purpose of this guidebook is to provide support for outfitters/guides authorized, under a special-use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, to provide recreation on public lands.
What happens after you submit a proposal?
- Your proposal will be passed through an initial screening process (is it within laws, regulations, orders, and policies governing National Forest System lands, is it consistent with standards and guidelines in applicable forest land and resource management plans, does it pose a risk to public health and safety, etc.).
- If the proposal passes the initial screening criteria, there is a second screening process.
- It is at this stage that you will be given the opportunity to adjust elements of the proposal which might otherwise cause the proposal to be rejected (is not in the public interest, lack of qualifications, lack of technical skills or financial ability, etc.).
- If the proposal fails to meet the criteria of either of the two screening processes, you will be provided an explanation about why your proposal is rejected.
- If the proposal passes the screening process, the proposal is ready to be accepted as a formal written application.