Special Use Permits
The Special Use Permit (SUP) authorizes activities that benefit an individual, group or organization, rather than the public at large: and that require written authorization and management control in order to protect park resources and the public interest.
Group size will be limited to 50 people per event which is based on limited parking and facilities, potential conflict with other visitor activities, and impacts to natural and cultural resources.
Types of permitted activities include:
- Weddings and ceremonies
- Scattering of ashes
- First Amendment activities
- Athletic and other special events
- Horseback riding
- Commercial Filming/Photography
APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT (PDF)
Learn more about special use permits
Specific information for horse riders
APPLICATION FOR COMMERCIAL FILM/PHOTO SPECIAL USE PERMIT (PDF)
Learn more about film and photo permits
Applications for Special Use Permits MUST be received by the park no less than two weeks prior to your proposed event date. The only exception to this is for First Amendment activities; please allow two days for these permits if possible.
An application fee of $100 must be included with the submitted application. If the application is approved, additional charges may apply.
There is no application fee for permits for First Amendment activities.
Contact: Chief Ranger, San Juan Island National Historical Park
P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: 360-378-2240 ext. 2225, Fax: 360-378-2615
Commercial Use Authorizations
Businesses desiring to conduct visitor service related operations within the park must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). The CUA is a tool to manage commercial activities to insure that they do not impair park resources AND to provide for quality visitor services.
The process of granting a CUA also ensures that the activity is necessary and appropriate in a National Park setting and specific to this park. Thus, certain commercial activities such as off-road motorcycle tours and food concessions would not be authorized. At San Juan Island National Historical Park only CUAs for road/hiking based tours are offered at this time.
Businesses operating inside the park without a CUA are subject to fines, mandatory court appearances, confiscation of equipment, and denial of future opportunities to operate in this or any other National Park.
Note: As indicated above, a Special Use Permit is required for commercial filming/photography rather than a Commercial Use Authorization.
Application packets may be requested from the Chief Ranger's Office. Completed applications MUST be received by the park no less than 30 days prior to the date you wish to begin operating in the park.
An application fee of $100 must be included with the submitted application. If the application is approved, additional charges will apply.
Contact: Chief Ranger, San Juan Island National Historical Park
P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: 360-378-2240 ext. 2225, Fax: 360-378-2615
Scientific/Research Permits
A permit must be obtained before conducting any research within the park. An online application process is administered nationally, but you should also contact the park regarding your proposed research.
https://science.nature.nps.gov/research/ac/ResearchIndex
Please allow 30 days for review and processing.
Contact: Chief of Integrated Resources, San Juan Island National Historical Park
P.O. Box 429, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Phone: 360-378-2240 ext. 2224, Fax: 360-378-2615
