Laws & Policies

Firearms

February 22, 2010; The laws of this state prohibit the possession of firearms in this park. For those regulations, you may read Section 2.4 of Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or call or e-mail this park.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering any national park.

National Park Service Policies

 

Superintedent's Compendium

In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 54 United States Code, Section 100751, the following provisions apply to all lands administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle Unit. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.

Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.
 
 

36 CFR §1.5 – Closures and Public Use Limits

(a)(1) The following visiting hours, public use limits, and closures are established:

Visiting Hours

  • The Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center is
    • Open Wednesday through Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
    • Closed Monday and Tuesday
    • Closed Thanksgiving Day and December 25
    • Subject to closures as posted to accommodate holidays; staff training; scheduled maintenance; and/or in response to facility, public, and staffing emergencies

Public Use Limits

  • Food and beverages are not allowed in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center, except in connection with special use permit issued pursuant to §2.50.

Food and beverages attract pests which may threaten cultural resources.

  • Property (including luggage) may not be left unattended in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center and must remain with the responsible individual at all times.

Unattended items may threaten public safety.

(a)(2) The following closures and restrictions on activities are established to maintain public health and safety:

Closures

  • Launching, landing or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle is prohibited except as approved in writing by the superintendent.
  • Definition: The term “unmanned aircraft” means a device that is used or intended to be used for flight in the air without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the device and the associated operational elements and components that are required for the pilot or system operator in command to operate or control the device (such as cameras, sensors communication links). This term includes all types of devices that meet this definition (e.g., model airplanes, quad-copters, drones) that are used for any purpose, including for recreation or commerce.

The park has no exterior public spaces, rendering the use of unmanned aircraft inappropriate except for extremely rare circumstances approved in writing by the superintendent.

  • The use of bicycles (including e-bikes) on lands administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle is prohibited.

The park has no exterior public spaces, rendering the use of bicycles (including e-bikes) inappropriate.

  • The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
  • E-bikes are allowed in Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
  • A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
  • Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

(a)(3) The following types of filming activities may occur in areas open to the public without a permit and without advance notice to the NPS:

  • Outdoor filming activities involving five persons or less and equipment that will be carried at all times, except for small tripods used to hold cameras.
    • The organizer of any other type of filming activity must provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the start of the proposed activity. Based upon the information provided, the Superintendent may require the organizer to apply for and obtain a permit if necessary to:
      • maintain public health and safety;
      • protect environmental or scenic values;
      • protect natural or cultural resources;
      • allow for equitable allocation and use of facilities; or
      • avoid conflict among visitor use activities.
  • If the Superintendent determines that the terms and conditions of a permit could not mitigate the concerns identified above in an acceptable manner, the Superintendent may deny a filming request without issuing a permit. The Superintendent will provide the basis for denial in writing upon request.
  • The NPS will consider requests and process permit applications in a timely manner. Processing times will vary depending on the complexity of the proposed activity. If the organizer provides the required 10 day advance notice to the NPS and has not received a written response from the NPS that a permit is required prior to the first day of production, the proposed filming activities may occur without a permit.
The following are prohibited:
  • Engaging in a filming activity without providing advance notice to the Superintendent when required.
  • Engaging in a filming activity without a permit if the Superintendent has notified the organizer in writing that a permit is required.
  • Violating a term and condition of a permit issued under this action.
  • Violating a term or condition of a permit issued under to this action may also result in the suspension and revocation of the permit by the Superintendent.
 

36 CFR §1.6 – Permits

Activities requiring a permit are below, as well as described throughout this document, under the specific 36 CFR Section that authorizes or requires the issuance of a permit.

(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the superintendent is required:
  • §2.12(a)(4) – Operation of a public address system in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50.
  • §2.35(a)(1) – The use and possession of alcoholic beverages within park areas pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50.
  • §2.37 – Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50.
  • §2.50(a) – Special events, including sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events – provided, however, there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent.
  • §5.2 – The consumption of alcoholic, spirituous, vinous, or fermented liquor, containing more than 1 percent of alcohol by weight, in conformity with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50.
  • §5.5(a) – Commercial filming and still photography, subject to the provisions of 43 CFR part 5, subpart A.
  • §5.5(a) – Still photography, subject to the provisions of 43 CFR part 5, subpart A.
  • §5.5(b) – Audio recording that requires a permit pursuant to §5.5(b)(1-4).
 

36 CFR §2.4 – Weapons, Traps and Nets

(a)(2)(g) Weapons may not be carried or possessed in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center, a facility leased by the federal government, pursuant to 18 U.S. Code §930.

36 CFR §2.12 – Audio Disturbances

(a)(4) Operating a public address system in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center is prohibited, except in connection with a public gathering or special event for which a permit has been issued pursuant to §2.50.

36 CFR §2.14 – Sanitation and Refuse

(a)(2) Use of park refuse receptacles for dumping household, commercial or industrial refuse is prohibited.

(a)(5) Bathing or washing food, clothing, dishes, or other property at public fixtures is prohibited.
 

36 CFR §2.22 – Property

(a)(2) Leaving property unattended in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center and Museum is prohibited

The superintendent may impound unattended property and assess the owner reasonable fees for the impoundment and storage.

Geocaching is not a permissible activity in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center.

36 CFR §2.35 – Alcoholic Beverages And Controlled Substances

(a)(1) The use and possession of alcoholic beverages within the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center is permissible when pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50.

(b)(1) The delivery of a controlled substance is prohibited in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center, except when distribution is made by a practitioner in accordance with applicable law.
A controlled substance means a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor, included in schedules I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of the Controlled Substance Act (21 U.S.C. 812) or a drug or substance added to these schedules pursuant to the terms of the Act.

Delivery means the actual, attempted or constructive transfer of a controlled substance whether or not there exists an agency relationship.

(b)(2) The possession of a controlled substance is prohibited in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center, unless such substance was obtained by the possessor directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order, from a practitioner acting in the course of professional practice or otherwise allowed by federal or state law.

36 CFR §2.37 – Noncommercial Soliciting

Soliciting or demanding gifts, money, goods or services is prohibited in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center except pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50.

36 CFR §2.50 – Special Events

(a) Sports events, pageants, regattas, public spectator attractions, entertainments, ceremonies, and similar events are allowed in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center, provided there is a meaningful association between the park area and the events, and the observance contributes to visitor understanding of the significance of the park area, and a permit therefor has been issued by the superintendent.

36 CFR §2.51 – Demonstrations and Designated Available Park Areas

(c)(2) No locations within the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center are designated as available for demonstrations, the sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message bearing items.

The park is a small museum that has no exterior public spaces and no interior public space where such activity would not unreasonably interfere with interpretive and visitor service activities as described in §2.51(c)(1)(iii).

36 CFR §2.52 – Sale of Printed Matter and the Distribution of Printed Matter and Other Message-bearing Items

(b) The sale or distribution of printed matter, and the free distribution of other message-bearing items without asking for or demanding payment or donation, is not allowed in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center as there are no areas designated as available under §2.51(c)(2).

The park is a small museum that has no exterior public spaces and no interior public space where such activity would not unreasonably interfere with interpretive and visitor service activities as described in §2.51(c)(1)(iii).

 

36 CFR §5.1 – Advertisements

Commercial notices or advertisements shall not be displayed, posted, or distributed in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center unless prior written permission has been given by the Superintendent.
Such permission may be granted only if the notice or advertisement is of goods, services, or facilities available within the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center and such notices and advertisements are found by the Superintendent to be desirable and necessary for the convenience and guidance of the public.

36 CFR §5.2 – Alocholic Beverages; Sale of Intoxicants

The consumption of alcoholic, spirituous, vinous, or fermented liquor, containing more than 1 percent of alcohol by weight, within the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center must conform with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and be pursuant to the terms and conditions of a permit that has been issued under §2.50.

36 CFR §5.3 – Business Operations

Engaging in or soliciting any business in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center, except in accordance with the provisions of a permit, contract, or other written agreement with the United States, except as such may be specifically authorized under special regulations applicable to a park area, is prohibited.

36 CFR §5.5 – Still Photography and Audio Recording

(a) Still photography in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center does not require a permit from the superintendent, subject to the provisions of 43 CFR part 5, subpart B, unless it uses a model, set, or prop as defined in 43 CFR §5.12; or the agency determines a permit is necessary because it takes place at a location where or when members of the public are not allowed, or the agency would incur costs for providing on-site management and oversight to protect agency resources or minimize visitor use conflicts.


(b)(1-4) Audio recording in the Klondike Gold Rush Visitor Center does not require a permit from the superintendent unless it takes place at location(s) where or when members of the public are generally not allowed, uses equipment that requires mechanical transport, or uses equipment that requires an external power source other than a battery pack.

Last updated: July 15, 2024

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319 Second Ave S.
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone:

206 220-4240

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