Commercial Services

 

A guided team of climbers leave Disappoint Cleaver and cross the Ingraham Glacier on the upper slopes of Mount Rainier with Mount Adams visible in the distance.

NPS/J. Boisvert Photo

Welcome to Mount Rainier's Commercial Services Information Page

Approximately 80 companies provide a wide variety of commercial services in Mount Rainier National Park. These services are limited to those companies having specific authorization, usually in the form of a Concessions Contract or Commercial Use Authorization (CUA).

Federal regulations prohibit engaging in or soliciting any business in the park areas, except in accordance with the provisions of a written agreement with the United States. As in other National Park Service areas, commercial services may be provided only by those holding an authorization from the United States.

 

Commercial Tour Entrance Fees

Commercial tour fees are charged only to commercial organizations, such as tour companies. The fee is determined by the seating capacity of the vehicle, from sedans to motor coaches. For prices, see the Fees & Passes webpage (commercial tour fees listed under Entrance Passes).

Commercial Use Authorizations

Visit the Commercial Use Authorizations page for timelines and instructions on applying for a CUA at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Current CUA holders
• Regulations for Guiding on Mount Rainier
• CUA Annual Report - Form 10-660 - Annual reports are required for each CUA activity on a separate form.
• CUA News Release - July 28, 2025

CUAs are issued for the following activities at Mount Rainier:

• Guided Mountaineering (Previously Single Trip Guided Climbs)

• Climbing/Mountaineering Day Trip and Climbing/Mountaineering Overnight (Previously Mountaineering Training, by request only)

• Camping Backcountry (Previously Summer Backpacking Overnight)

• Hiking Backcountry (Previously Summer Day Hiking)

• Bicycle Tours

• Photography Instruction

• Camping Front Country (Previously Drive-In Campground Use)

• Guided Winter Activities Day Use

• Guided Winter Activities Overnight

• Transport Non-Tour, Road Based (Previously Shuttles)

 

Mount Rainier CUAs

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA) are required to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within Mount Rainier National Park.

Apply for a CUA

 

Concession Contracts

• Rainier Guest Services, LLC.
• Mountaineering: Alpine Ascents International, International Mountain Guides, Rainier Mountaineering Inc.
• Firewood at Ohanapecosh and White River Campgrounds: John Squires

 

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National Park Service Commercial Services

"Through the use of concession contracts or commercial use authorizations, the National Park Service will provide commercial visitor service that are necessary and appropriate for public use and enjoyment. Concession operations will be consistent to the highest practicable degree with the preservation and conservation of resources and values of the park unit. Concession operations will demonstrate sound environmental management and stewardship." (NPS Management Policies, Chapter 10).
NPS Commercial Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you explain a bit more?
We understand that regulations are sometimes difficult to understand at first. If you think your activities might be "commercial", or if you have questions about how your activity will be defined, would like clarification about the need for an authorization, or think your activity might conflict with rights already granted to a park concessioner, please contact our Concessions Office at [phone] or by email.

How do I apply for a Commercial Use Authorization?
CUA applications become available in August of each year. The park begins accepting application packets for CUAs in September. If you would like to request an application packet or have a question about the CUA program, please contact us at [phone] or by email.

What about Non-Profits?
Any organized group in which participants exchange money and/or employees are compensated for a service within Mount Rainier National Park is required to get a permit to operate in the Park. These organized groups include, but are not limited to, non-profits, city, state, and collegiate recreational programs, government municipality and military morale, welfare, and recreation programs, or those that offer fundraising climbs. The park recommends these organizations apply for a CUA, if the organization chooses. Since CUAs are issued in two-year terms, CUAs provide greater consistency for organizations and allow for better protection and management of the park. If requested by a qualifying organization, the Commercial Services Program will instead accept Special Use Permit (SUP) in lieu of a Commercial Use Authorization (SUPilCUA) requests. SUPilCUA requests can be emailed to our office at [e-mail]. These permits are only valid for one year and are available on a first-come, first-served basis within the same guide qualifications and requirements as CUAs. Once limits have been reached, applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis as determined by carrying capacity per the Commercial Services Plan. Please contact the Commercial Services Office at [phone] or email [e-mail] for more information.