OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION
SPECIFIC ACTIVITY CONDITIONS
Activity: Guided Backpacking. These conditions are applicable to all authorized activities and areas listed on the authorization.
Authorized Services – The commercial activity authorized by this authorization is Guided Interpretive Backpacking within authorized areas and on established trails within Olympic National Park. Hikes lasting one day or less require a guided interpretive day hiking authorization. No other commercial activity is permitted.
Parking and Loading/Unloading – All trips will begin and end at designated trails. Vehicles will park in designated parking spaces only.
Area Use – This authorization is applicable only for the use of the area, terms, and conditions designated herein. The area(s) authorized for use under this authorization must be left in substantially the same condition as it was prior to the activities authorized herein.
Approved Locations/Travel – Areas of operation and permit availability may be subject to change based on park management decisions to protect wilderness character. This permit does not give exclusive use to any area in the park.
Park Entrance Fee –
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Individuals participating in the activity will pay the individual per-person entrance fee.
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Annual and lifetime federal recreational land passes are accepted. These passes are good for the owner(s) of the pass plus three additional adults 16 and over who are part of the same party.
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Children under 16 are not charged.
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Individuals or groups who have previously paid the entrance fee must show proof of prior payment.
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Appropriate commercial non-road-based tour fees will be calculated and charged upon entry. The vehicle and driver/guide have free entry into the park.
When entering the park each time, permittees must identify themselves; show a copy of the CUA, and state that they are transporting visitors. This will enable the entrance station personnel to verify that you are on the approved list for commercial activities and are to be charged the correct commercial fee. If the entrance station is closed, arrangements should be made to pay fees.
Employee Training and Guiding –
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Trips must be led by a designated employee who knows the park rules, regulations, and resources; is knowledgeable of the provisions of this authorization and can provide direction and instruction to participants.
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Each group must have one person identified as the group or trip leader who will remain with the group at all times and will carry a functioning two-way satellite communication device.
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If the party is divided into more than one group, each group will have a designated employee as trip leader.
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Guides will ensure that each member of the group has adequate food and water for the proposed itinerary, appropriate footwear, clothing, and sun protection.
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An appropriately sized first aid kit that is adequate for the group size.
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Human waste disposal bags, or “cat hole” shovels will be carried by each group and all waste shall be disposed of properly.
Guide Qualifications – The following minimum qualifications must be met by each guide operating within Olympic National Park.
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Olympic National Park takes our visitors safety seriously. Therefore, we urge ALL Guides leading a commercial group to possess a minimum Current Wilderness First Responder Certification or its equivalent and a current CPR certification. A list of guides and their certifications will be filed with the commercial services office. A copy of all current certifications must be maintained by the CUA holder base of operations and must be presented upon request from the park service within 24 hours.
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Guides must be at least 18 years of age.
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Guides must provide interpretation of the park to clients that reflect the park’s interpretive themes, significance statements and Leave No Trace.
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Guides must be trained in risk management principles, such as Leave No Trace, park rules and regulations, and in the requirements of the CUA conditions.
- Guides MUST carry a copy of the following and are required to present it up on request:
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Current WFR/First Aid and CPR Certification
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Valid, signed and current CUA
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Food Handlers Certification
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Backcountry Permits
Group Size – Each wilderness (backcountry) trip will be accompanied by one staff member for each five visitors or fraction thereof, with a maximum group size of 12 persons, which includes the staff.
Camping – Camping is authorized only within designated campsites and may not exceed the group size limits. All wilderness camping permits must be requested from and confirmed by the Port Angeles WIC.
Food Storage – All of Olympic National Park is designated as a secure food storage area. All food, garbage, and scented items must be properly stored at all times. Proper food storage methods are addressed at http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-food-storage.htm. All refuse will be packed out. Packers transporting food and other scented items for groups must fulfill food storage requirements until the load is transferred to the group receiving it.
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All areas of Olympic National Park must use park approved animal resistant food containers (bear canisters). Animal resistant food containers are the only authorized food storage method.
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CUA holders are urged to use their own, park approved, bear canisters for clients.
Caches Prohibited - Equipment or food caches (items left unattended for more than 24 hours) are prohibited within Olympic National Park.
Itinerary – Approved backpacking itinerary, route, and campsites will be carried with this CUA. This CUA has been conditionally approved based on the attached itinerary. ALL Backcountry permits must be booked using an official email address from the CUA holder. Failure to comply could result in a delay in permit issuance and cost recovery fees for administrative time.
Violations – Violations of park regulations or the terms of this permit may result in the suspension of privileges granted by this permit and could lead to appropriate fines or citations, as well as suspension or revocation.
