Conditions for Guided Day Hiking

Conditions for Commercial Use Authorizations in the Park

This page lays out the conditions that companies which provide certain activities in Olympic National Park must meet while doing business in the park. Return to the general Do Business With Us page here.

 

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Activity: Guided Day Hiking. These conditions are applicable to all authorized activities and areas listed on the authorization.

Authorized Services – The commercial activity this permits is Guided Day Hiking. Guided Day Hiking in Olympic National Park on approved trails within the park. No overnight backcountry camping is allowed under this 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 –

• Individuals participating in the activity will pay the individual per-person entrance fee.

• 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.

• Children under 16 are not charged.

• Individuals or groups who have previously paid the entrance fee must show proof of prior payment.

• 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.

• The CUA holder and/or guides may not use personal annual or lifetime federal recreational land passes to gain entry to the park for themselves or their customers when conducting business.

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 – The following minimum qualifications must be met by each employee guide operating within Olympic National Park.

• 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.

• 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 SAT phone, Personal Locator Beacon, or SPOT device.

• If the party is divided into more than one group, each group will have a trip leader.

• Guides will ensure that each member of the group has adequate food and water for the proposed itinerary, appropriate footwear, clothing, and sun protection.

• An appropriately sized first aid kit that is adequate for the group size.

• 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.

• 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.

• Guides must be at least 18 years of age.

• Guides must provide interpretation of the park to clients that reflect the park’s interpretive themes and significance statements.

• Guides must be trained in basic safety and resource protections, Leave No Trace principles, 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:

1. Current WFA/First Aid and CPR Certification

2. Valid, signed and current CUA

3. 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.

Climbing – You must obtain a climbing CUA.

Camping – Is not permitted with this CUA.

Park Visitation – Approved use starts 30 minutes before sunrise and ends 30 minutes after sunset. This does not include travel 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.