Conditions for Guided Interpretive Van/Bus Tours

OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
COMMERCIAL USE AUTHORIZATION
SPECIFIC ACTIVITY CONDITIONS

ACTIVITY: Interpretive and Interactive Van/Bus Tours. These conditions are applicable to all authorized activities and areas listed on this authorization.

Authorized Services – The commercial activity authorized by this authorization is Interpretive and Interactive Van/Bus Tours. This consists of one or more persons traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, prices, or sold as an Interpretive and Interactive driving tour. The CUA for road-based interpretive tour service allows the CUA holder to conduct a vehicle tour, and act as a guide, on paved park roads with visits to facilities and services in combination with short walks on walkways, and trails less than ½ mile from roadways. Participants must remain on established trails and walkways and must only use designated routes within a half mile of the trailheads.

Parking and Loading/Unloading – Buses may only park in legal parking spaces. Where available, buses must park in bus parking spaces all other vehicles must use designated parking spots. Buses may drop off and pick up passengers in bus loading and unloading zones only. Blocking traffic in the process of pick up or drop off passengers is prohibited. All vehicles must use designated pull outs to not block roadways.

Idling – Drivers of motor vehicles are prohibited from idling their engines except while actively loading or unloading passengers.

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.

Park Entrance Fee – Interpretive and interactive Van/Bus Tours entrance fees apply. When entering the park each time CUA holders must identify themselves; show a copy of the CUA, and state that they are transporting visitors.

Entrance fees are based on vehicle capacity:

• Vehicle capacity of 1 – 14 = $75.00

• Vehicle capacity of 15 – 25 = $100

• Vehicle capacity of 26 + = $200

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

Approved Locations/Travel – Guided Interpretive Van/Bus Tour CUA holders may only enter the park through the following entrance stations: Heart of the Hills, Sol Duc, Hoh, and Staircase. Guided Interpretive Van/Bus Tour CUA holders must drive only on paved roads.

Conduct of Activity – Trips will be well organized and trip leader will ensure all park rules are followed in associated with this permit. Trips must be led by a responsible employee who knows the park rules, regulations, and resources; is knowledgeable of the provisions of this authorization and has the ability and training to provide competent leadership in the park so that the trips can be conducted professionally. Employees shall instruct their clients on minimum-impact use of park resources and practice Leave No Trace principles.

Employee Training and Guiding –

• 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.

• Drivers shall follow all traffic laws.

• Vehicles shall be maintained to that they are safe and comply with the law.

• Vehicles shall be parked in a designated pull off or parking area.

• 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.

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

• The Guide in each commercial group must have a Standard American Red Cross First Aid Card or its equivalent and a current CPR card in their possession while in the park. A list of guides and their certifications will be filed with the commercial services office.

• 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.

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.