Are mountain climbers required to be licensed or insured?
Climbers in the Pacific Northwest are not required to be licensed or insured before they climb. However, on Mount Hood, they must complete a USDA Forest Service Wilderness Permit and carry a copy with them on their trek. Along with this permit, climbers are requested – and strongly encouraged – to complete a climbers’ registration form, providing essential information about the party if rescue is needed. Other Pacific Northwest mountains have different registration methods, but most require a permit of some type.
