Mt. Hood National Forest Christmas Trees

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

by Liz Warren

Find your Christmas tree this holiday season

on Mt. Hood National Forest

The holiday season is almost here, which means it’s time to get a Mt. Hood National Forest Christmas tree cutting permit and plan a trip into your national forest to find a tree. Christmas tree permits are available through December online, in person from local vendors, or from a Mt. Hood National Forest district office. Permits cost $5 per tree and households can purchase up to five per year.

Visitors should reference the Forest’s Christmas tree maps to find designated cutting areas. Cutting trees is prohibited along all highways; in designated wildernesses; in the Bull Run and The Dalles Watersheds; and other areas closed to public entry. Permits purchased online atwww.recreation.gov/tree-permits must be printed and displayed on the vehicle dashboard to be valid. Recreation.gov charges an additional $2.50 service fee per purchase. Traditional orange permits can also be purchased at one of the Forest’s four district offices or from a local vendor.

Fourth-grade students with an “Every Kid Outdoors” pass are eligible for one free Christmas tree. To be eligible for the free tree permit, fourth graders must have an Every Kid Outdoors pass. Students can get their free permit by bringing their pass to a district office or online at Recreation.gov. For more information about Every Kid Outdoors, visit: www.everykidoutdoors.gov

Guidelines

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling. Most forest roads are not maintained for winter driving and cell phone coverage is limited.
Bring the 10 essentials including layers, extra food and water, a map, and a first-aid kit.
Start early in the day and leave the woods before dark. Tell someone where you’re going.
Bring a hand saw to cut your tree and plenty of ropes or bungees to secure it to your vehicle.
Trees must be at least 200 feet from recreation sites and 300 feet away from water bodies.
Trees must be under 15 feet tall and growing within 12 feet of another tree.
Leave a stump less than six inches above the ground. Never cut a tall tree just for the top.