Mt. Hood National Forest
Forest Service News Release
Firewood cutting season opens on Mt. Hood National Forest
Just as snow has finally started to melt, firewood season has kicked off on Mt. Hood National Forest and will remain open through November 30. Woodcutters are required to obtain a valid personal use permit, available at no cost, before harvesting. Each household may harvest up to six cords annually.
Permits can be acquired in person at any Forest office or by submitting a firewood permit application via mail or email. Woodcutters must carry a permit, firewood load tags, firewood map(s), and a current information sheet while harvesting. Firewood harvested for resale purposes requires a commercial firewood permit. More firewood information is available at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/firewood
Firewood harvesting can help improve forest health. Do your part to ensure that Mt. Hood has a sustainable firewood program and please follow these guidelines:
- Do not fall standing trees, dead or alive.
- Firewood cutting of marked timber or within timber sale boundaries is prohibited.
- Adhere to IFPL restrictions and carry required equipment, including saws equipped with a 0.023-inch or smaller mesh spark arrestor; a long-handled shovel with an 8-inch blade; and a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher 8 ounces or larger.
- Contact a district office for conditions updates and closure information before harvesting.
- If you see illegal or questionable harvest practices notify the local district office.
Know Before You Go
Most post-fire burn areas on the west side of the Forest have reopened. While these areas may have considerable firewood to harvest, we ask visitors to use caution as there are also increased safety risks. Hazards include falling trees and limbs, unstable ground, falling rocks and landslides. Learn more about safety in burned areas: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/burnsafety
Bring the 10 Essentials while harvesting. Let friends or family know when you are leaving and returning home. Many Forest Service roads are inaccessible until snow melts and much of the Forest has no cell service.
Some roads remain closed on the Barlow and Clackamas River Ranger Districts due to damage from the 2020 wildfires. Know all closures and stay up to date on Mt. Hood National Forest fire recovery progress: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/2020fires
