For some, Christmas tree cutting in our local National Forests has been a holiday tradition for many years. How you collect your Christmas Tree can be half the fun, and the U.S. Forest Service is giving everybody an opportunity to make an adventure out of it!
Some of our conifer trees make ideal Christmas trees, including Douglas-fir, noble fir, and Shasta red fir. Some people also like incense cedars and ponderosa pines, so it really is a matter of personal preference.
There are some Guidelines and Restrictions for collecting your Christmas Trees.
One permit is required for each Christmas tree, and five permits maximum, per household. Permits are $5.00 each in Oregon, and $10.00 each in California .
As part of the ‘Every Kid in a Park initiative’, ALL 4th graders are entitled to one FREE Christmas tree permit with a valid Every Kid in a Park pass.
To get the park pass, visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov and follow the instructions to get a paper voucher. You then can exchange that for a card at a Forest Service office.
Christmas tree permits must be validated and attached to your tree during transit.
In southwest Oregon and Northwest California, be sure to get one of the basic maps that are provided at the time you purchase your permit. Other Forest and District maps are available for sale.
Select any tree species in the U.S. National Forest designated area you are permitted to harvest in that is less than 12 feet tall, within 15 feet of another tree, and cut your Christmas tree being sure to leave your stump shorter than 12 inches.
Christmas tree permits must be validated and attached to your tree during transit.
Below are some of the types trees that you may see during your trip into our local National Forests and how you can identify them.
Shasta Fir
- Needles are generally 0.75 – 1.5 inches long.
- Mature needles are dark blue-green. Newer growth is a silvery color.
- Has stiff strong branches, great for heavier ornaments.
- Holds needles and maintains color well.
Douglas-fir
- Has 1- to 1 ½-inch needles.
- Needles hold a blue to dark green color.
- Needles radiate in all directions on the twig and are generally soft to the touch. The shape and positioning of needles on the twig make it resemble a pipe cleaner or bottle brush.
- Can turn brown faster than other Firs even if put immediately into water after harvesting.
Pacific Silver Fir
- Has flat ¾- to 1 ½-inch needles.
- Needles are dark green on top with white lines underneath.
- Needles point forward and upward rather than lying flat.
- Stays green and holds needles well.
In Brookings permits can be obtained at:
Chetco Outdoor Store
16220 Hoffeldt Lane,
Brookings, OR (541) 469-9151
In Gold Beach permits can be obtained at:
Rogue River-Siskiyou NF,
Gold Beach Ranger District,
Gold Beach Ranger Station, 29279 Ellensburg Avenue
Gold Beach, OR, (541) 247-3600
Rogue Outdoor Store
29865 Ellensburg Ave.
Gold Beach, OR (541) 247-7142
In Crescent City, permits to cut your own tree in the Six Rivers National Forest are now available for $10.00 each and can be purchased at:
Chamber Visitor Ctr.
1001 Front Street,
Crescent City, CA
(707) 464-3174
Smith River NRA/Gasquet Ranger Dist.
10600 Highway 199,
Gasquet, CA
(707) 457-3131
To ensure your visit to the forest is an enjoyable and safe experience, please follow these important tips:
Let someone know where you’re going and your estimated return time.
Bring cold-weather clothing, even if the day is nice when you start out.
Bring emergency food and water, first-aid kit, tire chains, and shovel.
Have a full tank of gas in your vehicle and don’t forget to bring a map.
Don’t forget to bring your tag—you’ll need to attach it to your tree! For all outdoor activities this time of year, be prepared for winter weather. Check weather and road conditions prior to departure and always travel with a full tank of gas. Travel with adequate supplies such as warm clothing, blankets/sleeping bags, high energy food, water, warm beverages, first aid kit, flashlight, whistle, mirror, shovel, chains, and maps. You should always let someone know where you plan to harvest your tree and your expected return time. All offices will be closed Thursday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.
