For some, Christmas tree cutting on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has been a holiday tradition for many years. To help protect the future of this program, we ask that you take special care to read and follow the guidelines.
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, though, so it really is a matter of personal preference.
How you collect your Christmas Tree can be half the fun, make an adventure out of it!
Branches trimmed from your tree may be used as holiday greens!
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.
Per 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 www.everykidinapark.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, cut your Christmas tree only on Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest or Medford District BLM-administered lands. Be sure you get one of the basic maps that are provided at the time you purchase your permit, and Forest and District maps are available for sale.
Select any tree species that is less than 12 feet tall. Only take a tree that is within 15 feet of another tree, and cut stumps shorter than 12 inches.
Respect road and area closures. Free copies of the Motor Vehicle Use Maps are available at every Forest office.
Please do not cut trees on private property, within 150 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds and other developed areas.
Avoid cutting trees within 300 feet of streams and bodies of water or within young tree plantations (nursery-grown seedlings planted for future forests.
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.
In Brookings permits can be obtained at:
Rogue River-Siskiyou NF,
Gold Beach Ranger District
Chetco Station, 539 Chetco Avenue
Brookings, OR (541) 412-6000
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
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