Cut Your Own Christmas Tree In Mt. Hood National Forest

Get into the holiday spirit with the timeless tradition of cutting your own Christmas tree! There's no better way to create cherished family memories, connect with the great outdoors and support sustainable forestry practices than by harvesting your perfect tree from Mt. Hood National Forest. Permits to cut your own tree are just $5 each, with a limit of five permits per household. They’re available online at Recreation.gov or in person through December 31. If purchasing online, remember to print your permit, as digital copies are not accepted. Please note that Recreation.gov adds a $2.50 service fee per transaction.

Inspect the tree for signs of insects such as trunk deformities or browning of the needles.
Look for bird nests or other signs of habitation. If an animal makes that tree its home, you should leave it alone.
Put the tree in water as soon as possible after you make the cut.
Cut another half an inch up from the initial cut upon returning home so the tree can easily take in water.
If the tree isn't going in the house right away, store it in a bucket of warm water and away from wind and sun to protect from extreme temperature changes.
Water daily; a large tree can consume as much as a gallon of water a day.

For more tips, a how-to video and to purchase your permit online visit the Mt. Hood National Forest website.

Please note: Tree cutting is prohibited along Highways 26, 35, 216 and 224; in designated Wildernesses; in the Bull Run and The Dalles Watersheds; Camp Baldwin and areas closed to public entry.

WHERE TO GET YOUR MT. HOOD CHRISTMAS TREE PERMIT

FREE CHRISTMAS TREE PERMIT FOR FOURTH GRADERS

TREE CUTTING TIPS

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before traveling. Cell phone coverage is limited.
Bring the 10 essentials, including layers, extra food and water, a map and a first-aid kit.
Bring a hand saw to cut your tree and plenty of rope 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.

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Cut Your Own Christmas Tree In Mt. Hood National Forest

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