Cut Your Own Christmas Tree In Mt. Hood National Forest

As the holiday season approaches, many families eagerly anticipate their annual tradition of selecting the perfect Christmas tree. Cutting your own Christmas tree in the national forest provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature, create lasting memories and support sustainable forestry practices. Permits to cut down a tree in the Mt. Hood National Forest are available online at Recreation.gov and in person through Dec. 31. Permits are $5 per tree with a limit of five permits per household. Permits purchased online are only valid if printed and Recreation.gov charges an additional service fee of $2.50.

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.

Christmas tree permits for the Mt. Hood National Forest are available online at Recreation.gov and in person through December 31, 2023. We encourage visitors to call ahead to ensure location is open.

Ranger Stations

Clackamas River Ranger District
Hours: Monday-Friday | 8am-4pm
Holiday Hours: Weekends from Nov. 11 to Dec. 16 | 8am-2pm
16400 Champion Way, Sandy, OR 97055
971-333-4100

Zigzag Ranger District
Hours: Sunday-Saturday | 8am-4pm
70220 E Highway 26, Zigzag, OR 97049
503-622-3191

Local Vendors

Christmas tree permits are also $5 when purchased from a vendor! Here are the local businesses that participate in the Christmas tree vendor program around Mt. Hood Territory. Click here for a full list of vendors.

Estacada
Ace Hardware
310 SE Main St., Estacada
503-630-3769

Estacada Tackle Shop
210 SE Hwy 224, Estacada
503-630-7424

Rhododendron
Mt. Hood Village Market
73265 Hwy 26, Rhododendron
503-622-4652

Sandy
Ace Heritage Hardware
39181 Pioneer Blvd. #417, Sandy
503-668-8731

Welches
Hoodland Thriftway
68280 Hwy 26, Welches
503-622-3244

Welches Mountain Building Supply
67250 Hwy 26, Welches
503-622-3000

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.
View more guidelines and tips.