How To Cut Your Own Christmas Tree In Mt. Hood National Forest
Article At A Glance
- Christmas tree permits cost $5 and are valid through December 31 in Mt. Hood National Forest.
- Cut trees only in designated forest areas; trees must be under 15 feet tall, have another tree within 12 feet and stumps should be no higher than six inches.
- Extend your tree finding adventure with an overnight at a variety of cozy Mt. Hood lodging options.
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.
Tree Finding Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- Bring a hand saw to cut your tree and plenty of rope or bungees to secure it to your vehicle.
- 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.
- Visit TripCheck.com to 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.
- Sno-Park permits are required in designated Sno-Parks from November 1 – April 30. If you're visiting one of these areas make sure you purchase a permit from a valid location.
Extend Your Adventure With An Overnight
Make your tree-cutting outing in Mt. Hood National Forest into a relaxing overnight escape by choosing from cozy mountain lodgings close by. In Government Camp, the iconic Huckleberry Inn offers old-school lodge charm, comfortable rooms and a delicious restaurant — the perfect mountain retreat after a day in the forest. For a more resort-style stay, head down to the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort in Welches. With spacious guest rooms, seasonal dining options and year-round amenities like a heated outdoor pool and golf course, it’s a wonderful base for overnight guests. Or get a cottage at the Mt. Hood Village RV Resort. Here you can choose from cabins, cottages and even tiny homes. Enjoy an indoor pool, hot tub, clubhouse games, playgrounds, walking trails and a convenient on-site general store all on-site.
Staying overnight not only gives you more flexibility to find that perfect Christmas tree, but also lets you enjoy morning forest walks, cozy evenings by a fire and the peacefulness of Mt. Hood under a blanket of stars.
