If you want an unforgettable Christmas tree picking experience this year then you should consider cutting down your own. Christmas Tree Permits are now available for Olympic National Forest and all you need is a few dollars, some tools, and the desire for a road trip.
Tree permits cost $5 and allow you to cut down any evergreen except for Western White Pines. By any evergreen, we mean that they also must not be taller than 15 feet tall and also cannot be located in a prohibited area.
The rules are pretty simple, but we’ll list them all below so that you can decide if this tree picking experience is for you.
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Here are the exact specifications for selecting your perfect tree.
Available trees may be cut from along roads, forest plantations, and in the understory of older stands. You must make sure you are cutting on Forest Service land and know where you are before you start cutting. You may only cut a tree if there is a standing tree within 10 feet, this avoids denuding areas.
You cannot cut within 100 feet of campground or trailheads or within the Quinault Special Management Area, designated wilderness, and Research Natural Areas.
When it comes to picking your tree, you may cut any evergreen except for Western White Pine, it is your job to educate yourself on tree identification. The maximum tree height is 15 feet and you must cut down all of it, you cannot remove the top of the tree.
Finally, if you plan on cutting more than 5 trees and transporting them with your vehicle, you must have a hauling permit.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and happy holidays!
