Christmas Tree Cutting Permits Now Available

When traveling out to find and cut your own Christmas tree in Oregon, remember safety first.

Photo: Salem-News.com

(SALEM) - For many families, it is an annual tradition to brew up some hot chocolate, wrap the scarves up tight and travel deep into the woods in search of that perfect Christmas tree.

However, this year, you may have to drive a bit further.

The Oregon Department of Forestry is not offering Christmas Tree Cutting permits on the Santiam State Forest this year.

The Santiam State Forest covers parts of Clackamas and Marion counties.

For local residents willing to travel a little longer however, a fun family outing can still be had.

Christmas tree cutting permits can be purchased for both the Mount Hood and Willamette National Forests at US Forest Service Ranger Stations.

For the Mt. Hood National Forest, call (503) 668-1629.

For the Willamette National Forest, call the Detroit Ranger Station at (503) 854-3366.

Permits are available now and are $5 each. You may buy up to five permits per household, and cut trees up to 12 feet.

Some restrictions apply, such as cutting trees along certain roads, and near campgrounds, trails, streams and lakes.

Call each Ranger District for particular details.

Always remember if you're going into the woods to pick your tree early and leave before it gets dark, to remember that forest roads are not plowed, to carry tire chains, shovels and tow chains, to dress warmly and take extra dry clothes and to bring hot drinks and extra food.