Here’s how to cut your own Christmas tree in one of Oregon’s national forests

Don’t have your Christmas tree yet? There’s an option you might not have considered.

For just $5 — and a little effort — you can find your Christmas tree in one of Oregon’s national forests.

The U.S. Forest Service encourages the public to harvest Christmas trees from designated areas in national forests to help with forest thinning, which can help lessen wildfire risks, the National Forest Foundation said in a news release.

• Oregon Christmas tree prices have been soaring — but they may be near a peak

Here’s how it works:

• Find your closest national forest. Mount Hood National Forest is the closest to Portland, but there are 10 others around the state.
• Check the guidelines and seasonal dates.
• Buy your permit before you go.
• Choose a tree with a trunk that’s no more than 6 inches in diameter — and one at least 200 feet away from roads, campgrounds and streams.
• Cut down your tree and take it home.

Fourth graders are “eligible for a FREE Christmas Tree permit through an Every Kid Outdoors Pass,” the release said. The program lets all students in fourth grade and their families enjoy federal public lands for free.

You can find the national forest closest to you and purchase your $5 permit at Recreation.gov.

— Julie Evensen covers trending topics and popular culture. She can be reached at jevensen@oregonian.com or @juliecevensen on Twitter and @julieevensen on Threads.

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