Christmas Tree Permits

For many families, the search for and selection of their own Christmas tree in the forest is a wonderful experience, part of their holiday tradition. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is happy to provide the opportunity for families to enjoy the forest and fulfill this tradition each year.  Permits can be obtained seasonally at Recreation.gov!

Permits typically go on sale in November and are valid through December 31. A permit costs $10.00. Each household may cut only one tree. 

Christmas trees gathered under these permits must be cut in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.  If you are looking to cut a tree on the Lassen National Forest, please go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/lassen for information about purchasing a permit for the Lassen National Forest.

Permits do not authorize cutting on private land. Please be respectful of private property. Follow the maps and be sure you are on the forest. The maps are part of the permit and are required to be in your possession when searching for and bringing home your tree.

Forest offices remain closed, due to Covid-19. Options for purchasing Christmas tree permits this year include online through recreation.gov, local retail locations, or by mail from your local Forest Office.

Please note!  Some areas of the forest are not open, as a result of this past summer's wildfires.  Please be aware of the current closure areas before you plan your trip to the forest. Closure orders are listed on the Home Page or under the View All Forest Alerts Link. 

Please see the Christmas Tree Permit Guide for more information

Options for purchasing a Christmas Tree Permit

• Online at Recreation.gov.

  Fourth-grade students are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit, paying only the $2.50 service fee under the Every Kid Outdoors program.

  It is important to carefully read the overview and the need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will need to set up or log in to a Recreation.gov account to complete the secure credit card transaction.

• At retail locations in Mt. Shasta, McCloud, Redding and Weaverville. Please contact the location to verify hours and availability.  Unfortunately the retail locations are not able to provide the "Every Kid Outdoors" free permit for Fourth-grade students.

  Mt. Shasta: The Fifth Season, Ramshaw’s Ace Hardware, and Solano’s Do It Best Hardware
  McCloud: McCloud Outdoors and Gear Exchange
  Hayfork: The Watershed Research Center and Training
  Redding: Sports, Ltd.
  Weaverville: Crockett's Up North Confectionery & Mercantile and Trinity Visitor Center

The required maps will be included with the permit.

• By mail

  Permits may be purchased by calling with a credit card or mailing a check to your local Shasta-Trinity National Forest Ranger Station. Permits and maps will be returned by mail. Please allow up to two weeks for processing.  Fourth-grade students may get their free "Every Kid Outdoors" permit through the mail.

Christmas Tree Permit Maps and Motor Vehicle Use Maps (.pdf)

Shasta - West Half		Shasta - East Half
Christmas Tree Map	MVUMs Mt Shasta North Mt Shasta South Shasta Lake West Shasta Lake East	Christmas Tree Map Supplemental Map (areas closed 11/1 - 12/31)	MVUMs McCloud North McCloud South
Trinity - North Half		Trinity - South Half
Christmas Tree Map	MVUMs Weaverville North Weaverville South Big Bar	Christmas Tree Map	MVUMs Hayfork & Yolla Bolla North Yolla Bolla South

Download maps to the Avenza app:  https://www.avenzamaps.com/maps/1125082

Maps show your location and work without cell service.