Christmas Tree Permits
The holiday season is often time for families and friends to head to the woods to play in the snow and to cut the traditional family Christmas tree. Lifelong memories are built during these special times and the Umatilla National Forest is happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one.
2024 Christmas Tree Cutting Guide
Where can I buy a Christmas Tree Permit?
A Christmas Tree Permit can be purchased in person for $5.00. We ask that you limit permits to one per household, but you can purchase for neighbors, family and friends. Permits will go on sale November 15 and can be purchased at any Umatilla National Forest Office or at several local businesses. Permits may also be purchased online through recreation.gov (a processing fee may be applied). The local businesses include:
Athena, OR Athena Convenience | Boardman, OR Ace Hardware | Elgin, OR Elgin Food Town |
Heppner, OR Heppner Mobil | Hermiston, OR Smitty's Outpost Ace Hardware | Milton-Freewater, OR Zip Zone II |
Pendleton, OR D & B Supply BiMart | Pilot Rock, OR J&D's Food Mart | Tollgate, OR Tollgate Crossing Store |
Ukiah, OR Rhode's Supply | Clarkston, WA Schurman's True Value Hells Canyon NRA Office | Dayton, WA The General Store |
Kennewick, WA Sportsman's Warehouse | Pomeroy, WA Pomeroy Food Center | Walla Walla, WA Sportsman's Warehouse |
The Christmas Tree Cutting Program on the Umatilla National Forest remains simple and easy to follow. The Christmas tree permit is valid on any Umatilla National Forest Ranger District land when accompanied by this brochure. Please follow these few simple rules:
- Clean up any trimmings or limbs.
- Leave stumps no higher than 10 inches. It is illegal to “top” a tree.
- Cut off any green limbs left on the stump (these can be used for decorating greens).
- The maximum height of tree to be cut is 14 feet tall.
- Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
- Do not cut on private land, in wilderness areas, designated campgrounds, or existing tree plantations.
- Do not cut trees within 200 feet of Bluewood or Spout Springs Ski Areas, summer home sites, Tollgate Work Center, or Forest Service Guard Stations.
- Christmas tree cutting in the Tollgate Area on the Walla Walla Ranger District can be challenging after December 1, when most Forest roads close for the winter. After Dec. 1, snowmobiling or snowshoeing will be your only access onto most roads off Hwy 204.
- Christmas tree cutting on the Pomeroy Ranger District is prohibited on Park and Cook Ridges, and in the Lick Creek area, including Sheep Creek, Cabin, Capehorn and Mud Springs ridges. You may encounter road closures during logging operations. Please abide by these closures.
- Dress appropriately in warm socks, boots, coats, hats & gloves
- Bring plenty of snacks and water
- Have supplies available to build a fire if necessary
- Make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter travel
- Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be home
Every Kid Outdoors Free Christmas Tree Permit
Get your free Christmas Tree permit! The Every Kid Outdoors program grants free access to fourth graders and family members to over 2,000 federal lands and waters for exploration and a free Christmas Tree permit. For more information on how to obtain your voucher, visit the Every Kid Outdoors pass webpage.
