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Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)

Has 2026 info 2026 dates from the forest's Recreation.gov listing. Rules from the Forest Service page (updated Jun 10, 2026).

How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.

Where can I cut?

• See the forest's maps after you buy.

When can I buy a permit?

• Online sales open Nov 12, 2026 (Recreation.gov).
• Cutting season: Nov 12 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).

How much?

• $5 per tree
• Extra fees: Additional administrative fees apply to online sales.

How do I buy it?

What's an online permit? It's a permit you buy on Recreation.gov, the U.S. government's official booking website. You pay there, then follow the instructions that come with your permit.

• Recreation.gov, district offices (Cowlitz Valley – Randle; Mt. Adams – Trout Lake; Mount St. Helens – Amboy), or local vendors.
• Sales final.

Rules to know

• How many: 5 trees per household
• See the forest's 'How to Select and Cut a Tree' page.

Before you go

• Check this forest's official page and alerts the week you go. Rules, roads and closures can change.
• Cut only on National Forest land, never on private, state or tribal land.
• Forest roads are often unplowed. Check the weather and road conditions.
• Follow your permit's instructions for carrying, tagging or displaying it.

What to bring:

• Your permit (printed, if your forest asks you to print it)
• A hatchet, ax or saw (check your forest: some ban chainsaws)
• Warm gloves, boots and extra warm clothing
• Rope to tie your tree down
• A flashlight, first aid kit and tire chains
• Water, a hot drink, lunch or snacks (it always takes longer than expected)

Packing list based on the Forest Service's Christmas tree safety tips for the Chippewa National Forest. Before you leave, tell someone where you plan to cut.

Need firewood too? See the Gifford Pinchot firewood permit page.

Sources

• Forest Service: Get Your Christmas Tree Permit (Gifford Pinchot) (page updated: Jun 10, 2026)
• Recreation.gov: Gifford Pinchot National Forest Christmas Tree Permit (page updated: 2026 season listing (checked Oct 24, 2026))

Data Source: Recreation.gov

Last verified: Oct 2026 (2026-10-29).

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