Sawtooth National Forest: Cut Your Own Christmas Tree (2026)
Has 2026 info
How your family can cut a Christmas tree on the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho, 2026 season. Every fact below comes from the forest's official pages, linked at the bottom.
Quick facts
- Price: $10 per tree
- How many: One tree per family or organization
- Permit sales: Online sales open Nov 13, 2026 (Recreation.gov).
- Cutting season: Nov 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov). Valid until Dec 31 of the year issued.
Where can I cut?
- North Zone map (Fairfield, Ketchum RDs and Sawtooth NRA) and South Zone map (Minidoka RD).
- 2026 versions of both maps are posted on the Recreation.gov listing.
- The maps are also free on the Avenza Maps store.
When can I buy a permit?
- Online sales open Nov 13, 2026 (Recreation.gov).
- Cutting season: Nov 13 – Dec 31, 2026 (permit season listed on Recreation.gov).
- Valid until Dec 31 of the year issued.
How much?
- $10 per tree
- Extra fees: Not stated.
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.
- Sawtooth NF offices and Recreation.gov.
Rules to know
- How many: One tree per family or organization
- Up to 20 ft tall.
- Species include lodgepole pine, subalpine fir, Douglas-fir and pinyon pine depending on area.
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)
Need firewood too? See the Sawtooth firewood permit page.
Sources
- Forest Service: Christmas Tree Permits (Sawtooth)
- Forest Service news release: Christmas tree permits go on sale (Nov 12, 2024)
- Recreation.gov: Sawtooth National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
More in Idaho: All Idaho options
Independent site. Forest Permit Finder is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the USDA Forest Service or Recreation.gov. Permit rules change; always check the official page before you go. Information last verified Oct 2026.