Colville National Forest: Firewood Permits (2026)
Price posted
How to get a personal-use firewood permit on the Colville National Forest in Washington: what it costs, how much you can cut, when, and the key rules.
Quick facts
- Price: Free for personal use.
- How much: Up to 12 cords per household.
- Season: Valid for the 2026 season: June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.
How much does it cost?
- Free for personal use.
How much wood can I cut?
- Up to 12 cords per household.
When can I cut?
- Valid for the 2026 season: June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.
How do I get a permit?
- Pick up a free self-service authorization and cutting packet at any district office or the Colville headquarters, usually outside the visitor entrance.
Rules to know
- Fill out the authorization before you cut.
- Record your cutting on the quantity removal record.
- Follow the rules in the cutting packet.
Before you go
- Check fire restrictions the day you cut. Chainsaw use is often limited or banned in hot, dry weather.
- Cut only on National Forest land in open areas, never on private, state, tribal or BLM land.
- Stay on open roads. Use the forest's Motor Vehicle Use Map.
- Keep firewood local. Moving it can spread insects and diseases that kill trees.
What to bring:
- Your permit and load tickets or tags (printed, if bought online)
- A chainsaw with a working spark arrester, or a hand saw or ax
- A shovel and a fire extinguisher (many forests require them)
- Gloves, eye and ear protection, and sturdy boots
- A truck or trailer that can carry the weight (a full cord can weigh thousands of pounds)
Cutting a Christmas tree? See the Colville Christmas tree permit page.
Sources
More firewood in Washington: Gifford Pinchot · Okanogan-Wenatchee · Olympic · All forests · Washington state page
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.