Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Firewood Permits (2026)
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How to get a personal-use firewood permit on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington: what it costs, how much you can cut, when, and the key rules.
Quick facts
- Price: Free for personal use. Vendors add a $2 processing fee.
- How much: Not stated for free personal-use permits on the official page.
- Season: Permits are typically available May 1 and are good through December 31. On the Naches Ranger District, they start the first Monday in May and are good through September 30.
How much does it cost?
- Free for personal use.
- Vendors add a $2 processing fee.
How much wood can I cut?
- Not stated for free personal-use permits on the official page.
When can I cut?
- Permits are typically available May 1 and are good through December 31.
- On the Naches Ranger District, they start the first Monday in May and are good through September 30.
How do I get a permit?
What's E-Permits? It's the Forest Service's own online permit website. You pick your forest, pay (or get a free permit), and print it. Most forests say a printed copy is required.
- Get a free permit online through E-Permits (since May 1, 2026) or at a forest office.
- Online permits work anywhere on the forest.
- Office permits only on the district that issued them.
Rules to know
- Free-use wood may not be resold.
- Online permits must be printed to be valid.
- 2026 is a transition year; from 2027 all firewood permits move to E-Permits.
- Commercial permits: 4 cords for $20 up to 12 cords for $60.
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 Okanogan-Wenatchee Christmas tree permit page.
Sources
More firewood in Washington: Colville · Gifford Pinchot · 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.