Sawtooth National Forest: Firewood Permits (2026)
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How to get a personal-use firewood permit on the Sawtooth National Forest in Idaho: what it costs, how much you can cut, when, and the key rules.
Quick facts
- Price: $6.25 per cord, 4-cord minimum.
- How much: 4 cords minimum, 10 cords maximum per household.
- Season: Permits usually go on sale in mid-May, depending on road conditions.
How much does it cost?
- $6.25 per cord, 4-cord minimum.
How much wood can I cut?
- 4 cords minimum, 10 cords maximum per household.
When can I cut?
- Permits usually go on sale in mid-May, depending on road conditions.
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.
- Buy at Sawtooth National Forest offices, participating local vendors, or online through E-Permits.
Rules to know
- Follow Forest Service travel rules for the area unless your permit says otherwise.
- Fire restrictions may limit cutting later in summer.
- Tribal members may get a free permit with valid ID.
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 Sawtooth Christmas tree permit page.
Sources
More firewood in Idaho: All forests · Idaho 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.