Siuslaw National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Siuslaw National Forest! Lifelong memories are built during these special times and we are happy to help with any information gathering you'll need to make this trip a safe and enjoyable one.
Douglas-fir is the primary species found on the Siuslaw, and right-sized trees can be challenging to find. Individuals wanting a fir species or smaller trees may want to consider purchasing a permit from a national forest with lands at higher elevations, such as the Willamette or Deschutes National Forests in the Oregon Cascades.
Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree.
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
Each forest has limitations on the size of the tree you can cut and the species of trees that are permitted. See below to help you measure and choose a tree that meets your permit's guidelines.
Stump height: 6 inches maximum
Maximum tree height of 12 feet.
Take the whole tree. Do not remove just the top of the tree.
The cutting or digging of Pacific yew trees is prohibited.
Cut or dig your tree only if another tree is within 10 feet.
Where to Cut Your Tree
Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees.
Do not cut trees within 200 feet of state highways, picnic areas, campgrounds and other developed areas.
Do not cut trees within 100 feet on either side of designated hiking trails.
Do not cut trees within 200 feet of streams and bodies of water.
Do not cut trees in Wilderness Areas or Wild and Scenic River corridors, in campgrounds, developed recreation areas, Research Natural Areas or Areas of Critical Environmental Concern.
Additional Prohibted cutting areas include:
1. Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
2. Top of Mt. Hebo from the intersection of FS roads 14 and 1432 to North Lake
3. Cascade Head Scenic Research Area and Cascade Head Experimental Forest
4. Marys Peak – all forest lands north of Hwy. 34 in Benton County, including all National Forest land accessed by Marys Peak Road and Woods Creek Road
5. Corvallis Watershed
6. Cape Perpetua Special Interest Area and Cummins/Gwynn Creek Research Area
7. Kentucky Falls Special Interest Area
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
To keep the tree from drying out, leave it outside until you’re ready to put it in a stand. At that point, cut the trunk at an angle, and keep it in plenty of water.
Carry your tree carefully out of the woods. Dragging the tree will rub off needles and bark.
If the tree is too big to transport inside of your vehicle, wrap it in canvas to prevent wind damage.
Once home, cut the bottom of the trunk off and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water.
If storing your tree outside for a few days before putting it in the house, keep it in an area protected from the wind, such as the north or east side of your house or under a shaded tree.
Tools you might want to consider bringing with you include a measuring tape to ensure you select a tree that fits in your home; handsaw to cut your tree; gloves to protect your hands; boots to protect your feet; a tarp to sit on and/or to move your tree once it's cut; and rope or straps to secure your tree to your vehicle.
Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow.
Cut the leftover branches from the stump and scatter them.
How to Plan Your Trip
No ATVS or off highway vehicles allowed.
Parking pass or day use fee may be required depending on the harvest site.
Cell service may be spotty or unavailable. Be sure someone knows where you are and when to expect you back. Check the latest weather conditions, forest warnings and road closures before you leave on your trip. Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up-to-date with forest service roads. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Start your day early. Be sure to find your tree and leave the woods before dark.
Pets must be on a leash.
Roads may not be plowed. Carry tire chains, shovel(s) and a tow chain. Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas. Bring a spare key and give it to someone else in your party. Don’t get locked out of your car! Park in areas so that traffic can get by safely, and do not block gates.
