Fremont-Winema National Forest Christmas Tree Permit
Fremont-Winema National Forest
This permit allows you to cut a Christmas Tree within designated areas of the Fremont-Winema 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.
Please be sure to read and agree to all the tips and guidelines when selecting your tree.
Need to Know
Selecting Your Tree
The Fremont-Winema National 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.
You must print and bring your Christmas Tree Permit with you. This permit must be displayed on the dashboard of your vehicle at all times while cutting and transporting a Christmas tree on the Fremont-Winema National Forest.
The following tree species may be cut on the Forest’s Bly, Lakeview, Paisley, and Silver Lake ranger districts: Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, white fir, and incense cedar.
The following tree species may be cut on the Forest’s Chemult, Chiloquin, and Klamath ranger districts: Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, and white fir.
Tree Height: 15 feet maximum, Stump diameter: 6 inches maximum
Choose a tree from a dense forested area, which will give the remaining trees more space to grow. If snow is on the ground, remove it from around the stump so you can accurately measure the stump diameter and tree height.
Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree. Cut the tree as close as possible to the ground and leave as little of the stump as possible, less than 12 inches.
Cut off live limbs remaining on the stump and scatter them. Clear branches and debris from road banks and ditches.
Where to Cut Your Tree
The Fremont-Winema National Forest’s Christmas tree permits are valid for use on the Forest in Klamath and Lake Counties.
Cut trees only within the national Forest boundary and respect surrounding private property. It is the responsibility of the cutter to ensure they are not getting their tree from private, state, or other federal lands.
A valid Sno-Park Permit issued by the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required for parking at designated Sno-Parks. Sno-Park Permits are sold by DMV, permit agents at resorts, sporting goods stores, and at other retail outlets.
When searching for your Christmas tree on the Fremont-Winema National Forest, be sure to use designated motorized roads and to be aware of seasonal road closures. Maps and travel publications are available online.
Certain Forest roads are designated as snowmobile trails when sufficient snow is present and closed to motor vehicle traffic.
Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees. Do not cut in wilderness areas, experimental forests, tree plantations, developed recreation areas, administrative sites, or in any other posted area. Do not cut trees within 100 feet of stream banks.
Planning Your Trip
Helpful Cutting Tips
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 at least one inch off the base of the trunk and place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket of water. Replenish water daily.
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.
Cut your tree early in the season before favorite cutting areas can’t be reached because of snow.
How to Plan Your Trip
Cutting a Christmas tree on the Fremont-Winema National Forest is a great holiday tradition for many families and helps with hazardous fuels reduction by removing smaller trees from the Forest. Following are some tips to make your experience more enjoyable:
All Forest Offices are open for phone calls Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm and can answer questions regarding Christmas tree cutting, current conditions, and roads. The offices will be closed Monday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day and Thursday, November 28, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Before you leave home, be sure to measure the space where you plan to place the tree in your home (height and width), and measure the space in your vehicle where you will be transporting the tree.
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. Start your day early. Be sure to harvest your tree and leave the woods before dark. Bring plenty of food and water with you as well as an overnight survival kit in case you become stranded. Dress warmly and take extra dry clothes. Expect winter weather, including cold temperatures, snow and winds. Bring a map with you. Don’t rely on GPS because it may not be up to date with forest service roads.
Wet dirt roads can quickly turn to mud, making it possible to get stuck and cause damage to road, soil, and water resources. If there are puddles in the road, mud flipping off the tires, or you can see your ruts in the rearview mirror, consider pulling over and taking a hike to look for a tree, or turning around and finding a different area to cut your tree.
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.
We don't recommend bringing your pets, but if you do, they must be on a leash.
