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Washington, 2026 season

Washington Christmas Tree Permits 2026

Five national forests and one BLM district cover Christmas tree cutting in Washington, and they do not charge the same. The Colville dropped its permit entirely beginning with the 2025 season: cutting there is free, two trees to a family. The Gifford Pinchot, Okanogan-Wenatchee and Olympic charge $5 a tree, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie $10, and the BLM Spokane District $5 with a $1 holiday reduction in 2025. Household limits run from two permits on the Okanogan-Wenatchee to five on the Gifford Pinchot, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Olympic. Maximum height is 12 feet on the Gifford Pinchot and 15 feet on the other three. Permits are sold on Recreation.gov, at ranger stations and at stores near the forests. The Umatilla National Forest also reaches into southeast Washington and sells through vendors in Clarkston, Dayton, Kennewick, Pomeroy and Walla Walla.

6
Forests selling permits
4 on Recreation.gov
$5 to $10
Price per tree
2026 season
Each fall
On sale
on each forest permit page
Free
Fourth graders
with an Every Kid Outdoors pass
Forest by forest

Where to get a Christmas tree permit in Washington

Washington state trust lands have no Christmas tree program: the Department of Natural Resources sells firewood permits and lists specialized forest products, but no Christmas tree permit.

Colville National Forest, Olympic National Forest and BLM Spokane District show the 2025 season, the most recent the forest has posted. Each forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page in the fall.

Colville National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
free; no permit or authorization is required
Limit
two trees per family
Where to buy
no permit needed

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

Christmas Tree ... No Christmas tree cutting permit is required for the 2025 season.
Permits, Colville National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

Since the 2025 season the forest has asked for no permit and no fee to cut a Christmas tree.

Beginning in 2025, Christmas Tree harvesting does not require a permit or authorization and is free of charge.
Colville National Forest. Read it at the source

Most of the forest is open, but private and state land inside the boundary, posted plantations, campgrounds, administrative sites and other posted areas are not.

Most of the Colville National Forest is open to Christmas tree cutting. However, cutting is prohibited on privately owned and state land within the National Forest boundary, in posted plantations, campgrounds, administrative sites, and other areas where posted.
Colville National Forest. Read it at the source

Take the whole tree and leave a stump no more than 6 inches high.

Please remove the entire tree, not just the top (leave no more than a 6-inch stump).
Colville National Forest. Read it at the source

Two trees is what a family may harvest.

Each family may harvest two trees.
Colville National Forest. Read it at the source

Bring a map: the forest points tree hunters at its downloadable forest maps.

Grab the saw, get a map, and bundle up! ... Downloadable Forest Maps
Colville National Forest. Read it at the source

Colville National Forest permit page

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

2026 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$5 per tree, with additional administrative fees on all online sales
Limit
five permits per household, one tree per permit
Tallest tree
12 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, Cowlitz Valley, Mt. Adams and Mount St. Helens district offices, local vendors in southwest Washington
The cost of a permit is $5/tree with a limit of 5 trees per household. (One household may purchase up to 5 permits.) All permit sales are final, and payments are not subject to refund.
Get Your Christmas Tree Permit, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

One permit covers one tree under 12 feet, cut 12 inches or less above the ground with the live limbs trimmed off the stump.

Cut one tree per permit. Five permits per household maximum. ... Select trees not more than 12 feet tall. ... Cut the tree 12 inches or less above the ground level. Remove snow around tree base if needed. Cut off live limbs remaining on the stump.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

Taking the top of a tall tree instead of the whole tree is prohibited.

Tree topping is prohibited.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

Punch the date on the permit and attach it to the tree before you leave.

Upon return to your vehicle, punch out month, day, and year on permit. Immediately attach permit securely to your freshly cut tree where it will be clearly visible.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

Wilderness, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, experimental forests, campgrounds, administrative sites, ground within 300 feet of a stream and private or state land inside the boundary are all closed.

Christmas Tree cutting is prohibited in the following locations: Congressionally designated Wilderness areas, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, experimental forests, developed campgrounds, administrative sites, within 300 feet of streams, on private or state-owned lands within national forest boundaries, and in any other posted area.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

The special forest product map shows where cutting is allowed, free on Avenza or on paper when you buy the permit.

Christmas Tree cutting maps: Download a free digital Special Forest Product Map on Avenza Maps or get one in person when you get your tree permit. If you are unsure about areas available for tree cutting, please contact the nearest Ranger District office.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

A Sno-Park permit is needed to park at a Sno-Park and a recreation pass at fee trailheads.

Sno-Park permits are required when parking in a designated Sno-Park area and a valid Recreation Pass is required at designated trailheads.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass get a free permit here.

Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit with their 4th Grade Interagency Pass (also free).
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source

Gifford Pinchot National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

2026 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$10 each
Limit
five per household
Tallest tree
15 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov
Christmas Trees (purchased at rec.gov ) 5 per household $10 each Until Christmas
Special Forest Products, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

The forest sells the permit through Recreation.gov at $10 a tree, five to a household, good until Christmas.

Christmas Trees (purchased at rec.gov ) 5 per household $10 each Until Christmas
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Read it at the source

The tree may be up to 15 feet with a stump no more than 12 inches, and you take the whole tree rather than its top.

Tree Height: 15 feet maximum ... Stump height: 12 inches maximum ... Take the whole tree. Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Read it at the source

The permit is good in the eastern parts of Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

The Christmas tree permits are valid for use in the eastern portions of Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Read it at the source

State and private land, wilderness, research natural areas, plantations and posted areas are closed, and so is anything in sight of a campground, picnic area, trailhead or administrative site.

Do not cut on state or private land, in wilderness areas, research natural areas, tree plantations or in any other posted area. ... Do not cut within site of campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, or administrative sites.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Read it at the source

Active timber sales and newly planted ground are off limits, as is ground within 150 feet of water.

Do not cut in active timber sales or areas that have been planted with new trees. ... Do not cut trees within 150 feet of any stream, lakes, pounds or wetland areas
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Read it at the source

Gathering of any special forest product is prohibited in wilderness, research natural areas, experimental forests and closed areas.

*Gathering, harvesting, or collecting is Prohibited inside the Legislated Wilderness, Research Natural Areas, Experimental Forests, and other administratively closed areas.
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Read it at the source

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

2026 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$5 per tree, and vendors add a $2 administrative processing fee
Limit
two permits per family, one tree each
Tallest tree
15 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, Cle Elum, Methow Valley, Naches and Wenatchee River district offices, participating vendors
You will need a $5 Christmas tree permit to remove a tree from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Permits are not refundable. Permits purchased online must be printed to be valid.
Forest Product Permits, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

A $5 permit is required, it is not refundable, and an online one has to be printed.

You will need a $5 Christmas tree permit to remove a tree from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Permits are not refundable. Permits purchased online must be printed to be valid.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

The tree may be up to 15 feet, taken whole with a stump of 6 inches or less, and it may be dug up as a transplant instead.

Maximum tree size is 15 feet. The tree may be cut or dug up and removed as a transplant. The ground starts freezing as early as November. Please fill in the hole created when digging up a live tree. Please remove the entire tree, not just the top. Leave no more than a 6-inch stump.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

Peel the sticker and wrap it around the trunk where it shows, one tree to a permit and two permits to a family.

When you cut your tree, peel and attach the Christmas tree permit sticker by wrapping it around the tree trunk between limbs where it is clearly visible while in transit. Tags may not be re-used. Each permit is for one Christmas tree. Maximum two permits issued per family.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

Wilderness, closed areas, active timber sales, plantations, campgrounds, administrative sites, private and state land, and anything within 150 feet of water are closed.

Prohibited Areas ... Within congressionally designated Wilderness Areas. Within closed areas . Within 150 feet of any stream, lake, pond, or wetland area. In active timber sale areas. On privately owned and state managed land within the National Forest boundary. In tree plantations, campgrounds, administrative sites, or other areas where specifically posted.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

Several named highways and forest roads have a 200 foot no cutting strip along them.

Within 200 feet of the following roads: Naches District along Highway 410, Highway 12, and Forest Service Roads #1200, #1800, and #1900 ... Cle Elum District along I-90 and Highway 97
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

A Sno-Park permit is needed to park at a Sno-Park, and a Northwest Forest Pass at fee trailheads.

Do not park at a Sno-Park unless you have a valid Washington State Sno-Park permit displayed in your vehicle. ... When at a trailhead requiring a fee, you will need to display a Northest Forest Pass on dashboard of vehicle.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass get a free permit here.

Free Christmas tree permits are available to all Fourth Graders with Every Kid Outdoors Pass or voucher. Pass holders may receive a free Christmas tree permit by presenting Every Kid Outdoors Pass or valid paper voucher printed from Every Kid Outdoors website.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Read it at the source

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

Olympic National Forest

2025 season

USDA Forest Service

Price
$5 each
Limit
five permits per household, one tree each
Tallest tree
15 feet
Where to buy
Recreation.gov, Olympia, Quilcene, Quinault and Forks forest offices, local vendors

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

Christmas Tree Permits are $5.00 each and are good for one tree on the Olympic National Forest. Each household is allowed up to five Christmas tree permits.
Christmas Tree Permits, Olympic National Forest, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

One permit is good for one tree anywhere on the forest except the areas its terms and conditions rule out.

Christmas Tree Permits are $5.00 each and are good for one tree on the Olympic National Forest. Each household is allowed up to five Christmas tree permits. ... These permits are good for anywhere on the forest except those areas defined in the terms and conditions.
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

Any evergreen but western white pine is fair game, up to 15 feet, and you take the whole tree.

Any evergreen is available for cutting except Western White Pine ... Tree Height: 15 feet maximum ... Do not remove the top of the tree; cut down the entire tree
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

Cut only where a standing tree is within 10 feet, and keep 100 feet away from campgrounds and trailheads.

Cut trees only if there is a standing tree within 10 feet to avoid denuding areas. ... Do not cut trees within 100 feet of campgrounds or trailheads.
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

The Quinault Special Management Area, wilderness and research natural areas are closed.

Christmas tree cutting is PROHIBITED within the Quinault Special Management Area, designated wilderness, and Research Natural Areas.
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

Hauling more than five trees at once takes a state hauling permit.

Washington State Law requires a hauling permit for hauling more than five trees on/in a vehicle at one time.
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

Permits can be bought over the phone from a forest office and mailed out.

Christmas tree permits can be purchased in person or over the phone, and sent via mail, by contacting a Forest Office.
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass get a free permit here.

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit both online and in-person at Forest Services offices. and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied).
Olympic National Forest. Read it at the source

Olympic National Forest permits on Recreation.gov

BLM Spokane District

2025 season

Bureau of Land Management

Price
$5 per permit for one tree, reduced to $1 through January 31, 2026
Limit
three tree permits per household
Where to buy
forestproducts.blm.gov, the Spokane District Office

These are the forest’s 2025 season details. The forest posts its 2026 price and dates on its permit page each fall.

Each $5.00 permit allows the cutting of one personal-use Christmas tree, and a permit is required for each individual tree visitors wish to take home.
Oregon-Washington Christmas Tree Permits, read September 22, 2026. Read it at the source

Rules for cutting

A permit covers one tree and one is needed for each tree brought home.

Each $5.00 permit allows the cutting of one personal-use Christmas tree, and a permit is required for each individual tree visitors wish to take home.
BLM Spokane District. Read it at the source

The Spokane District takes part and holds households to three permits.

Spokane District Limit of 3 tree permits per household
BLM Spokane District. Read it at the source

From December 5, 2025 through January 31, 2026 the fee dropped to $1 and the household limit rose to three trees.

Effective immediately through January 31, the BLM is reducing many personal-use permit fees to just $1, including Christmas tree permits and firewood permits. ... Increase household limits to up to 10 cords of firewood and up to three Christmas trees, with flexibility to adjust limits in areas with abundant resources.
BLM Spokane District. Read it at the source

The district posts its own stipulations, map and trip planning sheet with the permit.

Spokane District Limit of 3 tree permits per household ... Stipulations ... Map ... Planning Your Trip
BLM Spokane District. Read it at the source

Permits are sold online or at the district office, and calling ahead is wise.

Christmas tree permits can be purchased online or from your local BLM office. ... Find the closest office to you! Call ahead to ensure availability.
BLM Spokane District. Read it at the source

BLM Spokane District permit page

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Every Kid Outdoors

The free Christmas tree permit for Washington fourth graders

A fourth grader with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free Christmas tree permit from a national forest, and Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Olympic National Forest say so on their permit page. The pass is free from the Every Kid Outdoors program, and the permit is redeemed on Recreation.gov with the pass number.

Fourth graders are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit with their 4th Grade Interagency Pass (also free).
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Read it at the source
A small child in a knit hat rides a sled beside a cut fir tree on a snowy forest track, an adult and a dog walking ahead
A family tree on its way out of the Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming. The forest shared this photo to remind fourth graders that the Every Kid Outdoors pass brings a free tree permit. “Christmas tree - Bighorn National Forest - December 2017”, US Forest Service, Public domain

Washington Christmas tree permit questions

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Christmas tree permits in other states

Washington Christmas tree farmsChoose and cut farms and the pick your own season in Washington.First snow in WashingtonWhen the first measurable snow usually falls, city by city.Washington snowpackHow deep the snow sits in the mountains right now.Washington mountain passesPass conditions and winter driving rules from the state transportation department.Christmas tree permits by stateEvery forest's price and dates in one table, with the free fourth grade permit.
Tall snow covered conifers lining a snowy forest road under a bright blue sky
Fresh snow on the conifers of a Pacific Southwest Region national forest in November 2024, the week the region reminded families that its tree permits sell on Recreation.gov. “Are you ready to get into the holiday spirit? Christmas tree permits are availiable online at Recreation (20241116-FS-ASA-55)”, Region 5 Photography, Public domain

Compiled September 22, 2026. Every price, date and rule above is republished from Permits, Colville National Forest and the other forest pages linked beside each quote, read on September 22, 2026. Prices, dates and cutting areas change each fall, so the forest’s page is the one to check before a trip. Every state is in the national Christmas tree permit guide.