How to Harvest a Christmas Tree on the Umatilla or Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
This article is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace the reader’s own research. Please be sure to check local regulations and weather forecast before embarking on a tree hunting adventure.
2022 marks the return of a family tradition in our home, harvesting a Christmas tree from the National Forest. We’ve allowed weather conditions and having young children to result in a return to the attic and an artificial tree for the past several years. However, holiday cheer has been in the air, and landing tree permits in the store became icing on the cake.
My goal with this article is to help answer some common questions and demystify the tree hunting experience for those who may be interested but uninitiated. We had a great experience going out with family and friends and hope to share some of the secret sauce. Happy hunting!
Do I need a license/permit to harvest a Christmas tree from the National Forest?
Yes. The permit for the Umatilla and Wallowa-Whitman National Forest costs $5, and the season is November 15th thru December 31st. It can be purchased at any of the following:
Local businesses
National Forest offices
Online at recreation.gov (Umatilla National Forest Christmas Tree Permit in Oregon - Recreation.gov)
A quick note on travel safety
Winter travel should always be taken seriously, especially when driving to the mountains. Tollgate and I-84 East are the main access points if coming from Pendleton or surrounding areas. Be sure to check the road cameras and weather conditions using TripCheck (Road & Weather Conditions Map | TripCheck - Oregon Traveler Information). It’s also important to have a plan for returning home, and make sure the weather forecast is compatible with that timeline.
Road closures caused by poor weather and traffic accidents are common occurrences in the winter months. Be sure to leave town with a vehicle appropriate for winter travel, lots of fuel, extra food, water, and coats in case there’s an unexpected delay.
We left town with clear skies, bare pavement, and a temperature of 40 degrees. Our return trip home was a different story. In under three hours there was heavy snow, slick roads, and the tow truck was on site loading up a vehicle that lost course. Remember the mountain has more to say about travel times and expectations than we do.
What do I need to pack?
Permit – Take the tag along to be fastened to the tree of choice.
Saw – A basic collapsible handsaw or D-ring handsaw will do.
Rope or paracord – To fasten the tree for travel home. Sometimes useful for hauling the tree to the vehicle as well.
Tarp (optional) – Put between the vehicle and the tree to protect paint.
Warm clothing, wear multiple layers – A lengthy walk in the snow, followed by cutting and hauling a tree can be a workout. It’s important to stay warm. Dressing in layers helps avoid sweat accumulation, which is typically followed by cold and shivers.
Warm drinks and snacks – There’s nothing better than sipping a hot beverage in the snow to celebrate loading up a dandy tree. We recommend packing a Jetboil and Jetpower fuel (which we carry). Add water, and a drink mix of choice. In no time at all boiling hot chocolate is at the user’s disposal.
Sleds, snowshoes, etc. – A trip to mountains in late fall typically means snow. Gear that either helps with walking traction, or provides entertainment is always recommended.
How to find the perfect tree
That’s truly a matter of opinion. I’ve gone out with perfectionists who are searching for a perfectly symmetrical specimen (I may or may not be married to one). I’ve also seen some living rooms decorated with what I’d call a “Charlie Brown tree.” Or a tree that “only a mother could love.” One size does not fit all, and that may be part of the magic. Regarding the search, Dillon’s tip is: “if you can see it from the road, everybody can see it from the road.” Some of the best trees are found off the beaten path. Walking less than 100 yards from a main road can lead to an open meadow that likely hasn’t been picked through.
Begin the search with the understanding of where the tree will be displayed in the home, and how high the ceilings are. With those measurements in mind, we left the truck and began walking through the woods. Six inches of snow on the ground resulted in slow but manageable strides. The pines pop with green color in a landscape coated in white. We shook some potential trees here and there to see how they looked without the snow.
This year we marked the ground next to one tree that showed some promise and returned to stare at it for a couple minutes after scanning the surrounding area. In truth, it had potential and by the time we found it, we were about finished trudging through loose snow. After concluding that it was worth searching just a bit longer, we found the perfect tree for us within 50 yards. A consensus does not usually happen within five seconds of first glance, this was the exception. Ten minutes later, our family tree was loaded in the truck and ready for the living room.
Where do I go to find the perfect tree?
There are many options for scouting the National Forests from home. Google Maps, the “Pacific Northwest Forests” app, and “onX Hunt” app are just a few mapping technologies that are tremendously helpful. Start by evaluating the main road that will lead into a desirable area, then pick the best freeway/highway exit.
If traveling forest roads is a new endeavor, don’t fret. Keep track of turns off the freeway/highway, and in most cases one to two turns will be enough to find a suitable location. If the terrain allows for decent walking, and has a lot of trees, there’s a good chance a trophy tree is waiting nearby.
A few details on harvesting the tree
Recreation.gov does a nice job providing areas to avoid harvesting, tree size limits, and other legalities here (Umatilla National Forest Christmas Tree Permit in Oregon - Recreation.gov). Some key takeaways include:
14-foot height maximum
Stumps should not be left any higher than 10 inches
Take the entire tree
Up to 25 pounds of pine bough material can be harvested for personal use such as wreaths, garland, etc.
Permit must be fastened to tree after harvest
A sturdy handsaw should be enough to get the job done. When the tree is chosen, pick a decent access point, and aim to cut a straight line perpendicular to the trunk. Avoid dragging the tree on the ground, if possible. One to two people can pack out a typical household tree. Make sure the tree is securely loaded before embarking on the drive home.
In summary
Give Mother Nature’s unpredictable and powerful weather conditions their due. Plan for the unexpected. Then add to the holiday season with a trip to the forest, and a trophy to be cherished in the living room for a month to come. Here’s to a successful tree hunt!
