Don’t get me wrong, I loooove a u-cut tree farm, but after spending over $100 on a Christmas tree this year that will inevitably find its way to the compost, I started to look for a more affordable option—and found it. Next year, I tell my husband, we’re cutting down our tree like actual lumberjacks in the forest. He’s skeptical, but I’ll convince him. Here’s my pitch.
It only costs $5.
Snag your Christmas tree permit online for just $5 and pick your location; Mount Hood National Forest, just outside Portland, is the clear winner. The permit includes all the details you’ll need, so even if you’re a rookie lumberjack, you’ve got this.
Bonus: Got a fourth grader? They qualify for a FREE Christmas tree permit through the Every Kid Outdoors Pass.
The rules are straightforward.
Cutting your own Christmas tree in Mount Hood Forest is all about respecting nature while embracing the adventure. Essentially this means have fun and follow the rules. Stay at least 100 feet from trails, 200 feet from campgrounds, and 300 feet from water. Stick to designated areas, and leave another tree to grow within 12 feet of the one you take. Also, don’t behead the trees; take the whole thing, cutting at the stump. Speaking of stumps, they need to be 6 inches or less both in diameter and height from the ground. Don’t forget to prepare for the weather, with the right clothing and emergency supplies. Print anything you might need to reference, as cellular service is spotty. But here’s the fun part: unlike tree farms, where taller trees mean higher prices, the forest doesn’t care about height. If you can lift it, it’s yours — up to 15 feet of festive glory.
(Okay, we can’t fit a 15 foot tree in our 1950s-era home, and my husband certainly doesn’t want to help me lift one, but maybe you’re up for it!)
We’re keeping the forest healthy.
At first glance, cutting down trees in a forest feels wrong—aren’t they still reeling from wildfires? Surprisingly, thinning overcrowded tree stands is actually a win for forest health. According to the National Forest Foundation, this practice reduces wildfire risk and promotes resilience. So, not only are you saving money, but you’re also doing your part for the planet. Basically, you’re as eco-heroic as someone who commutes by bike—holiday edition.
No need to get on the bike that day.
Speaking of bikes, you can skip the gym that day—cutting your own Christmas tree is basically cardio and strength training rolled into one festive workout.
Our kids will remember this for-ev-er.
As the child of a PDX Parent staffer, my daughter is no stranger to adventures, but she has never had the classic experience of cutting a tree in the forest (though she has read about it). More importantly, I’ve never done this either, and I reeeeeeeally want to.
Shake-and-bale, Shmake-n-bale
I’ll admit, the one part that makes me a little nervous about cutting my own Christmas tree is the potential for unexpected “guests.” Though no one will be shaking out the critters for me, I’ve been assured by a seasoned pro (okay, a staffer’s relative) that leaving the tree on your porch or in your garage for a day or two solves the problem. Next year, I’m planning to go with a smaller tree anyway—lesson learned after this year’s living-room takeover—so I’m confident I can give it a thorough once-over before it comes inside.
I repeat, FIVE DOLLARS.
In this particular case, $5 > $100.
If you don’t have your tree yet, grab your permit now! But if the thought of hauling a tree sounds more like a backbreaker than a holiday adventure, no worries—there are plenty of charming u-cut farms nearby that make the process a total breeze.
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