Cut a Christmas tree
Permits for sale on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
The public can buy permits to cut Christmas trees on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest beginning Nov. 12 through Dec. 24.
Cutting areas are located within national forest lands in the eastern portions of Pierce, King, Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties. Maps and information about cutting areas are provided where permits are sold at ranger stations and the Verlot and Glacier public service centers.
Additionally, permits are sold at REI’s Alderwood Mall and the Outdoor Recreation Information Center located inside the downtown Seattle REI store. Permits cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet. The permits are nonrefundable.
Trees taller than 12 feet require a special permit at a minimum price of $20. Credit cards are not accepted at Forest Service offices or the Outdoor Recreation Information Center in the Seattle REI store, however, the REI at Alderwood Mall will take them. Forest Service offices and REI stores are closed Thanksgiving Day. Forest Service offices may close early Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, so call ahead for operating hours.
Plan to purchase a parking permit if the trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot. Getting a tree early before substantial snow falls usually means better access on forest roads.
“Set out early in the day to allow for maximum daylight and let friends or relatives know where you are going and when to expect you back,” said Forest Service’s Dave Kendrick, who oversees the Christmas tree permit program.
Most trees are accessible only by narrow, unplowed mountain roads. High-clearance vehicles are often required along with tire chains and a shovel. Check ranger stations for road and weather information, or go online to www. fs.fed.us/r6/mbs
Offices and Locations: Mt. Baker Ranger Station, 810 SR 20, Sedro Woolley, 360-856-5700 ext. 515, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Glacier Public Service Center, Mt. Baker Hwy, 542 Glacier, 360-599-2714, Weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Darrington Ranger Station, 1405 Emens Ave. N., 360-436-1155, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Dec. 5, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Dec. 12, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Verlot Public Service Center, 33515 Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls, 360-691-7791, Weekends, Nov. 27, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Skykomish Ranger Station, 74920 NE Stevens Pass Hwy, 360-677-2414, Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Nov. 28, 29, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Dec. 5,6, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Seattle REI, Outdoor Recreation Information Center, 222 Yale Ave. N., Seattle, 206-470-4060, Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
REI Alderwood Store, 3000 184th St. SW Lynnwood, 425-640-6200, Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
