For a great family outing, why not grab the kids, load up the car and head out to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest to find and cut your own tree this holiday?
Permits are available to cut Christmas trees through Dec. 24.
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest begins just east of Gold Bar; maps for tree cutting are available wherever you can buy a permit.
Locally, you can get a permit at the Skykomish Ranger Station, 74920 N.E. Stevens Pass Highway near the town of Skykomish. They are open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. On Saturday Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, they will also be open 8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. You can reach them at (360) 677-2414.
Permits are also sold at REI's Alderwood Mall store daily and the Outdoor Recreation Information Center located inside the downtown Seattle REI store.
REI will be closed on Thanksgiving and the Ranger Station may close early that day, as well.
Permits cost $10 each, one tree per permit, with a tree height limit of 12 feet. Trees taller than 12 feet require a tall tree permit for $20. Families can be issued up to five permits.REI locations sell only the $10 permits.
The permits are for the 2014 season and are nonrefundable.
Plan to purchase a parking permit if the trip includes parking in a designated Sno-Park lot. Parking in a designated Sno-Parkwithout a permit can get you a $100 fine. Permits can be purchased at Forest Service offices near Sno-Park areas. For more information, go to http://www.parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp.
There are some areas where cutting is prohibited. These areas are marked with signs; the maps that are available online and where permits are purchased also outline these areas.
Tree cutting is not allowed within developed campgrounds, administrative sites, designated wilderness areas or on state or private owned lands within the national forest. Tree cutting is not permitted within 150feet of streams, lakes, ponds or wetland areas, either.
The U.S. Forest Service wants you to have fun, but be safe! They offer the following tips so that you, your family and your tree get home safely: - Your best, safest bet is to get a tree early, before too much snow falls! The national forest roads are often primitive and unplowed. The more it has snowed, the more possibility that you will need to break out the chains or limit the area to which you can drive to tree hunt. Check ranger stations for road and weather information or go to www.fs.usda. gov/goto/mbs/road-trails.
- Prepare ahead for changing weather and driving conditions.
- Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return home.
- Have a full tank of fuel. Carry a shovel, flashlight, tire chains, matches and blankets in your vehicle. Bring along food and warm drinks.
- Wear proper winter clothing and carry extra in case you get wet.
- Some areas may be open to hunting, so wear brightly colored clothing or hunter's orange.
- Most forest roads are not snow plowed or maintained during the winter. Watch out for ice and snow; some areas may require chains and a four-wheel drive vehicle.
- Turn on headlights for visibility and expect heavy traffic in popular tree cutting areas.
- Turn your vehicle around upon arrival; snow accumulation can inhibit turning a vehicle around later. Park vehicles on a road shoulder or turn-out areas and do not block the road.
With a little knowledge and preparation - and a thermos full of hot cocoa - your tree hunting experience can be the most memorable one yet!
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