Permits for Trees and Ornament Hunt
It’s the time of year to visit the Willamette National Forest and find the perfect Christmas tree and ornament for your celebrations.
Christmas tree permits are available online at Recreation.gov, in person from local vendors, or from one of the Willamette offices. Permits allow the holder to cut one tree in designated areas; each household can purchase up to five permits. Permits are $5 each; online purchases have an additional $2.50 service fee. For downloadable maps of tree-cutting areas and a list of local vendors selling tree permits, visit https://bit.ly/WNFtree.
Fourth-grade students can receive a free tree permit by getting their Every Kid Outdoors pass and entering the voucher or pass number when prompted on Recreation.gov or by visiting a Forest office.
Sixth Annual Willamette Valley Ornament Hunt
While hunting for a Christmas tree, be sure to search for ornaments. The Willamette Valley Visitors Association will launch its sixth annual ornament hunt from Nov. 17 until Dec. 31, 2023.
In partnership with Cascade Volunteers, 200 locally crafted wooden ornaments will be hidden along non-wilderness trails on the Willamette’s Detroit, Sweet Home, McKenzie River, and Middle Fork Ranger Districts and in the Umpqua National Forest’s Cottage Grove Ranger District.
The hunt encourages local communities and travelers to connect with public lands and increase outdoor recreation activities. The tradition was born in 2018 when the Willamette National Forest provided the Capitol Christmas Tree in Washington D.C.
Eagle-eyed hikers can seek them out and register to win this year’s grand prize, which includes a two-night getaway in the Willamette Valley.
For more information on the ornament hunt contest and a list of participating trails, visit https://willamettevalley.org/ornament.
Be mindful of safety and your surroundings when searching for trees or ornaments. Cutting trees in some areas of the Forest is prohibited. Tree hunters should remain outside of closed areas and check maps prior to heading out to search for a tree. Forest roads are not maintained for winter driving. Be sure to bring traction devices, a shovel, extra food, drinking water, winter clothing, blankets, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Don’t forget to let someone know where you are going, get an early start, and leave the woods before dark.