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 <http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs> .
Offices and Locations
Mt. Baker Ranger Station
810 State Route 20 Sedro Woolley, WA
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 Highway 542 Glacier, WA
360-599-2714
Weekends, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Darrington Ranger Station
1405 Emens Ave. N. Darrington, WA
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 Highway, Granite Falls, WA
360-691-7791
Weekends, Nov. 27, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Skykomish Ranger Station
74920 NE Stevens Pass Hwy, Skykomish, WA
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.
Snoqualmie Ranger Stations
North Bend Office
902 SE North Bend Way North Bend, WA
425-888-1421
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.
Dec. 12, 13, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Enumclaw Office
450 Roosevelt Ave. E. Enumclaw, WA
360-825-6585
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.
Dec. 12, 13, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Seattle REI
Outdoor Recreation Information Center
222 Yale Ave. N. Seattle, WA
206-470-4060
Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
REI Alderwood Store
3000 184th St. SW Lynnwood, WA
425-640-6200
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Cut a Christmas Tree -- Permits for sale on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
AAI just received the following press release from Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest:
