O Christmas Tree

One of our first Christmases, we were on a budget and seeking adventure.  We learned about cutting your Christmas tree fresh out of the woods for $10--perfect! It involves stopping in at the ranger station on your way up to Snoqualamie Pass or Chinook Pass and buying a permit. They will give you maps and all the other details you need to know.

A couple things we learned...
1) You might want to bring a handgun, we were a bit on edge our first trip with all the feline tracks going every which way, bobcat or cougar--didn't really want to meet one.

2)  If you have 4 wheel drive or chains, you will probably get a prettier tree. We have never bothered with either and have always come home with a homely, but endearing Charlie Brown tree. The big trucks who can drive up higher come down with beautiful noble firs...jealous.

3)  The other tip my parents learned from our one-time tree-cutting experience, is when tying your tree onto the roof of your car, place it with the trunk at the rear, otherwise your tree will dry out in a week!

4) Lastly, if you happen to stop at North Bend for a quick lunch on your way home, do not put your brand new android phone on the tray with all your leftover wrappers, because it just might end with you digging through a Burger King dumpster at midnight...just saying.

It's a good little drive up the pass, I think you get off I-90 around Exit 37, 

it's either Asahel Curtis or Denny Creek.

These are extremely helpful if you have a pair.

 I think Jeremy has never felt more manly .

Eureka! Like I said homely, but endearing.

For the Forest Service's website click here, there is a Quick Link for "Christmas Trees" for additional tips on keeping your tree fresh as long as possible.  

Seattleites:

Snoqualamie Ranger District

902 SE North Bend Way

North Bend, WA 98045

(425) 888-1421

South Sounders:

US Forest Service Ranger Station

450 Roosevelt Ave E

Enumclaw, WA 98022

(360) 825-6585

All other offices and locations to purchase permits click here.

Happy Hunting!