A Family Tradition in the Forest
With Halloween over and that cold snap in the air, it’s time for the annual outing to cut the family Christmas Tree. Whether this is an old tradition or a new one, Plumas County is a beautiful place to cut your own conifer. Plumas County is home to both the Lassen National Forest and the Plumas National Forest, giving you access to over 2 million acres of forest to explore and make memories in.
Make it a weekend in the Lost Sierra, looking for the perfect Christmas Tree and having fun. Plumas County offers many options in lodging, places to eat, and special events during November and December.
Tips for the Perfect Tree and a Healthy Forest
- Bring tools, including a tape measure (trees can be bigger than they look), a hand saw, gloves, a tarp, ropes, and tie-downs.
- The tree must be at least 200 feet from main roads, recreation sites, and campgrounds. Stay away from areas along streams, rivers, lakes, and wet areas.
- Select a tree with a trunk of six inches or less in diameter. Cut the tree no more than six inches above the ground.
- Never cut a tall tree just for the top. Help thin out the little trees!
- Select a tree from overstocked areas and thickets. This helps with overall forest health.
- Attach your tree tag to the harvested tree before placing it in your vehicle.
- There are limited Christmas Tree Permits issued; plan to purchase yours early.
- Make sure to tell someone where you are going. Do not plan on your cell phone working.
- Plan for contingencies of muddy or snow-covered roads, flat tires, and delays.
- You are required to have a permit and maps with you when cutting Christmas trees.
- Be prepared for the cold and snow, and start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.
- Bring emergency supplies, including water and food, and a first-aid kit.
- Pay special attention to burned areas for hazardous trees, debris, and falling rocks.
- Note permits are not interchangeable between Plumas and Lassen National Forests.
Plumas National Forest Permits
For the Plumas National Forest, you can purchase tree permits online or in person at a ranger station starting November 1st. Permits may be purchased online at Recreation.gov.
Before cutting a tree, you must be sure you are in an approved location and know where you are. Use the Plumas National Forest Map.
Personal use firewood still free with a permit on Plumas National Forest
QUINCY, CA — The Plumas National Forest wants to remind area residents that personal-use firewood is available for free with a permit and tags.
Up to 10 cords per household are available per calendar year for free with a permit, a $50 value.
Permits, tags, maps, and woodcutting regulations are available at Plumas National Forest Ranger District Offices during business hours. It is recommended to call in advance to verify the office is open and has tags available. Offices may be closed for lunch breaks, illness, or staffing shortages.
Note permits are not interchangeable between Lassen and Plumas National Forests.
- Greenville Work Center, 128 Hot Springs Road, Greenville, CA 95947. Phone (530) 284-7126
- Mt. Hough Ranger District, 39696 Hwy 70, Quincy, CA 95971. Phone: (530) 283-0555
- Forest Supervisor’s Office. 159 Lawrence Street, Quincy, CA, 95971. Phone: (530) 293-2050
- Beckwourth Ranger District, 23 Mohawk Hwy, Blairsden, CA 96102. Phone: (530) 836-2575
- Feather River Ranger District, 875 Mitchell Avenue, Oroville, CA 95965. Phone: (530) 534-6500
Call ahead for office hours.
- There are limited Christmas Tree Permits issued; plan to purchase yours early.
- Make sure to tell someone where you are going. Do not plan on your cell phone working.
- Plan for contingencies of muddy or snow-covered roads, flat tires, and delays.
- You are required to have a permit and maps with you when cutting Christmas trees.
- Be prepared for the cold and snow, and start tree hunting early in the day to have plenty of daylight hours.
- Bring emergency supplies, including water and food, and a first-aid kit.
- Pay special attention to burned areas for hazardous trees, debris, and falling rocks.
- Note permits are not interchangeable between Plumas and Lassen National Forests.
Lassen National Forest Permits
Lassen National Forest permits are available for purchase in person at ranger stations and two Chester retail locations starting November 1st. Mail-in permits are also available. Mail-in requests for permits need to be received by 12/10/23 to be processed. You may get a permit for cutting your Christmas Tree in Lassen National Forest by mailing a completed application and fee. There is a limit of two trees per household. More information.
- Ayoob’s Intermountain Hardware,201 Main Steet, Chester, 530.258.2611 (cash only)
- Lake Almanor Ace Hardware, 417 Main Street, Chester, CA 530.258.3955
Please note that there is a limit of two trees per household.
- Almanor Ranger District, 900 E. Hwy 36, P.O. Box 767, Chester CA 96020, (530) 258-2141
- Eagle Lake Ranger District, 477-050 Eagle Lake Road, Susanville, CA 96130, (530) 257-4188
- Hat Creek Ranger District, 43225 E. Hwy 299, P.O. Box 220, Fall River Mills, CA 96028, (530) 336-5521
- Old Station Visitor’s Center, 13435 Riverside Dr., Susanville, CA 96130, (530) 257-2151
- Supervisor’s Office, 2550 Riverside Drive, Susanville, CA 96130, (530) 257-2151
Students get a Free Christmas Tree!
Every Kid Outdoor Pass
All fourth graders, or age equivalent, can receive an Every Kid Outdoors pass. The Every Kid Outdoor pass is valid at more than 2,000 federally managed lands and recreation sites across the country between September 1, 2023, and August 30, 2024.
Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher holder is eligible for a free holiday tree permit through their local National Forest! Free holiday tree permits are available by visiting Recreation.gov. Apply using the Every Kid Outdoors pass/voucher. Check the box indicating a pass and enter the pass or voucher number (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). Bring your Every Kid Outdoor Pass to a local Forest Service office–retail locations (like the two stores in Chester) cannot issue a free Christmas Tree Permit.
