The Modoc National Forest Christmas tree permits will be on sale at various local businesses from November 14 through December 24, 2025.
As the holiday season rolls around, many families love to add a special touch to their Christmas tree hunt. Instead of choosing a pre-cut tree from a lot, why not head out to the national forests to cut down your very own?
This fun adventure can help kick off a new holiday tradition or keep an old one alive, all while making lasting memories and supporting a healthy forest!
“National forests offer exceptional recreation experiences for local communities to enjoy the outdoors,” said USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz. “These experiences create lasting memories that persist through generations. Visiting a national forest to select a tree that will serve as the centerpiece for the holiday season establishes a meaningful connection between the local forest and a family’s story.
Christmas tree permits will be available for purchase at the Modoc National Forest Supervisor’s Office, and on Rec.gov starting November 14th. Permits are $10 each, with a limit of two permits per household. Permits should be in possession when cutting down trees.
Permits are also available for purchase at the following local businesses:
Beam Market, Cedarville, CA
Davis Creek Mercantile, Davis Creek, CA
Likely General Store, Likely, CA
Additional vendors may be found at
https://www.recreation.gov/tree-permits/TP2615
News Release U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region
Modoc National Forest
225 W. 8 th St.
Alturas, CA 96101
530-233-8713
https://www.fs.usda.gov/modoc
United States Department of Agriculture
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. Forest Service Through Every Kid Outdoors Fourth graders may be eligible to receive a free Christmas tree permit.
Fourth grade students who get the Every Kid Outdoors Pass can use that pass for one free Christmas tree from the Modoc National Forest, just take that pass along when harvesting a family tree. This pass also allows free access to federal lands and waters for a full year. To get started, the fourth grader can visit https://everykidoutdoors.gov/pass and follow the instructions to print an outdoor pass. Again, this pass will serve as the Christmas tree permit for participating fourth graders and their families this year.
You can cut your Christmas tree up until December 25th, but we suggest starting early in the season to avoid snowy conditions at higher elevations. Once your tree is cut, it can stay fresh for several weeks if stored properly, just remember to get it into water as soon as possible to keep it hydrated!
While you’re out in the forest, please be sure to follow all Travel Management Rules for motor vehicles. Be prepared for unpredictable weather and colder temperatures as you venture into higher elevations. What starts as a fun family outing can take a turn if you’re not ready for changing conditions! Make sure to plan by checking the weather and road conditions. It’s a good idea to let someone know your plans and expected return time, keep your vehicle filled with gas, and bring along warm clothing, water, some emergency snacks, tire chains, a shovel, a saw or an axe, and a tarp and rope for securely transporting your tree.
Modoc National Forest officials recommend calling for more information about forest conditions, business hours or permit sales at 530-233-5811.
It’s important to cut your tree from the National Forest lands, and when you do, make sure the stump is no taller than six inches. Also, avoid topping trees, as it’s not allowed. Here are a few more tips: please steer clear of cutting within a 200-foot radius of sensitive areas like lakes and streams. This also goes for roads, campgrounds, picnic areas, and other designated spots shown on tree-cutting maps.
Christmas trees may not be cut from administrative sites, wilderness, research natural areas, active timber sales or within 200 feet of any building, campground, state highway, river, stream, pond, lake or other water body.
Happy tree hunting and enjoy the Holiday Season!
