Cutting your Christmas Tree in Northern California
November 4, 2014 by: Sharon Roberts
Cut Your Own Christmas Tree
Christmas tree cutting permits for personal use are now on sale at both the Plumas and the Lassen National Forest. St. Bernard Lodge is close to both forests and both forests are great places to find your perfect Christmas tree this year.
Start or continue a family tradition of cutting your own Christmas Tree
Cut your own Christmas Tree
Permits are only 10 dollars and trees may be cut now until December 25, 2014. Make this a family or group outing. With purchase of a permit you will be given a map of the tree cutting areas and regulations.
Take the family out and find the perfect Christmas tree. With careful selection of your tree you not only get the best and freshest Christmas tree you will be improving the health of our forest with thinning.
Both the Lassen National Forest and the Plumas National Forest have an abundance of Douglas Fir, California Red Fir and White Fir trees, which are all favorites for Christmas Trees.
To make your trip more memorable spend a night or two at the St. Bernard Lodge. Lassen National Forest is only a few minutes from the lodge. You may book a single room at the lodge or book the entire lodge for a group of up to 20 guests. We will cook and clean for you giving you the day to find your perfect Christmas tree and enjoy the outdoors.
After cutting your Christmas tree return to the lodge to warm up, relax, play a game of pool, or have a warm (or cold) drink at the bar. Need more action head into town for some very unique shopping choices or visit Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Tips on finding the perfect Christmas Tree
1. Measure – Before you leave home and go hunting for that “perfect tree,” you’ll need to decide where it will fit in your home. Once a spot is chosen be sure to measure both the ceiling height and the width of that space. Also, measure your tree stand to determine the maximum diameter of the tree trunk you can use in it. Finally, measure the height of your tree stand as well as the height of your treetop decoration. Use all these measurements to determine the perfect height and width of the Christmas tree you’ll select for your home.
2. Make sure to bring your tape measure – From personal experience the size of the tree can be very deceiving in the forest. You want to be a responsible Christmas tree harvester and not cut a tree that you will need to cut down once at home.
3. Things to pack- Heavy gloves to protect your hands, old blanket or tarp to protect your car and tree, twine or rope to securely tie your tree to the car, hand saw, snacks and water, clothing for possible snow conditions.
4. Make sure you have your permit- You may order via mail or purchase at one of the following locations. Make sure you know hours and days permits may be purchased.
Permits for Plumas National Forest
Quincy Area
Mt. Hough Ranger District
39696 Hwy. 70
3 miles north of Quincy
(530) 283-0555
8:00 am to 4:30 pm Mon-Friday
following a Thanksgiving closure and weekdays until December 23rd.
More locations for permits
Lassen National Forest
Maps, regulations and locations with permits for sale
Almanor Ranger District
900 East Hwy 36
P.O. Box 767
Chester 96020
530-258-2141
8:00 am – 4:30 pm Mon-Friday
Special Days and hours: Saturdays: Nov 29, Dec 6 and 13 9 am – 3 pm Lassen Forest Headquarters
2550 Riverside Dr
Mineral Creek Work Center
38795 Highway 36 East
Mineral
(530) 595-3311
Special Days and hours: Saturdays Nov 29, Dec 6 and 13 from 9 am -3 pm
No mail-in requests accepted Butte Meadows Work Center
7288 Humboldt Rd
Butte Meadows
(530) 258-2141
Special Days and hours: Friday, Nov 29 from 9:30 am-3:00 pm, Saturdays Nov 29, Dec 6 and 13 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm and Sundays Nov 30, Dec 7 and 14,
from 9:00 am – 3 pm
No mail-in requests accepted
Mail in form for Lassen National Forest
Tips for taking care of your Christmas Tree
When you get home follow these tips for taking care of your tree.
Plan your trip
If you need any help in planning your trip please call St. Bernard Lodge at 530-258-3382. Even if you are not staying with us, if we know a day in advance to can provide breakfast, lunch or dinner for your group visiting the area.