Cutting Down a Christmas Tree in Idaho: How to Use an Idaho Christmas Tree Permit

WANT TO CUT DOWN YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE IN IDAHO?

You’ve come to the right place. We have cut down our own Christmas tree in Idaho for the last ten years, and it is one of our favorite winter traditions. It is something my kids look forward to every year as we head into the colder months.

Cutting down your own Christmas tree is a great opportunity to get your family together, and all you need to get is an Idaho Christmas tree permit.

We enjoy spending time in the mountains, playing in the snow, and finding a tree to decorate for Christmas. Often, we will spend extra time riding four-wheelers, sledding, visiting hot springs, or snowshoeing.

🎄 Candice’s Pro Tips for Cutting Down Your Own Christmas Tree in Idaho

✔ Make sure to bring cash to buy your permit. Cash is the only form of payment that is accepted.
✔ Invite extended family or friends to come with you. The more, the merrier.
✔ Bring some sleds, igloo molds, and snowman-making supplies for some extra snowy-day fun.
✔ Don’t forget your saw to cut down the tree. As much as I love Christmas vacation, forgetting the saw is not something you want to do.
✔ If you have a fourth grader in your house, you can get a Christmas tree permit for free.

Buying an Idaho Christmas Tree Permit

Before cutting down a Christmas tree in Idaho, you will need to get a permit. The permits cost $10, and you can only pay with cash. Each family can purchase three permits. For the 2023 season, tags are valid from 11/23/2023 to 12/25/2023.

You can find a full list of places you can buy the permits here, most of which are near the Boise area, or you can buy them online at recreation.gov. Locations range from gas stations to ranger stations. These locations are usually found on your way up to the mountains, so it is pretty easy to stop and get one.

Where to Use Your Idaho Christmas Tree Permit

When purchasing your permit, you will be given a map showing where you can cut down a Christmas tree. The permits are not valid on state, BLM, or private lands. You have to cut the tree down in either the Boise or Payette National Forests.

In the brochure, there will be a list of additional requirements you have to follow, such as not being within so many feet of certain roads or streams, campgrounds, and certain geographical areas.

We have found the onXmaps app to be helpful in determining the boundaries between private and public lands. It is a paid subscription, although the app has a free trial period. We use this because it shows in great detail what are private and national forests. It will even tell you who owns the private land.

Please remember that a lot of the forest roads are not plowed in the winter. Drive safely and slowly because every year, we see people stuck in the snow. It is a very good idea to take a car with four-wheel drive if you have one. Be aware of snow accumulation so you can get out the way you came.

Things to Bring with You

• Saw
• Tree Permit(s)
• Tow Rope
• Straps to Tie the Tree Down
• Weather Appropriate Clothing
• Food and Water

Contact Information for Idaho Christmas Tree Permits

Boise National Forest
208-373-4007
M-F 7:45 am – 4:30 pm

Payette National Forest
208-634-0400
M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in learning what you need to understand about cutting down your own Christmas tree in Idaho. It is something that we look forward to every year as we plan our winter activities.

We love the time we get to spend together in the beautiful Idaho mountains and get to remember our fun day every time we see our Christmas tree in our house. Plus, the freshly cut pine smells so good!

The trees you find in the mountains most likely will not be as full as the Christmas lot trees. I have found it helpful to have some bigger ornaments to help fill in the holes in the tree’s branches.

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