Bring home a real tree and help the forest at the same time! You can buy permits online through Recreation.gov (go to: Mendocino National Forest Christmas Tree Permits)) — read the overview and need-to-know info before you buy, and remember you’ll need to sign in or create a Recreation.gov account to complete the purchase.
Permits are also sold in person at local vendors and at forest offices in Willows, Stonyford, Upper Lake, and Covelo. Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass can get a free permit by entering their pass/voucher number when purchasing (a $2.50 reservation fee applies).
Cutting a Christmas tree in designated areas is more than a tradition — it’s a small act of stewardship. Forest managers identify dense stands of small-diameter trees that benefit from thinning, and removing those trees helps larger trees grow and opens space for wildlife forage. Check the specified cutting areas, permitted tree types, and dates before you head out; bring proper tools and transport gear; follow forest rules; and pack out what you pack in.
Mendocino National Forest spans about 927,650 acres of mountains, canyons, and foothills about three hours north of San Francisco and Sacramento, offering plenty of outdoor options if you want to turn a permit trip into a day (or weekend) in the woods.
For more information, visit the Mendocino National Forest website or contact the Supervisor’s Office at (530) 934-3316 or sm.fs.mendopao@usda.gov.