The best tree you will ever have is the one you hike out of the woods yourself. Scott Valley is ringed by the Klamath National Forest, and the 2026 Christmas tree permit season is open now through Dec 31, 2026 on Recreation.gov.
Step 1: Buy your permit online
Buy the Klamath National Forest permit on Recreation.gov before you head out, and check the current price there at checkout. Print it or keep it on your phone, along with the cutting map and rules.
Heading toward Mount Shasta instead? The Shasta-Trinity National Forest sells its own permits on Recreation.gov.
Step 2: Know the rules
From the Klamath National Forest permit page:
- Cut only trees 4 inches or less in trunk diameter.
- Leave a stump no taller than 12 inches.
- Stay 300 feet from flowing streams and 150 feet from dry creek beds.
- No cutting in campgrounds or other recreation and administrative sites.
- Stay out of Wilderness, Botanical Areas and Geologic Areas, and respect private property.
- Skip lone trees growing in the open, and take the whole tree, not just the top.
- Check forest closures before you go, since some roads close in winter.
Step 3: Pack for the woods
A hand saw, gloves, a tarp, rope or straps for the roof, warm layers, water and snacks. Phone service fades fast in the backcountry, so download your map first. Our winter driving guide has tips for the mountain passes.
Make it a tree-hunting weekend at Blossom
- Saturday morning: Breakfast in Etna, then into the forest while the light is good.
- Saturday afternoon: Tree on the roof, cocoa in hand, back to Blossom Sanctuary to thaw out.
- Saturday night: Holiday lights in Yreka or McCloud.
- Sunday: Head home with your tree and a valley's worth of fresh air.
Families love this one. The house sleeps a family of six, and our snow days near Mount Shasta post has more ideas for kids.
Book your tree weekend at Blossom.
