A Hunt for the Perfect Tree

Central Oregon has no shortage of forests or trees. As we take those scenic drives, especially near the holiday season, it seems like every other tree is the perfect Christmas tree. If only we could cut one down to take home and decorate. Guess what? We can!

There’s something magical about the natural aroma of a living Christmas tree that captures the senses and brings the holiday spirit to life. When I was growing up, my family always preferred real trees. Whether from a local farm or a tree lot, we were after the real deal—a picture-perfect pine, a healthy fir or a mighty spruce. When I had my own children, we continued the tradition. Moving to Bend gave us the chance to add adventure to this ritual by searching for our Christmas tree deep in the woods.

Credit: Adobe Stock

In the Central Oregon area, the U.S. Forest Service offers guidelines and recommendations for tree hunting on public lands, for example in the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests. Permits are required, but at only $5 per family, they are much cheaper than a tree from one of the local stands or the big box stores. Plus, the adventure is priceless!

These guidelines are in place to ensure the forest remains healthy and beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see trees cut halfway or others felled and left where they were cut, simply because they didn’t meet certain expectations. If this continues, stricter rules may come into play, or we may lose the privilege altogether, forcing us to pay the exorbitant prices at the tree lots or settle for an artificial one.

Here are some ways we can maintain a healthy forest while enjoying the experience:

Avoid cutting trees on private land, in picnic areas, near highways, within 300 feet of bodies of water or in designated wilderness areas.
Cut the entire tree at the base—don’t just take the top. If necessary, remove the surrounding snow to get the accurate height of the tree.
If taller than 12 feet, let the tree continue its long life and leave it alone. When in doubt, don’t cut.
Pines are usually found at lower elevations near Bend and Sisters, while firs are more common higher up on north or east-facing slopes. The majestic firs and strong-scented cedars associated with Christmas are mostly found at higher elevations and require a little more effort
Ask a local ranger for tips. They always seem to know the best spots.

As winter approaches, some service roads might have snow, especially at higher elevations, so best to check ahead. It’s usually passable, but on one trip when I almost got stuck, I had the opportunity to try out the 4 Wheel Drive in my new Tacoma for the first time!

Credit: Adobe Stock

As with any outdoor adventure, pack the vehicle with the necessities for a trip into the woods:

Pack tools like a sharp handsaw or hatchet to cut the tree and bungee cords or straps to secure it to your vehicle.
Dress in layers for the cold, including gloves and beanies, and consider bringing snowshoes.
Pack plenty of snacks and water.
Cell service can be spotty, so bring a paper map and other emergency items.

For my family, cutting down a Christmas tree has become an annual tradition. My wife prepares delicious tomato soup, we fill the thermoses with hot chocolate and off we go into the forest like the Griswold family in “Christmas Vacation!”

To avoid the crowds, last year we ventured near La Pine. We searched for a long while without any luck. Dusk was looming, and we finally settled for a lodgepole pine. Perhaps not the ideal tree, but with the added homemade ornaments, it proved to be one of our best. Our chosen trees aren’t always quite as full-bodied and flawless as the ones from the lots, but the tradition has created experiences that we will remember forever.

Permits go on sale November 14 this year. For more information or to purchase one, visit recreation.gov.

Most importantly, follow the guidelines to keep the forests beautiful so future generations can enjoy the same tradition.

This article appears in BendNest Winter 2024.