The holiday season is the time for families and friends to head to the woods, play in the snow, and cut the traditional family Christmas Tree. Don’t worry, it’s super easy to get a permit to chop down your own tree!
The best part about living in Idaho and looking for a tree is that you can find your dream tree in the Boise, Payette, and Sawtooth National Forests.
Before heading out to the wilderness, make sure to get your permit. Each permit allows one tree to be cut, with a limit of three permits per family. The permits only cost $10 and can get you a tree up to 12 feet tall!
We recommend taking your family for a drive up highway 21 to Idaho city. You can grab your permit, a nice cup of coffee from Trudy’s Kitchen, and then head into the forest to find your perfect tree!

Do you have a fourth grader? Payette and Boise National Forests participate in the “Every Kid Outdoors” program. As part of that program, fourth graders can get a free Christmas Tree permit for their families. It’s a great way to get the family outside for some winter fun!
Be sure to remember to bring:
– Saw
– Ties for your car
– Tree permit
– Warm clothing
– Christmas cheer!
Please drive safely! Roads might not be plowed and be icy from the recent snowfall.
Here is a map of where you can cut down your tree:
