With the holiday season now officially under way, many families are on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree — and many want to cut it themselves.
At least two private places offer their trees for Christmas: the Lazy J Tree Farm between Port Angeles and Sequim, and Gorden and Kimberly Gracey near Forks.
That’s in addition to the permits the Olympic National Forest issues for those who want to trek through winter trees to find the perfect one.
Lazy J Tree Farm
The Lazy J Tree Farm, a 60-acre you-cut lot at 225 Gehrke Road between Port Angeles and Sequim, has a variety of shapes, sizes and species.
Steve Johnson, owner of Lazy J, said the day after Thanksgiving is the unofficial start of the tree-cutting season.
“I’ve got some exceptionally nice trees this year,” Johnson said.
The cost is $6 per foot, including tax. Saws are provided.
Trees are measured and purchased at the barn, where a variety of wreaths, soaps, jams, birdhouses and other locally produced goods are sold.
Lazy J is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Johnson said his most popular varieties are noble firs and Douglas firs, usually in the 7-foot range.
“Noble firs are very popular here,” Johnson said.
Sequoias, grand firs, spruce trees and a few Turkish firs are also available on the Agnew-area farm.
The larger trees are about 12 feet tall.
Johnson said some folks prefer odd-looking trees.
“I have a tendency to go after some really strange trees,” he said.
Conservation Celebration
On Saturday, Dec. 11, Lazy J will host the second annual North Olympic Land Trust Holiday Conservation Celebration.
There will be wagon horse rides, carolers, food, hot drinks and Santa Claus.
“The 11th will be a big deal,” Johnson said.
For more information, phone 360-457-5950.
Big Pine Road site makes donations
The Graceys are offering trees on their property at 1120 Big Pine Road for donations to benefit the Caring Place and youth programs at the Assembly of God church.
Their fir, hemlock and spruce trees range from 5 feet tall to 10 feet tall.
They ask that no power saws be used, that only one tree be taken for each family and that no ATVs or off-road vehicles come onto their property.
To schedule a cutting date, phone 360-640-3133.
National forest permits
If you’re looking for a more rugged Christmas tree quest, Olympic National Forest is once again offering $5 you-cut permits.
Forest permits are valid only in specified areas. Maps and information about where to cut will be provided when the permit is sold.
Douglas fir is the most abundant and popular type of Christmas tree in the forest, Olympic National Forest officials said.
Pacific silver fir may be found at higher elevations, but accessibility depends on snow and road conditions.
Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
Forest Christmas tree permits are available at the Forks Visitor Information Center, 551 S. Forks Ave., and the Hood Canal Ranger District Office in Quilcene, 295142 S. U.S. Highway 101.
Offices on the North Olympic Peninsula are:
• Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene Office; P.O. Box 280, Quilcene, WA 98376; 360-765-2200.
The office is one-fourth mile south of Quilcene at 295142 U.S. Highway 101. Weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Beginning this weekend, the office will be open on Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Pacific Ranger District, Recreation Information Center; 551 S. Forks Ave., Forks; 360-374-7566.
Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. The office does not process mail orders.
• Quinault Office; 353 South Shore Road, P.O. Box 9, Quinault, WA 98575; 360-288-2525.
The office is two miles from U.S. Highway 101. Weekday hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is not open on weekends.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
