Christmas tree-cutting permits are now available for Olympic National Forest.
One tree is allowed per family, and trees may be cut only in designated areas.
Permits are $5, and may be purchased with cash or a check. Maps and information about cutting areas will be provided with each permit.
“This is a great excuse for a family outing,” said Olympic National Forest Supervisor Dale Hom, “and I can’t think of a better way to begin the holiday season than to visit the forest in search of a Christmas tree.”
Douglas fir is the most abundant and popular Christmas tree species found in the forest, Hom said.
Pacific silver fir may be found along ridge tops at higher elevations, but accessibility depends on snow and road conditions.
Mail orders will be accepted at the Olympic National Forest’s offices in Olympia, Quilcene, Quinault and Forks.
Enclose a $5 check or money order for each permit, made out to USDA Forest Service.
Allow approximately 10 days for processing.
Before visiting an office, the Forest Service recommends phoning to confirm that the hours haven’t changed.
Offices on the North Olympic Peninsula, all of which will be closed on Thanksgiving, are:
■ Hood Canal Ranger District, Quilcene Office, P.O. Box 280, Quilcene, Wash. 98376; 360-765-2200.
The office is one-fourth mile south of Quilcene on U.S. Highway 101. Weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Hours Saturday and Sunday, beginning Nov. 28, are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
■ Pacific Ranger District, Recreation Information Center, 551 S. Forks Ave., Forks, Wash. 98331; 360-374-7566. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
■ Quinault Office, 353 South Shore Road, P.O. Box 9, Quinault, Wash. 98575; 360-288-2525. The office is two miles from U.S. Highway 101. Weekday hours ate from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Permits also can be received by mail or in person at Olympic Forest Headquarters, 1835 Black Lake Blvd. SW, Olympia, Wash. 98512-5623; 360-956-2400. Weekday hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Permits can be purchased in person, but not by mail, at the Hoodsport Visitor Information Center, 150 North Lake Cushman Road, in Hoodsport.
The phone number of the Hoodsport office, which is one block west of U.S. Highway 101 on state Highway 119, is 360-877-2021. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Hom offers these suggestions for a safe and enjoyable Christmas tree outing:
■ Bring a map and arrive at your cutting area early in the day.
■ Avoid driving unfamiliar forest roads in the dark.
■ Contact district offices for road and weather information, but be prepared for changing conditions.
Sudden snowfall can block forest roads.
■ Make sure that a friend or relative knows your travel plans in case you need help.
■ Be equipped for winter travel with tire chains, a shovel, and extra warm clothing. Bring extra food and water. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended.
