Haven't found that perfect Christmas tree yet? There's still time to buy a Forest Service permit and head for the woods.
The permits are $5 each and allow the holders to cut one tree in designated areas of Forest Service managed lands. Jude McHugh, with Willamette National Forest, says there's a great snowpack right now if you're looking for an adventure but lots of areas under 3000 feet that are snow-free. If you go, McHugh says be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring a good map.
McHugh: "You cannot count on your cell phone to work in the woods. So, please bring a hard copy map. Plenty of layers of clothing and food, in the rare instance that you may get stranded out there."
McHugh says tree hunters will find Douglas firs at the lower, snow-free elevations. Higher up and requiring some serious four-wheeling are the noble firs. McHugh says she's partial to the aromatic grand firs.
