Tree-Mendous Traditions

Looking for a unique holiday experience? Harvest your own Christmas tree from the Olympic National Park.

The Hoodsport Visitor Information Center will once again play a small part in igniting the Christmas spirit and having a place for Old St. Nick to place gifts by offering Christmas tree permits. These permits allow hearty souls to journey into the Olympic National Forest to cut down a tree of their liking. The volunteer staff is knowledgeable and willing to share their tips with you for your Christmas tree sojourn.

Christmas tree permits are just $5 and come with directions as to size limitations and other pertinent details. Silver Firs are the most sought after trees and the visitor center has driving directions to get you going. The Christmas tree tags are available November 15 with a limit of two per customer.

In addition to all-things Christmas tree related, the volunteers and staff at the visitor center are always happy to provide hiking and tourism information. With decades of experience guiding tourists in the area, they are eager to continue meeting new folks and become reacquainted with old friends.

The Hoodsport Visitor Information Center is located at 150 North Lake Cushman Road, Hoodsport. The hours during the winter months are Thursday – Sunday from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The visitor center can be reached by phone at (360) 877-2021.

Prefer to find a tree without a trek in the woods? How about visiting a Mason County tree farm instead? Plenty of nearby options are offered. Visit christmastownwa.org/get-your-tree for a list of local options.

Newbies to the area may realize Shelton established its roots as a timber town, but how many know Christmas trees are what gave it an initial claim to fame? During the 1950s and 1960s, an abundance of Douglas Fir trees were harvested year after year. The sheer volume of pre-cut evergreens being shipped worldwide by container ships and rail cars is how the town was dubbed “Christmas Tree Capital of the Nation” with literally millions being sold annually. Although other locations have since surpassed Shelton in production, tree farms are still prevalent in Mason County.