Mason County is historically the Christmas Tree Capital

In the wake of Hood Canal’s timber boom it was discovered that the glacial till left after the fjord was carved was ideal ground for growing Douglas fir Christmas trees. During the 1950s and 1960s, the area annually harvested several million, earning it the title as “Christmas Tree Capital of the Nation.”

During the Christmas tree boom, every available hand was cutting trees and filling rail cars for worldwide deliveries. Entire container ships were filled with Mason County trees.

Workers bale trees for shipment

Mason County Historical Society

Local u-cut and pre-cut farms around Hood Canal continue to “Keep it Real” by producing some of the finest Nobles, Grands, Frasers as well as Douglas Firs. Northwest growers claim that real trees help the environment and are recyclable and biodegradable while artificial trees reportedly have a lifespan of 5 years and will eventually end up in a landfill - forever!

Shelton was also dubbed "Christmastown USA"

Annually many families head to local farms to select their favorite and enjoy holiday activities like hayrides, petting zoos and visits with Santa. There’s hardly anything that’s more quintessentially Christmas than decorating a handpicked Pacific Northwest Christmas tree and gathering your family around a tree that you brought home together from Hood Canal.

Area Tree Farms

Allens Tree Farm

Tahuya | (360) 275-3066 Bald Point Vista Road | Hours: 9 AM - Dusk (FRI through SUN)

Bayview Tree Farm

Belfair (360) 275-3790 | 4673 E State Route 302 | Hours: 9 AM - Dusk (Daily)

Hunter Farms

Union 360) 426-2222 | 1921 E State Route 106 California Rd U-Cut — Highway 101 near Brockdale General Store — 1921 E Hwy 106 |Pre-cut and u-cut trees as well as gifts & refreshments.

Forester Firs Christmas Trees U-Cut

Shelton (360) 426-9189 - Arcadia & Collier Road | Hours: 9 AM - Dusk (Daily)

Northwind Tree Farm Tree Days 2018

Shelton (253) 653-3626 | 3601 East Agate Road | December 7, 8, 9 – 9 AM - 4:30 PM

Toziers Hardware

Shelton (360) 868-4352 | 110 Mill Street Hours: Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Pre-cut Douglas firs and nobles/ live trees

Tree Tips

Most lots and farms open daily after Thanksgiving but some have later hours, special days or activities like Santa Claus and hayrides only on the weekends.All can change due to weather, demand, or business conditions– so check before you go!

Record Winners

In 2020 Mason County cemented this Christmas tree title by winning the Guinness World record for most lit Christmas trees in one location. Beating the record previously held by the Hallmark Channel by over 200 trees, the community assembled 797 trees in a lit maze downtown.