The Christmas Tree Capital of the World 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 World.” 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 will eventually end in a landfill. 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 fami-
ly around a tree that you brought home together from Hood Canal.
Before you go:
ALWAYS call the farm or store BEFORE YOU GO to confirm their supply, their hours and whether they have trees, are allowing choose-and-cut or just precut trees; and which attractions or winter activities are available. All three can change, due to weather, demand and the farmer's business conditions! Since the season is so short they often don’t have websites, so please check before you go!
Choose the Perfect Tree Make it a family tradition to cut your own or carefully select a pre-cut beauty from the Hood Canal area. Head into the forest to select your own or visit one of the farms we have included below. Brewers Tree Farm
2382 W. Deegan Rd. W., Shelton U -Cut trees (or they cut if you need help) Open on a weekend to weekend basis due to limited trees. (360) 426-4936
Bayview Tree Farm
4673 E State Route 302, Belfair While you sip your hot beverage and warm up check out the wreaths and selection of handmade Christmas decor. (360) 275-3790
Northwind Tree Farm Tree Days 2020
December 5-6 | Any tree $25. 3601 E Agate Rd., Shelton Bring your face masks, saw and a donation for the food bank. Social distancing required. (360) 426-5593
Hunter Farms
1921 E State Route 106, Union Family owned, seasonal crops, gift shop at main location as well as farm store and petting zoo! (360) 426-2222 Two locations: California Road off Highway 101 — follow signs - U-cut is open on the weekends. General Store — 1921 E Hwy 106, Union, WA Pre-cut and u-cut trees as well as gifts.
Toziers Hardware
110 Mill Street, Shelton, WA Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM | Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Pre-cut Douglas firs and nobles; live trees, lights, decorations. (360) 868-4352 |
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A Griswald Family
CHRISTMAS Dreaming of heading to the forest and cutting your own? It’s time to begin a new family tradition! Hood Canal trees are so fantastic that in 2006 a 45 year old Fraser fir was selected from the Olympic National Forest to be the Capitol Christmas Tree and the White House has selected no less than two trees from the area for the presidential families. Olympic Forest Permits are $5.00 each and are good for one U-cut tree on the Olympic National Forest. Permits may be purchased at any Olympic National Forest office or online. There are plenty to choose from and the selective picking allows other trees in the forest room for healthy growth. Permits for cutting Christmas trees in the Olympic National Forest are available in November — and fourth-graders can get them free. Visit fs.usda.gov/main/olympic/passes-permits/ forest products for more information.
