Choosing a Christmas tree is a beloved holiday tradition throughout the United States. But there’s something even more satisfying about setting out with your loved ones, hiking into a stand of gorgeous pines, and picking a fresh tree to call your own. Whether it’s a tree hunt in a national forest or a visit to the local tree farm, these are our favorite spots to cut your own Christmas tree under the Big Sky.
Copenhaver Plantations has been growing and selling Christmas trees in the Big Flat area since 1982. You can choose from hundreds of trees representing more than half a dozen species, like scotch pine, Douglas fir, and Canaan fir. The plantation also sells handmade wreaths. They’re open weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Several national forests in Montana will allow you to cut your own Christmas tree. It’s an awesome way to enjoy all the natural beauty that Montana has to offer while creating a lasting holiday tradition for the family. But don’t just grab an axe and head for the woods. There are some things you need and need to know before you go.
At more than two million acres, west-central Montana’s Lolo National Forest has plenty to offer a Christmas tree hunter. Stop at one of the two visitor centers to pick up your permit.
Flathead National Forest is a gorgeous woodland in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. It’s 2.4 million acres is just outside of, but contiguous with, Glacier National Park, which is sure to make your Christmas tree quest more than memorable.
With several units that stretch from the Yellowstone National Park entrance in southwest Montana all the way east to South Dakota, the Custer-Gallatin National Forest is your best bet for cutting a Christmas tree in the southern part of the state. The main office is in Bozeman, but there are several other offices and ranger stations across the state, including Billings.
In 2017, Kootenai National Forest supplied the Christmas tree for the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. So, you have to imagine this northeast Montana forest has some pretty fine specimens for your own holiday décor.
View this post on Instagram
If you’re in extreme southwest Montana, the Bitterroot National Forest’s 1.6 million acres of mountains and woods will make for a gorgeous holiday hike. Chances are, you’ll find a tree to deck your halls, as well.
View this post on Instagram
Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is a great option for tree hunters in the Helena and Great Falls areas. The forest encompasses nearly three million acres across eight ranger districts and includes the beautiful Elkhorn Mountains.
At almost 3.5 million acres, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is the biggest national forest in Montana. It covers parts of eight counties in the state and is an easy holiday drive from Butte. Be sure to get your permit!
View this post on Instagram
