Rather than hunting for the best holiday bargains, this time of year many families will be on the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. For some, that may mean scavenging supermarket parking lots and other roadside tree lots. For others, finding the perfect tree means a trip into the wilds of Idaho.
Packing the car with hot cocoa, snow shoes, and a backpack full of snacks and heading into the forest to cut your own tree can be a fun holiday tradition! It's a nice change of pace to get out of the city and into nature with the extra time off from work and school many people have this time of year.
The U.S. Forest Service sells permits online so you can go to designated areas of the Boise National Forest to find and cut your own perfect tree. Maps and other information such as allowed versus prohibited areas are available on their website. Keep in mind it is unethical and illegal to take a tree from private property without the owners' permission or to cut a tree down in the forest without a permit.
One popular place to find a tree is near Idaho City. Given its close proximity to Boise, many families venture up Highway 21 to scour the national forest there for the best tree.
However, if you are feeling more adventurous, driving further out of town gives you some advantages. The more remote the area, the better the selection and the fewer people competing for the same trees. The trees are also thicker the further into the forest you go. Keep in mind though, once you find and cut that perfect tree, you still have to get it back to your vehicle!
Happy hunting!
And always remember, if you or your friends or family have real estate needs, we are your Boise, Idaho and North End real estate experts. If you are interested in searching for your next dream home, please click here.
