The Willamette National Forest, Oregon, USA, announced this week that Oregon has been selected to provide the 2018 United States Capitol Christmas Tree. A gift from the Willamette National Forest and the State of Oregon to the people of the United States, the tree will be displayed on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., with a public tree-lighting ceremony in early December 2018.

Every year since 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided the Capitol Christmas Tree. This year, the Capitol Christmas Tree will be cut from the Sweet Home Ranger District. Seventy smaller companion trees will also be sent to Washington, D.C., to decorate government buildings and public spaces this December. Additionally, Oregonians will contribute 10,000 handmade ornaments, to be created throughout 2018. These ornaments will celebrate the state's cultural history and people, landscapes, natural resources, and fish and wildlife. 

The theme for the 2018 Capitol Christmas Tree is "Find Your Trail!" in recognition of two 2018 anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, and the 175th commemoration of the Oregon Trail. 

"We are thrilled to be delivering the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and we invite all Oregonians to be a part of this special experience throughout 2018—from making an ornament to exploring the Willamette National Forest with family and friends—in search of the perfect tree to send to Washington, D.C.," said Nikki Swanson, Sweet Home District Ranger, Willamette National Forest. 

The last time Oregon was chosen to provide the Capitol Christmas Tree was in 2002, when a tree was selected from the Umpqua National Forest.

"We are very honored to have been chosen to provide the 2018 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, and to share some of our state's incredible beauty with the rest of America," said Oregon Governor Kate Brown. "Majestic, towering conifers have long stood as an icon of Oregon's magnificent forests. This tree will symbolize our rich natural resources, our deep Native American heritage, and the people of Oregon, who are known for their independent spirit, innovation and love for our state's diverse landscapes."

In November 2018, a modern-day wagon train carrying the Christmas tree and ornaments will begin its eastward journey from Sweet Home, following the path of the Oregon Trail in reverse. 

The Willamette National Forest has partnered with Choose Outdoors and Travel Oregon for the Capitol Christmas Tree project. 

Oregonians and visitors are invited to participate in U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree activities, including a "Find the Tree" invitation, joining an ornament-making event or hosting your own, and to see the Capitol Christmas Tree as it travels along the Oregon Trail in November 2018. More information is available on the Capital Christmas Tree website. To get involved, use Capitol Christmas Tree email.