• Trail: Claude-Lewis Trailhead and Snowpark
  
• Parking: Highway 230
• Length: However long to find that perfect tree!
• Gear: Ratchet straps, permit, saw, snowshoes, jacket, Christmas spirit
  

Now that we have checked Halloween and Thanksgiving off our lists, next up is Christmas. This week Holden goes on a hike with a mission to find that perfect Christmas tree in Oregon Cascades.

Part of the adventure is always the journey along the way, so enjoy the drive up into the Cascades, but make sure you're blasting that Christmas music. The spot is just past the Crater Lake turnoff and right before you get to the junction for Diamond Lake.

Before you get to the trailhead, you want to make sure that you have a car that is suitable to carry a tree including a roof rack, crossbars or a truck. Bring ratchet straps as well, they work the best to hold down the tree. Most importantly, make sure that you print the 5-dollar permit from online, all funds are given back to the National Forest Service for management of the forests.

This trailhead and snow park have some of the best Christmas trees in the Southern Oregon Cascades. There are three main types of tree in this area of Umpqua National Forest: Douglas firs, mountain hemlocks and noble firs.

Douglas are sometimes the fullest with longer needles, but nobles have the best scent, so whichever works best for your household. Although, some prefer the smell of the Noble fir.

The trail goes on for about 3.5-miles leading to a small water called, Muir Creek Falls. We highly recommend taking the trail all the way down to the falls if you have time. If not, make sure you find that special tree.

After finding the tree, cutting it down, make sure to grab the tree from the bottom when you're dragging it through the snow to avoid damage to any of the branches. If you're placing the tree on an SUV, make sure to have the bottom of the tree facing the front of the car. Strap it down snug, but tight to avoid limb damage and an insurance claim to someone else's car.

On the way back, stop for brunch, lunch or if you were an early riser, breakfast. The best part of hunting a Christmas tree is the time spent with your family or loved ones.

When you get back home make sure to have a stand that can hold your tree upright and trim off any excess branches (or maybe the trunk if you forgot to measure). After getting it in the house with the help of a friend or family member, reward them by making them decorate the tree with you.

Just make sure to keep the tree stand full of water to avoid drying limbs and needles. Trees tend to drink a lot of water the first few weeks after being cut. A little tip is to also use hot water the first time to slow down the rate at which the tree drinks water.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from Holden! We'll be back with a new season of Hikes with Holden, starting January 9.