Idaho Press
Capitol Christmas tree is harvested and readied for trip to Washington, D.C.
76-foot Engelmann spruce harvested as 2026 Capitol Christmas tree
Key points (ReadOut summary)
- Tree cut near Musselshell Meadows in Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest
- Crane lifted, rotated, and loaded onto trailer over 30-minute process
- Nez Perce Tribe offered blessings, drum circle, and traditional regalia
- Tree will tour Idaho and other states before reaching Washington, D.C.
- Orange bladder will hydrate tree until display on Christmas Day
WEIPPE — Two hours from Lewiston, deep into the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, a 76-foot tall Engelmann Spruce tree was harvested to be used as the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.