U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Whistlestop Tour
Together, we’ll celebrate Idaho’s forests, responsible stewardship, craftsmanship and the spirit of the holiday season.
Driven by Boise Cascade. Carried by community.
Boise Cascade is proud to celebrate the journey of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as the People’s Tree 2026 People’s Tree – traveling from Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.
A Longstanding Holiday Tradition
For 56 years, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is a tradition that has connected America’s forests with communities across the country.
Each year, a tree from one of the nation’s national forests is selected to stand on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol during the holiday season. In 2026, that honor belongs to Idaho’s Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. The selected tree is a 76-foot Engelmann spruce from the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District.
The journey is being carried forward by Boise Cascade’s own truck drivers. Before reaching Washington, D.C., the tree will make a cross-country journey with public Whistlestop Tour events where communities can see the tree and truck, meet the drivers, take photos, sign the traveling banner and learn more about Idaho’s forests.
By the Numbers
56 years of tree tours
76-foot-tall Engelmann spruce
2,530 miles - The tree’s cross-country journey
21 Whistlestop tour destinations along the way
10,000 handmade ornaments made
Follow the Journey
Responsible forestry supports healthy, resilient forests while providing renewable materials, economic opportunity and wood products that serve communities every day. Boise Cascade is proud to be part of an industry that values stewardship, innovation and the long-term health of the forests we depend on.
Behind the Wheel
Moving a 76-foot Christmas tree across is no small feat. It takes planning, patience, precision and a deep sense of responsibility.
This year, Boise Cascade’s own professional truck drivers are helping carry Idaho’s 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the forest to communities across the country. Their experience and dedication will guide the tree through each mile of its journey.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is more than a holiday tradition. It is an opportunity to recognize the forests, communities and people that help shape life across the country.
Responsible forestry supports healthy, resilient forests while providing renewable materials, economic opportunity and wood products that serve communities every day. Boise Cascade is proud to be part of an industry that values stewardship, innovation and the long-term health of the forests we depend on.
Meet Barkly
Bring the story of the People’s Tree home with you. Download our family-friendly coloring book and follow the journey with Boise Cascade’s truck, Barkly!
Happy Holidays from Boise Cascade
As the tree makes its way to Washington, D.C., we wish to honor the dedication of the people behind the journey and a reminder of how much we can accomplish when we come together.
From Boise Cascade, we wish you and your family a safe and joyful holiday season.
