Lone Fir Tree Farm

Our Story – Lone Fir Tree Farm

Lone Fir Tree Farm was established in 1960 by Dallas Boge, beginning what would become a lasting family tradition in the Gales Creek community. Together with his wife, Sharon, Dallas spent decades developing and caring for the farm. Although Sharon has since passed away, her legacy remains an important part of the farm's history.

More than six decades later, Dallas remains actively involved in managing the farm and guiding its future, with the next generation of the Boge family sharing in its ownership and continued stewardship.

Since the 1970s, Lone Fir Tree Farm has welcomed families to select and cut their own Christmas trees. For generations of visitors, a trip to the farm has become a cherished holiday tradition. Dallas and the Boge family look forward to welcoming returning families and new visitors each Christmas season.

The Early Years

The story began on April 8, 1960, when Dallas purchased approximately 75 acres of land, including a farmhouse, barn, and several pieces of farm equipment: a Ford tractor, plow, disc, and planter.

At the time, approximately 20 acres were cleared and planted with strawberries and grain, while other portions served as fenced pasture. A three-quarter-acre pond provided irrigation water for the strawberries and opportunities for recreation. Much of the remaining property was covered in young, naturally regenerated timber following decades of logging.

With the help of his father, Frank Boge, Dallas decided to plant Christmas trees on some of the flatter ground, and the first trees went into the ground during the winter of 1960–1961. Early plantings included Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine, giant sequoia, Noble fir, and several other varieties. Through trial and error, he discovered which species were best suited to the growing conditions in Gales Creek.

Over time, Christmas tree production expanded to approximately 20 acres. For many years, most of the trees were sold wholesale, one truckload at a time. As larger growers came to dominate the wholesale market, the farm transitioned entirely to U-Cut Christmas tree sales.

Eventually, Christmas tree acreage was reduced to approximately five acres, with the remaining land dedicated primarily to growing timber.

A Commitment to Sustainable Forestry

In 1970, the property received certification through West Coast Tree Farms, now part of the American Tree Farm System. This commitment to responsible forest management has remained an important part of the farm's identity.

Timberland management follows a written plan emphasizing sustainable forestry, careful harvesting, and replanting to ensure the forest continues to thrive for future generations.

One particularly memorable event occurred on May 18, 1980, when Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, blanketing the farm with volcanic ash. Even decades later, traces of that ash remain visible in undisturbed areas of the timberland.

That same year also marked the farm's first commercial timber harvest. Since then, selective harvesting and thinning have helped maintain the health and productivity of the forest. Following major harvests, areas are prepared and replanted to begin the next generation of trees.

One example is an area near the Christmas tree sales building. Originally planted in 1962, it was harvested in 2004 and promptly replanted, continuing the cycle of growth and renewal.

A Family Farm Through the Generations

Dallas and Sharon married in 1961 and made their first home on the farm. They lived there until 1963, when employment responsibilities required them to move closer to work.

In 1965, they sold approximately six acres, including the original farmhouse and barn, while retaining the surrounding farmland and timber property.

The family returned to Gales Creek in 1976, purchasing another farm about half a mile away. In 1992, Dallas and Sharon built their home on a one-acre parcel in the corner of the original tree farm property.

In 1999, the farm transitioned from a sole proprietorship to a limited liability company, with the adult children gradually becoming part of its ownership.

From the beginning, Dallas envisioned Lone Fir Tree Farm as something that could be passed down through the generations. What began as a piece of farmland has grown into a family legacy built on hard work, responsible stewardship, and a love of the land.

Continuing the Tradition

More than six decades after planting the first Christmas trees, Dallas continues to lead Lone Fir Tree Farm with the same dedication to the land that inspired him in 1960.

With the next generations of the Boge family involved in the farm's ownership, the foundation has been laid for this family legacy to continue for years to come.

While much has changed over the decades, the heart of Lone Fir Tree Farm remains the same: caring for the land, growing beautiful Christmas trees, and welcoming families who return year after year to make holiday memories.

The Boge family is grateful to everyone who has made Lone Fir Tree Farm part of their Christmas traditions, and we look forward to welcoming many more generations in the years ahead.