Kenworth presents the 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tracker

From Alaska's National Forests

Track the Tree
Custom Kenworth truck poised against a lake in Alaska's National Forest

Live tracking from Alaska’s National Forests begins OCT. 26

Every year, a different National Forest provides a tree for the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the holiday season. Use the map below to follow this year‘s U.S. Capitol Christmas tree on its journey from Alaska's National Forests and see where it will stop along the way.

Map brought to you by Kenworth TruckTech+

Alaska's Special Places

Valley view of Chugach National Forest with snow-capped mountains behind
Seward, AK

Chugach National Forest

The Chugach National Forest is a 6,908,540-acre United States National Forest in south central Alaska. Covering portions of Prince William Sound, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Copper River Delta, it was formed in 1907 from part of a larger forest reserve.

More About The Chugach National Forest
River view of Tongass National Park
Juneau, AK

Tongass National Forest

The Tongass National Forest in Southeast Alaska is the largest U.S. National Forest at 16.7 million acres. Most of its area is temperate rainforest and is remote enough to be home to many species of endangered and rare flora and fauna.

More About The Chugach National Forest
Person flyfishing in  the Russian River
Kenai, AK

Kenai and Russian River Watershed

Despite being one of the most "roadless" national forests (only 90 miles of Forest Service roads in total), the summer season in the Kenai Peninsula is a favorite destination for anglers. The Russian River alone can see over 150,000 visitors every year. Known worldwide for its fishing, the Kenai and Russian River watershed has runs of all five species of salmon: king, red, silver, chum, and pink. Home to more than keystone species, the confluence abounds with archeological sites of great historical significance. Through discoveries of tool remnants, house pits, and middens, the story of how Alaska Natives lived for thousands of years off the abundant natural resources is revealed to our world today.

More About the Kenai and Russian River Watershed
View of the Copper River Delta
Cordova, AK

Copper River Delta

Considered one of the most essential shorebird habitats in the world, the Copper River Delta is the nesting ground for an estimated 12 million birds a year – the largest gathering of shorebirds in the Western Hemisphere. Fed by the 287-mile Copper River, the delta covers 700,000 acres and drains a watershed the size of West Virginia. The entire watershed is a highly productive ecosystem crucial to protecting, restoring, and conserving coastal migrant waterbirds. The Copper River Delta has been designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve – the highest designation for a world shorebird site. The glacial movement of eons past is on display with Miles Glacier and Childs Glacier, the two colossal ice walls along the Copper River.

More About the Copper River Delta
A portion of the "In the Footprints of Glaciers" book cover in frame in front of a view of the lake in the Portage Valley
Portage, AK

Portage Valley

Portage Valley is a 14-mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. With trails for every hiker and a visitor center full of opportunities, the valley is a visitor's paradise. Whether you want to have a picnic, camp overnight, try your luck at trout fishing, or take a hike, you'll find it here in Portage Valley. Feel the temperature drop as you get up close to glaciers on the Trail of Blue Ice, or stop by the Begich, Boggs visitor center to learn about the area and talk to rangers about recreation opportunities.

More About the Portage Valley
View of the glaciers and mountains in the river of the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness
Juneau, AK

Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness

In 1980, the United States Congress designated 653,179 acres as the Tracy Arm-Fords Terror Wilderness. Located midway between Juneau and Petersburg, this wilderness can be accessed by motorboats, large vessels or commercial cruise boats, and floatplanes. Tracy and Endicott are two long and narrow arms of saltwater that are bordered by steep rock walls and glacier-covered mountains. At the head of each fiord is an active tidewater glacier, which calves icebergs frequently.

More About Tracy Arm-Fords
View of the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center with the forest in the background
Juneau, AK

Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center

Experience the splendor of Mendenhall Glacier at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Visitors can enjoy views of the thirteen-mile-long river of ice, which terminates on the far side of Mendenhall Lake, and watch blue icebergs floating in the water amidst reflections of southeast Alaska’s coast mountains. Several trails of varying distance and challenge bring visitors close to cascading waterfalls or salmon streams. While there, be prepared to meet wildlife, including black bears, porcupines, beavers, bald eagles, and seasonally returning arctic terns, waterfowl, and sockeye and Coho salmon.

More About the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center
Man observing a bear at the Anan Wildlife Observatory
Wrangell, AK

Anan Wildlife Observatory

The Anan Wildlife Observatory is located 30 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell, and is built over Anan Creek, which has one of the largest runs of pink salmon in Southeast Alaska. This abundance of fish supports a high density of Black and Brown bears, which makes Anan unique as these bears normally will not fish the same waters without conflict. The facilities consist of a covered viewing shelter, decks, photo blind, and outhouses. You can now take a virtual trip to the site via the Anan Nature Watch Story Map.

More About the Anan Observatory
a hiker standing in front of the river in Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness Park
Ketchikan, AK

Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed over 2,200,000 acres as the Misty Fjords National Monument. In 1980, this acreage got reduced to 2,142,243 acres but was now congressionally designated as Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness and still remains the largest wilderness area on the Tongass National Forest. Travel either by boat or floatplane in Behm Canal, the major waterway through the heart of the area, and sightings of killer whales, porpoises, mountain goats, and bears could be possible.

More About the Fjords
Hubbard Glacier and mountains in the background
Yakutat, AK

Hubbard Glacier

Hubbard Glacier is located near Yakutat, Alaska and is the largest tidewater glacier in North America. In a region of retreating glacier, Hubbard Glacier's annual advances compared to those rapidly retreating makes it of great interest. the highest source of snow accumulation is at approximately 11,000 feet, traveling 76-miles towards the 6-mile-wide terminus at sea level in Disenchantment Bay and Russel Fiord. The terminus reaches height as high as 328-feet above sea level, equivalent to the height of a 30-story building.

More About the Hubbard Glacier
Bears in the grass in the Kootznoowoo Wilderness
Admiralty Island, AK

Kootznoowoo Wilderness

In 1980, the United States Congress designated 956,255 acres as the Kootznoowoo Wilderness. Located approximately 15 miles southeast of Juneau and encompassed by Admiralty Island National Monument on Admiralty Island, the Kootznoowoo Wilderness is primary accessed by boats or floatplanes but canoes and kayaks can also be used. With its salmon-filled creeks, hundreds of spectacular mountain lakes, and towering alpine peaks, Kootznoowoo can provide for the ultimate wilderness experience.

More About the Kootznoowoo Wilderness

Tour Schedule

Schedule is subject to change. TruckTech+ by Kenworth
Using Kenworth's TruckTech+ connected truck technology, www.uscapitolchristmastree.com provides real-time GPS location tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes its way from Alaska's National Forests to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.
Date
City, State
Location
Time
Oct26
Wrangell, AK
The Nolan Center
296 Campbell Dr Wrangell, AK 99929
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Oct30
Ketchikan, AK
Alaska Marine Highway
3501 Tongass Avenue Ketchikan, AK 99901
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Nov6
Renton, WA
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
1201 Lake Washington Blvd N. Renton, WA 98056
4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Nov8
Baker City, OR
Baker County Fairgrounds & Event Center, Rodeo Grounds
2600 East Street Baker City OR 97814
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Nov9
Pocatello, ID
The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade, Caldwell Park
700 E Lewis St Pocatello, ID 83201-5828
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Nov9
Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation's Wheeler Historic Farm
6351 S 900 E Murray, UT 84121
4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nov10
Grand Junction, CO
Cabela's
2424 US-6 Grand Junction, CO 81505
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Nov11
Loveland, CO
The Ranch Events Complex
5280 Arena Cir. Loveland, CO 80528
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Nov13
Omaha, NE
Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront
1110 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Nov16
Fort Wayne, IN
Parkview Field
1301 Ewing St Fort Wayne, IN 46802
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Nov17
Columbus, OH
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
333 W Broad St Columbus, OH 43215
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Nov19
Hagerstown, MD
The Maryland Theater
21 South Potomac Street Hagerstown, MD 21740
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Host Communities

Showing 2 of 12

Wrangell, AK
Coastal town view of Wrangell, AK

The Nolan Center

Wrangell offers a unique experience unlike anywhere else in Alaska. Located in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, it’s a place where untouched wilderness meets a warm, welcoming community. The town is known for its unspoiled beauty and rich cultural heritage that stretches back thousands of years. Visitors come to Wrangell for authentic Alaskan experiences like bear viewing, glacier exploration, fishing, and learning about indigenous history. Whether you travel independently, by cruise, yacht, kayak, or with a group, Wrangell provides a genuine connection to Alaska’s natural and cultural roots.
Ketchikan, AK
Overview of harbor Ketchikan, AK

Alaska Marine Highway

Ketchikan is known as Alaska’s “first city” due to its location at the southern tip of the Inside Passage—a network of waterways that snake through some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the world. Ketchikan is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture.
Renton, WA

Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park

More Information to Come
Baker City, OR
Main Street of Baker City, OR

Baker County Fairgrounds & Event Center, Rodeo Grounds

Surrounded to the west by the Elkhorn Mountains and to the northeast by the Wallowa Mountains, Baker City is a small but lively town of approximately 10,000 people located in the northeast corner of Oregon. Historically, it was home to multiple tribes including the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Nez Perce of the southern Plateau, and Paiute peoples of the northern Great Basin. Nowadays, Baker is well known for its vibrant history, natural beauty, and recreational activities. It boasts an iconic historic downtown, the Oregon Trail, and access to many recreation opportunities such as the Snake River, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, and Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. It is home to the headquarters of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, which covers more than 2.3 million acres across 3 states and 9 counties. Next time you find yourself traveling through, be sure to stop in Baker City, the “base camp of eastern Oregon”!
Pocatello, ID
A view of Iowa State University Indoor Stadium with the mountains behind in Pocatello, ID

The Pocatello Veterans Day Parade, Caldwell Park

Discover the Charm of Pocatello, where the mountains meet the horizon and nature surrounds you. Our thriving community promotes economic development and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents and businesses. Our quaint community is the perfect destination for a serene getaway that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Salt Lake City, UT
Building in Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake County Parks & Recreation's Wheeler Historic Farm

Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation's Wheeler Historic Farm is a 75-acre working farm and public park with wagon rides, cow milking, seasonal events, farmers markets, trails, a playground, and more. Located in Murray, Utah, Wheeler Historic Farm is one of 42 regional parks operated by Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation.
Grand Junction, CO
Overhead view of Grand Junction, CO in the winter

Cabela's

Nested in the heart of the stunning Colorado Plateau on the Western Slope of Colorado sits Grand Junction. As the largest city between Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah, it boasts a diverse range of outdoor activities and a thriving cultural scene. The area is famous for its breathtaking red rock landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop for hiking, mountain biking, and wine tasting.
Loveland, CO
Winter Wonderland lights at Loveland, CO

The Ranch Events Complex

There’s so much to love about Colorado’s Sweetheart City. Tucked into the base of the Front Range to the north, Loveland’s location makes it the ideal jumping-off point for exploration and a destination unto itself. Loveland is best known as the land of love, where Valentine’s Day lasts all season long ,and love is pledged year-round at Loveland’s two LOVE lock sculptures. An ode to the city’s love affair with the sculptural arts, these tributes to amore share the stage with four sculpture gardens, two bronze foundries, and a finishing house. This fondness for the arts inspires abundant live entertainment, from Colorado Eagles games and big-name concerts at the Blue Arena, to live music and line dancing at the honky-tonk downtown. Outside, Loveland’s landscape beckons with vibrant Natural Areas to explore, an impressive collection of lakes to dip into, rock formations and desert valleys to navigate, and the storied Big Thompson River to chase. All roads eventually lead to Loveland’s historic downtown streets, lined with tempting shops, restaurants, and galleries and adorned with a smattering of sculptures of course. Everything you love is here in the heart of Northern Colorado.
Omaha, NE
Winter Downtown view of Omaha, NE

Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront

The RiverFront is 72 acres of highly activated green space in the heart of downtown Omaha. Serving as a gateway between beloved entertainment destinations, such as the historic Old Market and modernized Capitol District, The RiverFront provides a scenic passage from the city’s urban core down to the Missouri River. Filled with dozens of permanent amenities, including custom playgrounds and an all-seasons Skate Ribbon, along with thousands of native plants, The RiverFront serves as a scenic community escape, welcoming millions of visitors annually. The park is also consistently bustling with unique activities and programming, making The RiverFront a favorite gathering space for locals and visitors alike.
Fort Wayne, IN
Park and building view of Fort Wayne, IN

Parkview Field

Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in Indiana, is nestled in Allen County, the largest county in the state, and is the heart of northeast Indiana. As the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the Midwest, Fort Wayne is bustling with energy and centrally located in the surrounding areas of Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Louisville. Fort Wayne is building a nationally recognized economy for residents and as a visitor destination, with countless attractions, quality-of-life amenities, talent, and so much more! Experience our vibrant arts community, rich cultural history, diverse culinary creations, and a big-city, small-town feel. There’s so much to enjoy in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
Columbus, OH
COSI building in Columbus, OH

Center of Science and Industry (COSI)

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, OH, is a dynamic science museum known for its interactive exhibits and engaging hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. For over 60 years, COSI has inspired interest in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) learning opportunities onsite, offsite, and online.
Hagerstown, MD
Baseball Arena and downtown view of Hagerstown, MD

The Maryland Theater

Nestled in the hills of western Maryland, Hagerstown was founded in 1762 by Jonathan Hager, a gunsmith, fur trader, farmer, and politician. Hagerstown was situated at the crossroads of the “Warrior Trading Path,” the Eastern Native American North / South Trading Route, which is modern-day Route 11, and the First National Road, now Route 40. The town grew quickly and was a prized location for transportation of all kinds, from covered wagons to nearby river navigation. Hagerstown became known as “Hub City” during the 19th century with the Western Maryland, Baltimore and Ohio (B&O), and the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) railroad lines and continues to modern day, where Hagerstown sits at the crossroads of two major interstates, I-70 and I-81. Hagerstown is proud to have a thriving Main Street Program and Arts and Entertainment district, welcomed a brand-new multi-use sports facility at Meritus Park downtown, and will be opening the Hagerstown Field House in January 2025.
Arborists ready to harvest a new tree Capitol Christmas Tree Custom Kenworth Truck in front of shipping containers Capitol Christmas Tree Custom Kenworth Truck in front of cargo containers

Curious to Learn More?

Revisiting Werner Enterprises Haul of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

Werner Enterprises helped to spread holiday spirit as they transported the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia to the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C.

A Look Back at the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Harvest

Part I of the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree journey from the Monongahela National Forest to Washington D.C.

READ MORE AT KENWORTH WORLD'S BEST MAGAZINE