NEZ PERCE-CLEARWATER NATIONAL FORESTS, Idaho — Kenworth is announcing it will provide a T680, sporting a newly installed graphics wrap, to transport the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in Idaho to Washington.
The truck’s design celebrates the theme “Over the River and Through the Woods” with a background of a picturesque snow-covered river winding through Idaho’s national forests.
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour began Oct. 29 in Grangeville, Idaho. Along the more than 2,000-mile journey, communities will have an opportunity to view the “People’s Tree,” a 76-foot Engelmann spruce harvested from the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, sign commemorative banners attached to its extra-long trailer, learn about Idaho’s National Forests, and share in the holiday spirit. The tour will conclude on Nov. 20 when it is delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
Specially Wrapped T680
The truck pulling this year’s tree is a specially decaled Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the PACCAR Powertrain featuring the PACCAR MX-13 engine, PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth’s DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering. The 76-inch sleeper features a Diamond VIT interior in charcoal with high-quality leather driver and passenger seats with titanium accents that are fully heated and cooled. The Kenworth T680 also includes the latest in driver amenities, including a factory-installed refrigerator, a rotating work table, and space for the everyday conveniences that bring the comforts of home to the road.
Real-Time Tracking
For the third year, Kenworth will provide real-time GPS location tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree as it travels across the country. Powered by PACCAR Connect, a new factory-integrated environment that brings telematics, productivity tools, and fleet applications, the truck will provide enhanced connectivity throughout the journey. The tree’s journey can be tracked via an interactive map on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website.
Tree Haulers
Boise Cascade was chosen as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck Company. Boise Cascade, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, is a manufacturer and distributor of building materials, engineered wood products and construction materials in North America.
This year, Boise Cascade appointed four drivers to transport the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree:
- Monte Cook (Spokane, Wash.) is a veteran truck driver and Boise Cascade operations leader with 33 years of experience and nearly 3 million miles on the road.
- Phil Cramer (Laurel, Mont.) is a Boise Cascade operations manager whose 22-year career includes 1.5 million safe driving miles and a strong commitment to community service.
- Fred Holmes (Salmon, Idaho) is a former Boise Cascade driver and current product manager with more than 20 years of industry experience.
- Tianne Larrimer (Sugar Land, Texas) is a military-trained logistics professional with 30+ years of experience spanning Army service, heavy hauling, and flatbed transportation.
Boise Cascade will haul the tree, while Alaska Airlines will help transport thousands of handmade ornaments created by Idahoans.
Public Tour Stops
Below is the current 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Tour public schedule. Festivities are free and open to the public.
Dates and locations include:
- Saturday, Oct. 31: Moscow, Idaho
- Sunday, Nov. 1: Orofino, Idaho and Kamiah, Idaho
- Tuesday, Nov. 3: Lolo, Mont.
- Wednesday, Nov. 4: Salmon, Idaho
- Thursday, Nov. 5: Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho and Twin Falls, Idaho
- Friday, Nov. 6: Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Saturday, Nov. 7: Gardiner, Mont.
- Monday, Nov. 9: Sheridan, Wyo.
- Tuesday, Nov. 10: Custer, S.D.
- Thursday, Nov. 12: Mitchell, S.D. and Albert Lea, Minn.
- Friday, Nov. 13: Peoria, Ill.
- Saturday, Nov. 14: Richmond, Ind.
- Monday, Nov. 16: Morgantown, West Virginia
- Tuesday, Nov. 17: Hagerstown, Maryland and Littlestown, Penn.
- Thursday, Nov. 19: Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (military ID access only)
In early December, a tree lighting ceremony will take place, hosted by the Architect of the Capitol in coordination with the U.S. Speaker of the House. For more information, click here.
Dana Guthrie is an award-winning journalist who has been featured in multiple newspapers, books and magazines across the globe.
