<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The data schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Boise
Cascade Corporation's Balance Sheet at September 30, 1996, and from its 
Statement of Income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.  The 
information presented is qualified in its entirety by reference to such 
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                          55,945
<SECURITIES>                                     2,233
<RECEIVABLES>                                  522,887
<ALLOWANCES>                                     5,173
<INVENTORY>                                    581,088
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,352,251
<PP&E>                                       5,581,088
<DEPRECIATION>                               2,273,006
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               5,143,987
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          944,139
<BONDS>                                      1,945,376
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    556,388
<COMMON>                                       121,172
<OTHER-SE>                                     991,343
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 5,143,987
<SALES>                                      3,845,480
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             3,852,650
<CGS>                                        3,319,180
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                3,738,240
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              97,720
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 22,240
<INCOME-TAX>                                     7,720
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              6,910
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     6,910
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.47)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.47)