<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The data schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Boise
Cascade Corporation's Balance Sheet at December 31, 1996, and from its Statement
of Income for the year ended December 31, 1996.  The information presented is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                          40,066
<SECURITIES>                                   220,785
<RECEIVABLES>                                  476,339
<ALLOWANCES>                                     4,911
<INVENTORY>                                    540,433
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,355,404
<PP&E>                                       4,645,123
<DEPRECIATION>                               1,798,349
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,710,709
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          932,558
<BONDS>                                      1,526,127
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    553,162
<COMMON>                                       121,191
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,006,138
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,710,709
<SALES>                                      5,108,220
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             5,122,740
<CGS>                                        4,395,960
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                4,973,540
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             128,360
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 31,340
<INCOME-TAX>                                    11,960
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              9,050
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     9,050
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (.63)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (.63)