<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
The data schedule contains summary financial information extracted from Boise
Cascade Corporation's Balance Sheet at June 30, 1997, and from its Statement
of Income for the six months ended June 30, 1997.  The information presented
is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                          80,538
<SECURITIES>                                   168,284
<RECEIVABLES>                                  516,931
<ALLOWANCES>                                     6,030
<INVENTORY>                                    501,865
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,361,288
<PP&E>                                       4,864,230
<DEPRECIATION>                               1,967,638
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,861,697
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          968,826
<BONDS>                                      1,704,929
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    540,990
<COMMON>                                       121,794
<OTHER-SE>                                     957,736
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,861,697
<SALES>                                      2,606,620
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,606,160
<CGS>                                        2,260,540
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,592,140
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              59,380
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (43,160)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (16,830)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (31,440)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (31,440)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.04)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.04)