Log Prices
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Log Prices in North Idaho and the Inland Northwest
Note that these figures represent prices paid by competitive domestic facilities in the Inland Northwest, and are based on average-sized logs and standard log lengths—usually 16’6″ and 33′. MBF = Thousand Boardfeet. *Pole value varies widely depending upon length. Information as of June 17, 2024
| Species | June 2024 | Feb 2024 | Dec 2023 | Oct 2023 | Aug 2023 | June 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Douglas-Fir/Western Larch |
$430 - $510/MBF |
$430-$575/MBF |
$430-$575/MBF |
$430-$650/MBF |
$430-$650/MBF |
$415-$540/MBF |
|
Grand Fir/Western Hemlock |
$385-$500 |
$380-$520 |
$380-$520 |
$440-$550 |
$440-$550 |
$420-$525 |
|
Ponderosa Pine |
$325 (6-7") - $410 (8"+) |
$325 (6-7") - $410 (8"+) |
$375 (6-7") - $410 (8"+) |
$375 (6-7") - $415 (8"+) |
$450 (6-7") - $530 (8"+) |
$330 (6-7") - $430 (8"+) |
|
Lodgepole Pine |
$405-$500 |
$420-$515 |
$420-$515 |
$420-$560 |
$420-$560 |
$420-$560 |
|
Western White Pine |
$390-$415 |
$350-$450 |
$350-$515 |
$390-$415 |
$390-$415 |
$350-$415 |
|
Western Redcedar |
$950 - $1,275 |
$900-$1,120 |
$950-$1,275 |
$950-$1,100 |
$1,100-$1,050 |
$1,000-$1,200 |
|
Cedar Poles* |
*$2,100* |
*$2,000* |
*$1,900* |
*$1,900* |
*$2,200* |
*$2,200* |
|
Tonwood |
$45/ton +/- |
$55/ton +/- |
$55/ton +/- |
$60/ton +/- |
$55/ton +/- |
$50/ton +/- |
|
Pulp |
$18-$30/ton +/- |
$18-$30/ton +/- |
$18-$32/ton +/- |
$35-$50/ton +/- |
$35-$55/ton +/- |
$20-$30/ton |
About Current Log Prices
Due to favorable logging conditions over the last few months many sawmills have high log inventories for this time of year. Combining that fact with anemic lumber prices has created log markets that are weak and retreating. Cedar remains somewhat of a bright spot, but news of Stimson’s Plummer sawmill closure has significantly impacted the practicality of harvesting tonwood in many locations. Indications are that log markets this summer will be challenging.
Mike Wolcott, ACF, Certified Forester