Woodland Roots

By Lauren Grand, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Extension Agent serving Lane County

If you’re a landowner or woodland manager with hardwood logs to sell, it’s crucial to stay up to date on current market conditions. In Lane County, hardwood log prices vary based on species, quality, and size. Prices generally range plus or minus $50 per thousand board feet as you move north or south from the area. Here’s a quick breakdown of current trends:

Red alder continues to be the most in-demand hardwood species. Prices are highly dependent on quality, and buyers are looking for clean, straight logs. The minimum size purchased is 6 inches at the small end. For high-quality logs that are 12 inches or larger at the small end, expect prices around $650 per thousand board feet (MBF).

Oregon white oak is not typically purchased in the summer months because it doesn’t saw well when dry. However, buying is expected to resume in the fall. Buyers are looking for specific log dimensions, with a minimum of 10 inches at the small end and no more than 20 inches at the large end. Fall prices are expected to be around $525 per MBF.

Ash is being purchased sporadically, depending on market demand. When there is interest, prices are approximately $425 per MBF. Logs should have a minimum of 6 inches at the small end.

Maple is purchased on a case-by-case basis, with interest varying widely. The minimum log size is 6 inches on the small end, with logs up to 24 inches on the large end accepted. When buyers are interested, prices are generally around $250 per MBF.

Markets for hardwoods can change quickly based on demand, mill capacity, and seasonal factors. Always call your local log buyer first to check on current interest and pricing for your specific species and log quality. Invite them for a site visit to assess your logs and determine the best path forward for a potential sale.

Staying in communication with buyers ensures you get the best return and avoid harvesting when markets are soft.

Fewer logs are in the yard, and mills are interested in increasing their supply. With reduced availability, competition for logs has increased prices slightly.

Current Log Prices

Here is an overview of current average log prices in the region:

• Douglas-fir: Prices average between $700 and $775 per MBF, with regional differences—the Roseburg area is about $25 lower, and the Philomath area is $25 to $50 higher.
• White Wood: Mid-$500s per MBF, reflecting steady demand.
• Red Cedar: At $850 per MBF, larger logs (32’-40’) can fetch up to $1,500 when sold to Washington mills, while smaller logs (30’ and under) are priced slightly lower, but you’ll need to pay the trucking.
• Incense Cedar: Priced at $500 per MBF, incense cedar activity is limited as some mills buying this species have closed.
• Chips: Prices are steady at $30 per ton in the Eugene area.
• Alder: Averaging $650 per MBF, alder remains a sought-after hardwood despite ongoing challenges with log supply.
• Ash/Oak: Ranging from $400 to $550 per MBF, these species are seeing increased interest from mills, particularly white oak, which has recently gained traction in the Lane County area.
• Maple: At $425 per MBF, maple provides an option for hardwood markets, though supply and demand remain stable.

What This Means for Landowners

For those managing forestland, these trends underscore the importance of staying informed about market conditions. Tight supply and rising prices can create opportunities, but they also bring challenges. Landowners should:

• Monitor Log Markets Closely: Understanding current prices and demand can help you time your harvests effectively.
• Diversify Your Offerings: To maximize revenue potential, consider different market segments, such as poles, veneer, or hardwoods.
• Build Relationships with Buyers: As mills expand their sourcing areas, having strong relationships with log buyers can give you an advantage.

The log market is constantly changing, but staying adaptable and informed will help landowners navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Extension Forestry & Natural Resources, Lane County 

As fall begins, log prices in Lane and Douglas counties reflect ongoing supply and market challenges.  The critical factor driving these prices is an oversupply of small-diameter logs, creating difficulties for many landowners and loggers who find selling or processing smaller logs challenging. This abundance has led to a higher cost of logging as fewer mills are accepting smaller logs, and many operations are holding out for larger-diameter timber to cut.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Extension Forestry & Natural Resources, Lane County 

Keeping consistent with normal trends, this summer’s prices are already decreasing. Small-diameter wood is abundant because of access, the ice storm, and two small log mills closing in the area. Demand for smaller logs is low and prices have decreased about five percent after being consistent for a little while. Large logs have some interest, but nothing that will make you jump out of your chair.  

By Lauren Grand, OSU Extension Forestry & Natural Resources, Lane County

This time of year is usually when prices are moving upward into the springtime, but this year isn’t following suit. This is likely a result of a few things including not much excitement coming out of the lumber market, the ice storm, and two small log mills closing in the area.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Extension Forestry & Natural Resources, Lane County

The lumber market hasn’t perked up just yet and with prices being low many mills and yards are relying heavily on their inventory or taking some down time as they wait to see how the lumber market will respond in the new year.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Extension Agent serving Lane County

I feel like this is the first time, in a long time, that I’m reporting a normal summer. Prices are holding steady and despite the fires there are enough logs out there to keep prices from increasing as we approach the end of the summer. In addition, lumber prices have come down quite a bit so we may even see log prices go down before going back up to match the winter demand due to access issues. There seems to be some mills with lots of inventory and some mills aggressively buying so be sure to call around to find the best fit for your property and your logs. Douglas-fir prices are currently sitting in the $800-850/mbf, about $100/mbf less than what we were seeing this time last year.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Extension Agent serving Lane County

We are coming up on spring and that means summer is just around the corner. If you are thinking about a harvest this summer, it is time to take your management plan off the shelf and review your goals. How will this harvest help you meet your management goals? What are the things you’ll need to get started on now to be ready?  Following the market and log prices is one of them.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Extension Agent serving Lane County

Log buyers are actively looking for wood right now and while prices aren’t where they were last winter, they are certainly good and on par with past years. Prices are likely seeing a dip from last year because housing interest rates are up quite a bit and home buying is less attractive. That being said, winter is usually a difficult time for small landowners to access their trees for harvesting anyway, but if you are set up for it, it can prove to be beneficial as inventories are typically lower now than in the summer. Douglas-fir prices are currently sitting in the $800/mbf range for 6 to 9-inchers and $900/mbf range for the 10-inch pluses. Of course, large logs and premium logs could see $100-200 more per thousand depending on what you’ve got.

By Lauren Grand, OSU Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, Extension Agent serving Lane County

Prices are continuing to be good and even increase slightly this summer. Normally I’d have the inclination to say, “we are flying high on increasing prices that we don’t normally see during summer months. Usually, prices decrease in the summer due to more wood coming on the market.” However, things have hardly been “normal” since I started writing this blog 6 years ago. There seems to be some mills with lots of inventory and some mills aggressively buying so be sure to call around to find the best fit for your property and your logs. Douglas-fir prices are currently sitting in the $950/mbf, with the potential for a $50-$150 increase for a really good quality log.