Unscrupulous lumber man, Jim Fallon, escapes a prison sentence by convincing a syndicate to support a large new business deal. He decides to take advantage of a new Act of Congress that allows him to make millions off of illegally cutting down huge California Redwood trees, and even convinces a group of workers to go with him to California even though he, ultimately, cannot pay them.

Much of the land is homesteaded by a Quaker colony, who tries to persuade him to spare the trees. He is befriended by a beautiful, unsuspecting widow Quaker named Alicia Chadwick, and she attempts to demonstrate the sacred qualities of the trees. Although they fall in love, their opposing interests cause tension and all the while, Jim discovers who his real enemies are.