The snowpack that usually piles up in our mountains never quite showed up this year. And we have had some experience with what a dry winter means for summer. So, we’re going into this season with our eyes open, and we want you to as well.
McCall is still spectacular this summer. Payette Lake is sparkling, the trails are open, the wildflowers are blooming, the patios are open. But this year, more than most, we need everyone who loves this place to help protect it.
That starts with fire. With a dry snowpack and summer days heating up, fire risk in the Payette National Forest this summer is real. Before you head into the backcountry, check current fire restrictions at the Payette National Forest website. They can change quickly, and what’s permitted one weekend may not be the next. When you camp, drown your campfire completely. Not mostly out. Out, out (make Smokey Bear proud, people!). Cold to the touch, every time, no exceptions. If we’re in a period of high fire threat or active fire restrictions, leave the campfire for another trip. The view from your campsite is worth protecting.
This is the McCall Promise: to love this place the way its long-timers do. Carefully, attentively, and with the kind of respect that means it’ll still be here for the next visit, and the one after that. Pack out what you pack in. Stay on the trail. Leave it exactly as you found it.
We built this magazine to help you fall in love with McCall. That’s still the goal. We just think the best way to love a place is to take care of it.
Welcome to summer in McCall. We’re glad you’re here!
–The Visit McCall team
Mehen
Cover photo courtesy Chad Case and Jon Conti
Photo courtesy Carter Tankersley
BEYOND ROAD
Exploring Idaho’s Wilderness on Two and Four Wheels
By Kailey Burton
The Payette National Forest doesn’t end at the trailhead. It stretches for nearly 2.3 million acres — a vast, interconnected network of Forest Service roads, single-track trails, and backcountry routes that wind past old mining towns, alpine lakes, and mountain peaks most people will never see. For the growing community of off-road riders in and around McCall, that network isn’t just a recreational amenity. It’s practically a backyard.
Off-road riding in the McCall area has long attracted families, thrill-seekers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a different kind of access to Idaho’s backcountry. Whether on a dirt bike threading single-track through dense timber or a side-by-side loaded with camping gear and kids, riders here share a common discovery: these trails go places nothing else can reach. A day ride becomes an overnight. An overnight becomes a multi-day loop through country so remote you can spend hours without seeing another soul — or find yourself camping with 20 strangers who all feel like friends by morning.
The trail system that makes this possible doesn’t maintain itself. Organizations like CITRA (Central Idaho Trail Riders Association) coordinate hundreds of volunteers each year to keep hundreds of miles of trail open and in good condition across the Boise and Payette National Forests — work that benefits every user, motorized or not. The community behind these trails is as much a part of the story as the trails themselves.
Here’s a peek behind the curtain at what that community is like.
The Family Adventure
When Vanessa Davis and her husband, Rusty, lived in Oregon, their UTV was mostly a practical tool — used for working around their property. But after moving to the McCall area five years ago with their two sons, Pierce and Rusty Jr. (now 9 and 10), they discovered just how easily it opened up the backcountry to their family.
“We can literally ride from our house onto trails that lead into wilderness areas,” Vanessa says. “That naturally turned into, ‘Let’s pack a lunch for the day,’ then, ‘Let’s pack for an overnight trip,’ and eventually, ‘Let’s go big — let’s plan a multi-day adventure.’”
Their UTV — or as Vanessa calls it, their “side-by-side” — is key to reaching places they otherwise would never see. “That’s the number one thing I love about it,” she says. “It unlocks places we simply couldn’t get to any other way.” Old mining towns, mountain peaks, and remote rivers become accessible destinations, even with kids and gear in tow.
“The boys love it,” she adds. “It’s a built-in adventure.” The rides themselves are part of the excitement — navigating terrain impassable to most vehicles, splashing through creeks, crossing small rivers, and, of course, plenty of mud.
“Sometimes we go super minimalist and pack our tents and our kids and cooler and go out in the backcountry to camp. It’s one of the fastest ways to be off-grid and out in nature,” she says.
Along the way, they’ve also found a strong sense of community with other motorsports families — some riding dirt bikes, others in UTVs. “Sometimes we’ll camp with 20 other people,” she says. “Everyone heads out on their own adventures during the day, then comes back together at camp.”
The Forest Service roads crisscrossing Idaho’s backcountry offer endless UTV opportunities. “It’s never-ending,” Vanessa says. “You could never see it all.”
Continued page 10
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Two Wheels, One Family
Eighteen-year-old Addison Defoort, a senior at McCall-Donnelly High School, has been riding dirt bikes for most of her life. With both parents avid riders — her mother, Johanna, is president of CITRA — she and her brother Quinten grew up exploring the outdoors on two wheels.
“I remember getting my first dirt bike at 5 or 6 years old — I thought it was the coolest thing,” she says. “We used to explore the mountains in a Jeep, and dirt biking became another way to get out there.”
Though she also grew up mountain biking and hiking, nothing compares to the feeling of riding. “It’s a huge adrenaline rush,” she says. “I feel really free and happy on my dirt bike.” It’s also one of her favorite ways to spend time with her family. “I’m usually riding with my mom and dad and brother. It’s a nice way to spend time together. It’s definitely made us closer as a family.”
Addison gravitates toward fast, flowy trails with obstacles that lead to scenic destinations like lakes or rivers. One favorite is Eagle’s Nest near Cascade, where she first learned to ride. She also enjoys trails near Burgdorf and the challenge of reaching Pittsburg Landing in Hells Canyon. “It’s not a super long trail, but it’s just difficult enough that getting to the cabin at the end feels really rewarding,” she says.
Continued page 12
While dirt biking is still largely male-dominated, Addison has found a strong community of women riders through CITRA — especially during the annual Loon Lake Ladies Ride. “It’s usually one of the last nice days in fall. You’re out there with a whole group of women. We ride out to the lake and hang out, then we loop back and go eat in Secesh. It’s always such a fun experience,” she says.
The sport has strengthened her confidence and shaped her mindset. “My mom always told me not to stare at the obstacle — just look past it, and the bike will take you over,” she says. “I think that’s a great lesson in life, too — not to focus too much on the problem, but to see yourself on the other side.” And it’s built her resilience. “It’s taught me that even if I crash and fall, I’m going to be OK — I can get up and do it again.”
She’s also mindful of the responsibility that comes with riding. “There’s this idea that we don’t care about the trails and that we destroy the trails. But I think it’s the exact opposite. Dirt bikers, especially here in Valley County, we work really hard to preserve the trails, not just for dirt bikers but for anyone who wants to use them,” she says.
Full Throttle Friendships
At seventeen years old, Carter Tankersley is already deeply immersed in the world of dirt biking. A junior at McCall-Donnelly High School, he started riding in 2019 on a small CRF 125. While the rest of his family prefers side-by-sides, Carter found his own path on two wheels.
Today, he rides a 2018 YZ 250FX — a four-stroke he’s extensively customized himself. “It’s what I like to do in my free time,” he says. “Go ride, maybe break something, and then learn how to fix it.” From swapping sprockets for better low-end power to adding handguards and new handlebars, working on his bike is as much a part of the experience as riding.
Continued page 14
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Welcome to our Family
Driven
Carter rides with a tight-knit group of friends, pushing and supporting each other on some of the area’s most technical terrain. Favorite spots include Crestline, with its mix of smooth flow and challenging features, and Hazard Lake, where steep rock faces test both skill and nerve.
“Sometimes we’ll ride for two hours and only cover a few miles,” he says.
He rides year-round whenever he can. “Fall is great because it’s less dusty, but winter riding is a blast — it’s completely different.”
Beyond the adrenaline, Carter values the community. He and his friends often bring along beginners, helping them build confidence. “We’ll take out a little brother or friends from out of town and show them the ropes,” he says. “We enjoy teaching people.”
As he pushes his limits, safety remains a priority. He always rides fully geared and never alone. “Three people is my lucky number,” he says. “If one person gets hurt, one can stay and the other can go for help.” The group also carries a Garmin inReach to stay in touch with their parents.
courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo
SAFETY ESSENTIALS SAFETY ESSENTIALS
Being prepared with the right gear and knowledge is essential for staying safe on the trail. With little to no cell service in the backcountry, riders should be ready to self-rescue if needed. CITRA recommends carrying:
Tools for your bike and a chainsaw for clearing downed trees
Basic survival gear in case an overnight stay becomes necessary
Plenty of food and water (or a water filter)
A GPS communication device (such as a Garmin inReach)
Never ride alone — groups of three or more are safest. Proper protective gear is a must: helmet, goggles, chest protector, pads, riding pants, and boots.
Riders must honestly assess their skill level, choose suitable trails, and ride a bike appropriate for their size and ability. Most trails in Valley County lean toward intermediate to advanced, and conditions can change quickly. Download maps in advance and be prepared to turn around if a trail exceeds your comfort level.
There’s no official rating system for dirt bike trails — ratings are subjective. In the words of CITRA’s past president, Steve Lacey: “All the trails are easy — except the hard parts.”
Carter stresses preparation. “Bring water, bring snacks so you don’t get cranky or tired. Once you get tired you start to make mistakes. You gotta have gas in your tank. Being hydrated makes a big difference,” he says.
He’s also mindful of trail etiquette and the impact riders can have on the environment. “Last year our favorite trail was changed three times because people went off trail and caused damage. If you wanna go dirt biking, find a trail that you can ride. If you need to go off trail, then you’re not on the right trail,” he says.
For Carter, dirt biking is more than a hobby — it’s a challenge, a stress reliever, and a way to build lasting friendships. “If I didn’t have dirt biking,” he says, “I definitely wouldn’t have as strong a relationship with some of my friends.”
Photo courtesy McKenzie Kraemer
Spotlight on CITRA
A Force Behind the Trails
Johanna Defoort has been part of Idaho’s dirt bike community since the formation of CITRA in 2016, stepping into the role of president in 2021. Since then, the organization has become a driving force behind the maintenance and preservation of single-track trails across the region.
“Dirt bike riders are unique in that they have very few designated trails,” Johanna explains. “Most of what we ride is mixed-use.” That reality requires a heightened awareness of other users, strong trail etiquette, and a commitment to stewardship.
Continued page 22
RULES OF THE TRAIL RULES OF THE TRAIL
Behind the scenes, that commitment translates into long hours organizing volunteers, coordinating with state and federal agencies, and putting in physically demanding work on the ground. CITRA helps maintain hundreds of miles of trail across the Boise and Payette National Forests. In 2025 alone, 61 volunteers logged more than 2,000 hours clearing and repairing roughly 350 miles — cutting brush, fixing erosion, and shaping water bars to prevent further damage. Printed with permission by CITRA
1. Stay On The Trail
2. Don’t Short Cut Switchbacks — Cutting switchbacks creates erosion and ruins trails.
3. Don’t Leave The Trail To Go Around Downed Timber
— CITRA recommends every party carry at least one chainsaw. If you encounter a downed tree and can’t clear it or get over it, turn back.
4. Stay off Non-Motorized Trails — Pay attention to signs and get a Motor Vehicle Use Map from the Forest Service.
5. Don’t Roost — Whoops in the woods create erosion. Consider a “trials” type or hybrid tire to minimize trail damage.
6. Don’t Ride Beyond Your Ability — Find a trail well within your comfort level. There is no cell reception in most of these areas. You’re on your own.
7. Respect Other Trail Users — If you encounter horses, shut your bike down, remove your helmet, and ask the rider how they’d like to handle the encounter. Slow down and say hello to hikers and mountain bikers.
8. Be Careful and Have Fun!
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All maintenance is completed to Forest Service standards. CITRA also coordinates with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation so their small team of Trail Rangers can prioritize larger projects. Anyone operating a chainsaw must be Forest Service certified, with training in first aid and CPR.
Beyond maintenance, CITRA places a strong emphasis on education and responsible riding. “If you come to something you can’t get through, turn around,” Johanna says. “Going off-trail creates ‘go arounds’ and damage that’s hard to fix.”
“There’s this connection between all the different backcountry users. Whenever I see someone out there — hiker, biker, horse rider — it’s like seeing a friend. I want to promote that camaraderie and friendship,” says Johanna.
As Idaho continues to grow as a recreation destination, that balance becomes increasingly important. Access depends on volunteers and organizations like CITRA — people willing to put in the time to ensure these trails remain open and enjoyable for years to come. For more info or to join CITRA, visit citra.rocks.
Continued page 24
Photo courtesy McKenzie Kraemer
Photo courtesy McKenzie Kraemer
W I L D S U R R O U N D I N G S . W E L C O M I N G G R E E N S .
FIRST GEAR, START SMART FIRST GEAR, START SMART
New to off-road riding? Carter Tankersley, who works at a local powersports rental shop, recommends starting with a local dealer for advice — or renting before buying.
“You can go and test ride a bike and not worry if it’s the wrong size. If you go for a couple hours and it’s too big, the rental company can give you a bike that works better,” he says. “If you have a bike that’s too big and you don’t have control... that’s when people create ruts or go off trail because they can’t control their own bike.”
Another way to learn the ropes: join a local riding club.
“The best way to get to know the trails is to join a local club and attend a work party trail-clearing event,” says Johanna Defoort.
For your first rides, take it slow — and always wear proper gear.
“I’ve seen people coming unprepared, not wearing any gear,” says Carter. “They think they’re a really good dirt biker, but they just come up here and end up getting hurt or break their bike, and lose the love for dirt biking. It’s sad to see.”
Continued page 26
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Day Trips & Overnighters
So you’ve got your map, your app, your gear, and your ride — now where to go? Here are some favorite spots for a day trip or an easy overnighter.
Yellow Pine: Grab an ice cream in the remote community of Yellow Pine (official population: 32!). Located 50 miles east of McCall via Lick Creek Road (open seasonally). Bring your golf clubs to play one of the quirkiest courses in Idaho!
California Lake: A small, scenic lake located off Forest Service Road 325, about 5 miles northeast of Burgdorf Hot Springs. Reserve a soak time at Burgdorf and make a day trip out to the lake and springs, stopping at the Secesh Stage Stop for lunch. Overnight cabin rentals are also available at Burgdorf.
Loon Lake Trail: This 12-mile loop was officially adopted by CITRA and is popular with hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and dirt bikers. The full loop takes you to the south end of Loon Lake, where you can see the wreckage of a B-23 bomber that crashed there in 1943.
Big Creek Lodge: A historic off-grid lodge at the edge of the Frank Church Wilderness, offering overnight accommodations and excellent food. Located about 40 miles northeast of McCall and 14 miles northeast of Yellow Pine.
Multi-day “Big Loop” Route: McCall Yellow Pine Creek Lodge Warren Secesh back to McCall. Overnight options include Big Creek Lodge, Burgdorf cabins, and multiple campgrounds along the way.
Remember — our locals were kind enough to share these gems. Pay it forward by respecting the trail and those you encounter. Wherever you go, leave it better than you found it.
Continued page 28
Sharing the Trail Ride with
Care
Motorsports trails are almost always multi-use, meaning riders may encounter hikers, dogs, horseback riders, or mountain bikers at any time.
Interactions with horses require the most care, says Tom Helmer, Executive Director of the Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA). Because horses can be startled quickly by fast-moving machines, stop and give them plenty of space. Take off your helmet, turn off your engine, and talk to the rider in a friendly voice — it helps the horse recognize you as human. Allow the horses to pass and make some distance down the trail before continuing.
“Do your best to act courteous to other people. If you’re kind and positive, people will give that right back,” Tom says.
Remember that many trail users seek the peaceful quiet of nature. Slowing down for a friendly interaction goes a long way — and negative encounters can have lasting consequences for organizations like CITRA as they advocate for expanded trail access.
MAPS & APPS MAPS & APPS
How to Find the Right Trails
Before you head out, do your research. Trail conditions change constantly, so it’s important to know what’s open, what’s closed, and what’s in good shape.
Trailforks (via CIMBA’s website): Real-time, usergenerated updates on trail conditions and closures
onX Offroad: Especially useful for identifying land boundaries between Forest Service, Idaho Department of Lands, and private property
Avenza Maps: Recommended by the U.S. Forest Service; offers downloadable Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) and detailed topographic maps, geo-referenced for offline use
Trails.Idaho.gov: The official State of Idaho Trails app; shows public trails and access roads by use type, with current open/closed statuses
CITRA member maps: Trail maps and condition reports updated as trails are cleared throughout the season (available to CITRA members)
“Sometimes GPS maps can make trails look more maintained than they actually are,” says Vanessa Davis. Check multiple sources before heading out.
STAY
HOTEL
Brundage Inn
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The Glass House 1410 Mill Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-849-3031 glasshousemccall.com
Hotel McCall
1101 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8105 hotelmccall.com
Hotel NoBo
500 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-5621 hotelnobo.com
Idaho Heartland Hotel
211 N Norris Ave. New Meadows, Idaho 83615 208-849-1745 idahoheartlandhotel.com
Nordic Inn
400 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7671 nordicinnmccall.com
Palooza Basecamp and Eatery
112 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-733-0507 paloozabrands.com
Salmon Rapids Lodge 1010 Main St. Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-628-2743 salmonrapids.com
Scandia Inn 401 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638
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Shore Lodge
501 W Lake St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
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Tamarack Resort
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Casago Long Valley & Treasure Valley
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DoneRight Management
321 N 3rd St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
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iTrip Boise - McCall
1404 W Idaho St., Suite 104 Boise, Idaho 83702
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JASK Management
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McCall Property Services/McCall Outfitters
McCall, Idaho
208-634-7056
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Mountain Community Management
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MVP Vacation Homes
310 E Lake St.
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No Business Lodge
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McCall, Idaho 83638
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Zims Hot Springs 2995 Zims Rd. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2686 zimshotsprings.com
Best Place to Stay in McCall, ID
By April Thomas Whitney
Photo courtesy Michael Floyd
At the Mehen Memorial SkatePark,
one generation sets the line for the next
On any given afternoon in New Meadows, you’ll hear it before you see it — the rhythmic clatter of skateboard wheels on concrete, the hollow echo of a drop-in, the playful banter of kids daring each other to try something new.
Just across from the school, where an aging set of wooden ramps once stood, the Mehen Memorial Skatepark now hums with energy. Teenagers claim the rails. Younger kids hover at the edges, watching, learning, waiting for their turn. Parents linger nearby, keeping an eye out — not just for their own kids, but for everyone else’s too.
It’s the kind of place that feels like it’s always been there.
But it hasn’t.
Where the Idea Began
The skatepark began as a simple idea — one rooted in the kind of small-town reality where kids often have to make their own fun.
The original concept came from local residents Garrett St. Pierre and Charlie Boden, who approached the City of New Meadows with a vision for a permanent skatepark. As the idea began to take shape, Hartland Inn owner Rory Mehen was brought into the conversation — a natural fit, given his deep connection to youth and outdoor education. He and his wife Sara Mehen, quickly jumped on board.
The project became about creating something lasting for the next generation. Rory and Sara didn’t have children of their own, but they invested deeply in the kids of New Meadows, helping create opportunities for them to gather, grow and spend time outdoors.
That focus on youth wasn’t accidental — it was central to who Rory was.
Right out of high school, he went to work for Outward Bound and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), guiding young people on backcountry trips and river expeditions. Teaching, mentoring and getting kids outside wasn’t just a job — it became a defining part of his life.
“He started taking youth out into the outdoors and doing stuff on the river,” said longtime friend Preston Woods. “That was always a huge part of Rory’s life.”
Rory, he said, had a way of making everything feel lighter.
“He was just such a positive guy. Always laughing, always having fun, always finding the best in everything. He’d be humming 80s songs, getting people to sing along without even realizing it. Just a super fun dude.”
Sara balanced that energy.
Photo courtesy Michael Floyd
Sara’s energy was more low-key, but no less impactful. “Quiet, thoughtful, but just as passionate about helping the kids and community,” said Woods. Sara supported the cause fully, often from behind the scenes. “She had a heart of gold.”
The couple was working on a skatepark fundraiser when their lives were tragically taken in 2022 during a shooting at the Hartland Inn.
In the aftermath, the project could have stalled. Instead, it became a rallying point for the whole community.
A Place to Put the Energy
In a town like New Meadows, loss doesn’t happen in isolation. It ripples outward.
For many, continuing the skatepark effort after losing Rory and Sara became a way to navigate their personal grief.
“It gave us somewhere to put our energy when we didn’t know what else to do — a way to keep moving forward, to feel like we were helping in some small way,” Woods said. “For a lot of us, it started as a way to heal and stay connected.”
From there, fundraising gathered momentum. Volunteers stepped in. Friends, neighbors, and supporters from across the region contributed time, money, and labor. The park was formally approved by the city in early 2025, and by fall, the vision had taken physical shape: more than 7,000 square feet of concrete features were installed, with bowls, rails, and flow lines that cater to both beginners and experienced riders.
The half-million-dollar-plus skatepark was designed by Grindline Skateparks, one of the nation’s top designers of concrete parks.
Continued page 38
Photo courtesy Michael Floyd
At the grand opening, roughly 200 people showed up — a reflection not just of interest, but of ownership.
“This is something we built together,” the turnout seemed to say.
Built by a Generation That Built Their Own
For Woods, the process of bringing the skatepark to life echoed something familiar.
“When we first started skateboarding and snowboarding, there weren’t terrain parks. There weren’t skateparks,” he said. “We had to build everything ourselves. We’d get some plywood and Continued page 40
Photo courtesy Michael Floyd
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go to each other’s garages and build little ramps. I guess it’s a Gen X thing, but if you wanted to ride it, you had to build it.”
That same spirit carried into the skatepark project.
One of Woods’ favorite moments came just before opening day, when volunteers assembled dozens of skateboards for local kids.
“We put together about 35 complete boards and gave them out,” he said. “Watching those kids grab a skateboard and step on it for the first time ever — that was one of my favorite parts of the whole day.”
The next morning, after the crowds had cleared, Woods returned alone.
“I got to skate by myself,” he said. “That was kind of my moment...”
Lessons in Motion
Spend a little time at the park, and it becomes clear this isn’t just about skateboarding.
It’s about what skateboarding teaches.
It’s about falling — and getting back up.
It’s about trying something hard, over and over, until it finally clicks.
It’s about encouragement from the sidelines: you’ve got this, try again, that was close.
As Woods put it, skateboarding offers more than just a way to stay active — it teaches kids how to set goals, push through failure, and support one another along the way. It’s a sport built on persistence, where progress comes slowly and encouragement from peers can
Photo courtesy Michael Floyd
Photo courtesy Michael Floyd
novak.photo
matter just as much as individual effort. “It just takes a lot of time, a lot of dedication, and it really helps with life skills.”
It also has a way of breaking down barriers.
“All of a sudden you’re hanging out with people you wouldn’t normally be hanging out with,” he said. “People outside your peer group.”
In a small town, that matters.
The New Hangout
Stepheny Becker sees the impact of the skatepark every day.
“It’s the new hangout,” she said. “Kids are coming out whether they skate, bike, scooter, rollerblade — they just want to be there.”
Becker, a New Meadows resident and parent, recently stepped into the role of city event coordinator. She’s already thinking about all the possibilities for the future: clinics, community events, and opportunities to teach not just skills, but park etiquette and stewardship.
Her perspective is both practical and personal.
“This thing is incredible — it really strikes that balance between expert and beginner,” she said. “You see kids show up who have no idea what they’re doing, but they’re not intimidated, they’re just excited to try. And through that, they’re building resilience, independence, and confidence in themselves.”
And until now, the town had nothing like it.
“It’s given the kids something that really feels like theirs — a place to go that they didn’t have before,” Becker said. “And because it’s right across from the school, they can just walk over, and parents don’t have to scramble. In a small town like this, we all kind of look out for each other and each other’s kids.”
Her own five-year-old is already a regular. “He wants to go every day,” she said. “Even in the pouring rain.”
Labor of Love
If the fall 2025 grand opening marked a milestone, it certainly didn’t mark the end.
The Mehen Memorial Skatepark is still very much a work in progress — not in its ability to draw a crowd, but in the way the community continues to shape and care for it.
This spring, volunteers gathered once again, showing up with shovels and wheelbarrows instead of skateboards. Grass was
planted and sidewalks installed — simple improvements that will go a long way toward keeping mud out of the bowls and making the space more usable throughout the changing seasons.
It’s a continuation of the same grassroots effort that brought the park to life in the first place.
From the beginning, the project has been fueled by a mix of small-town determination and broader regional support. Fundraisers, local events, and individual donations steadily built momentum, eventually helping push the project past the $500,000 mark needed for construction.
Larger contributions helped close the gap. A $10,000 grant from Brundage Mountain Community Fund
underscored the park’s role as a quality-of-life investment for youth in the West Central Mountains. Support from the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation added another layer of regional backing, reflecting a shared belief in the long-term value of accessible, community-driven recreation spaces.
Other pieces have come together in equally meaningful ways. Safety signage has been donated. Volunteers continue to step in where needed. And plans are already in motion for additional improvements, from landscaping to pathways, as funding allows.
For those closest to the project, that continued effort is part of what makes it special.
A Living Legacy
What makes the Mehen Memorial Skatepark unique isn’t just its world-class design or its stunningly scenic location in the heart of Meadows Valley.
It’s what you feel when you’re there.
“You really have to see it for yourself to understand the magic of it — it’s just beautiful,” Becker said. “When you’re standing there, you can feel the community effort and the real reason why that skatepark was built, even if you don’t know the full story. You can still feel the energy and the effort Rory put into this community, the vision he had, and how Sara put her heart into it, too. I know they’d be so pumped.”
That feeling — hard to define, impossible to fake — is what lingers.
It’s in the kid landing their first trick.
It’s in the older skater offering a tip.
It’s in the parents watching from the perimeter, knowing their kids have somewhere to go.
And it’s in the quieter moments, too — in the volunteers planting grass, installing walkways, donating signage, and continuing to care for the space long after the ribbon was cut.
Because this place was never meant to be finished.
It’s meant to be used, improved, looked after, and passed forward.
Something living.
Something shared.
Something that continues to carry the spirit of a couple who believed deeply in this community — and a community that chose to keep that belief alive.
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ELEVATE YOUR EVERYDAY
SPEND A PERFECT
It starts with a deep breath. That first inhale of warm mountain air, pine trees soaking up the sun, and somewhere in the distance, the glint of Lake Cascade catching the light. The snow is long gone, but Tamarack Resort in summer is its own kind of world, and this year, there’s more of it to explore than ever before.
Whether you’re a golfer chasing the perfect round, a boater ready to drop anchor on Lake Cascade, or someone who simply wants to let the mountain do the work while you take in the view from a scenic lift ride, Tamarack offers something rare: a genuine four-season resort experience, right here in Valley County. Here is how we would spend a summer day.
MORNING: TEE OFF AT OSPREY MEADOWS
Fuel up at Clearwater Coffee Company in the Village, then make your way to Osprey Meadows Golf Course. Designed by Robert Trent Jones II, the 18-hole course winds through wildflower meadows and wetlands, elevated terrain shaded by ponderosa pines, and everything in between. The setting is stunning (and challenging) with doglegs, split fairways, dramatic waterfalls, island-style greens, and the occasional bridge or boardwalk connecting it all. Golf Magazine named it the #1 Course You Can Play in Idaho. Sports Illustrated wrote that the mountain meadows “almost make you forget you just dumped your ball in the drink.” That about covers it.
Tee times can be booked up to 30 days in advance. Lessons and clinics are available for all skill levels. After your round, settle into the Fern & Feather Bar on the patio above the Pro Shop for a signature cocktail with Lake Cascade as your backdrop.
MIDDAY: HIT THE WATER
This summer, Tamarack makes history as America’s only ski, golf, and lake resort, and the new Tamarack Resort Marina on Lake Cascade is the piece that completes the picture.
Beachside offers rentals, retail, a bar, and a grill with an island BBQ menu. Rentals include surf and ski boats, pontoon boats, personal watercraft, kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie-style catamarans, and clamshell beach cabanas. There’s also a designated swim area, a sandy beach with umbrellas and chairs, and a sand volleyball court.
EVENING: SETTLE IN AT THE VILLAGE
As the light turns golden and the mountain cools down, the Village comes alive. Grab a handcrafted cocktail at The Reserve, dig into pizza and cold pints at Showtime, or pull up a chair at Seven Devils Taphouse.
Staying the night? Tamarack’s lodging ranges from Village condos and slope-side chalets to spacious estate homes built for groups. Tamarack’s All Season Pass gives year-round access to both winter and summer. For families with students in Valley County or New Meadows, the SKY Pass provides free seasonal access to K-12 students. Because Tamarack is more than a resort, it’s a community.
Pro Tip: Summer at Tamarack fills up fast, especially now with the marina opening. Visit tamarackidaho.com to explore lodging, book tee times, and reserve your boat slip for the 2026 season.
AFTERNOON: MORE MOUNTAIN
The golf and the lake would be plenty, but Tamarack doesn’t stop there.
For mountain bikers, this is one of the premier destinations in the Northwest, with more than 41 miles of dedicated trail across two distinct experiences. The lift-served Downhill Bike Park puts 1,800 feet of vertical and 16-plus miles of gravity-fed trails at your disposal. If you’re still working up to that, the Meadows cross-country trails offer 25-plus miles of free-to-ride terrain through forests, meadows, and alongside streams.
Beyond biking, Tamarack offers scenic chairlift rides to the Mid Mountain Lodge for a bite and a drink, zipline tours, and miles of hiking through the Payette National Forest. Guided whitewater rafting trips on the nearby Payette River round out the adventure lineup making Tamarack the ultimate recreation destination. For younger guests, Tamarack’s Basecamp childcare center offers a full summer camp experience, and The Spa at Tamarack is the place to go when the body needs recovery as much as the spirit needs adventure. Plus, the new Elevation Studio in The Village now offers yoga, pilates, and barre classes, perfect for intentional movement, recovery, and connection.
TAMARACK SUMMER AT A GLANCE
• Osprey Meadows Golf: Award-winning Robert Trent Jones II design | 18 holes + legendary 19th Gambler’s Hole | Tee times available 30 days in advance
• NEW Tamarack Resort Marina: Dockside fuel service | Seasonal slips on Lake Cascade | Guided fishing trips | Sports School | Rentals, retail, beach, volleyball, bar & grill
• Mountain activities: 41+ miles of mountain bike trails including lift-served Downhill Bike Park (1,800' vertical) + meadows cross-country trails | scenic chairlift rides, zipline tours, hiking, disc golf, pickleball, whitewater rafting
February: Winter Carnival, Destination:Beer, Tiki Trek Fridays, Ice Fishing Tournaments, Heritage Night: Little Ski Hill, McCall Snowmobile Club Annual Fun Run
SEPTEMBER
Meadows Valley Days (9/4-9/6)
Roseberry’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social (9/5)
Bikes, Brews, & Bluegrass: Tamarack Resort (9/6)
Payette Lake Run (9/6)
Fun Run benefitting the Shepherd’s Home & Toby’s Place
St. Luke’s McCall Foundation Golf Invitational (9/11)
McCall Senior Wood Bat Tournament (9/11-9/13)
Brundage Auto Show (9/19)
McPaws Oktoberfest (9/26)
Oktoberfest and Top of Tamarack Race: Tamarack Resort (9/26)
Block Party presented by the McCall Area Chamber
OCTOBER
Idaho High Mountain Triathlon (10/3)
New Meadows Fall Harvest Festival (10/3)
Skate By the Lake Figure Skating Competition (10/16-10/18)
Payette Lakes Ski Club Ski Swap
Witches, Wizards, and Warlocks on the Water: Payette Lake (10/24)
Haunted House: Little Ski Hill
Halloween Truck or Treats: Cascade, Donnelly, McCall, and New Meadows
March: Women with Bait Tournament in Riggins, Snowmobile
Crab Feed: Warren, Brundage Mountain Diva Days, SnowFort at Tamarack Resort, St. Patrick’s Day Events
April: End of Season celebrations at Brundage Resort & Tamarack, Salmon River Jet Boat Races: Riggins, Easter Celebrations, McCall Music Society Spring Concert
…plus, hockey, live music, trivia nights, and more!
Photocourtesy
Samantha Sais Photography
Stewards of the Water
The Payette Lakes Antique and Classic Boat Society Turns 20
By McKenzie Kraemer
Something is moving across Payette Lake that harkens back to the earlier days on the lake, nostalgia in tow.
The lines are too clean. The wood too warm, too amber in the morning light. And the sound. Nothing else quite sounds like that. “It has no mufflers on it,” says one of the club’s longtime members, laughing. “It sounds like a Harley on water. People literally come out of the woodwork to see what the noise is all about.”
He’s describing his 1947 Chris Craft Sportsman, a 22-foot utility with white-painted sides and a Chevy 350 under the hood. It boasts an eight-person capacity, enough presence on the water that he jokingly calls it “a cocktail barge.” But before it hit the water, he and a friend spent ten months taking it completely apart and putting it back together, working it to the standard of fine furniture, knowing every small imperfection because they were nose-to-wood with it for most of a year.
“You are very much in touch with it,” he says. “You’re sanding and sanding endlessly, reapplying, putting wood together so there are no cracks. And then you put it in the water and start the engine and people just... stop.”
This is what the Payette Lakes Chapter of the Antique and Classic Boat Society does to people. It stops them.
The chapter turns 20 this year. Two decades of boat shows, lake runs, morning coffee on the water at North Beach, and the quiet, patient work of keeping something alive that could very easily have been lost. It started in 2005 with 26 founding
members who wanted to share what they knew: how to find these boats, how to restore them, how to care for them. Today, the chapter has around 40 members, and every August, they bring their boats downtown to the Art Roberts and Legacy Park docks and let the public have an up-close and personal look at these historic boats.
Continued page 54
cocktails, & non-alcoholic options) from the PNW and beyond 100% of proceeds support local youth & community programs
The show is free and open to anyone who wanders over. No formal judges, no intimidating scoring system. The captains do the evaluating themselves, and the philosophy is deliberately inclusive: find the beauty in every vessel on the water. This year’s show adds something especially rare: a 1943 Grumman Widgeon flying boat, docked alongside the wooden runabouts.
The boats at a show like this range from pre-World War II “runabouts,” low and fast with the engine covered by hatches and two fixed seats and not a square inch of walking room, to post-war “utilities” built for families who wanted to move around. Wooden boat production largely ended when fiberglass took over in the 1960s, which means the boats in the club are 60 to 100 years old. The ones built before the war are rarer still. Production was halted in 1942 when the federal government commandeered the manufacturers to build military vessels. When the war ended, the engineering had changed, and so had what families wanted from a boat.
Each surviving boat has a history that spans states, decades, and sometimes, even continents. The Chris Craft Sportsman was originally shipped from Michigan to Ames, Iowa, and eventually wound up at a farmhouse outside Riggins before its current owner found it. Nobody knows much about the years in between. The trail is traceable forward, though. Chris Craft donated all of their manufacturing records to a museum in
Clayton, New York, and for a nominal fee, any owner can request a replica of their boat’s “hull card,” the original shipping document listing the engine serial number, interior color, standard features, everything. It is, essentially, a boat’s birth certificate.
“That’s what they use for authentication,” the member explains. “The judges know exactly what it was supposed to look like when it rolled off the factory floor.”
The hull card is also how you trace a boat’s life. Take the Everan Zephyr : a 1940 Chris Craft Custom Runabout, Hull #48739, 19 feet, barrel back configuration, tan pigskin cockpit, Chris Craft K engine. She left the factory on May 16, 1940, bound for Geneseo, New York, where she spent a decade or so in the Finger Lakes. By the early 1980s, she was hanging from the ceiling of a marina in Sodus Point, New York, where a man named William Young had first spotted her as a 13-year-old and never forgotten her. He eventually bought her, restored her by hand over several years, and sold her in 1984 to a Rochester attorney named Phillip Spahn, who used her one summer on Conesus Lake before engine trouble sidelined her. She then sat outside Spahn’s home for years, weathering to grey, before making her way to San Diego.
Continued page 56
Simply Be Wellhaus
Melody Short- Boice, LAc Licensed Acupunturist
Melody Short-Boice has been a 2nd generation practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 20 years. She has a general therapeutic practice that treats most conditions with additional specialization in Pediatrics, Orthopedics/Trauma, and Japanese Muscle Melting Additionally, she has cosmetic offerings such as Microneedling and Nanoneedling. Known for her gentle needles and deep Tui Na massage, Melody provides acupressure, cupping, kinesio taping, infrared heat therapies, herbal medicine, dietary guidance, and more in addition to her acupuncture. Each treatment is tailored to her patient’s specific needs.
In 2012, she came to McCall. A local club member acquired her and brought her to Don Hardy at McCall Boatworks, and over the next two years, they put her back together completely. In 2014, the Everan Zephyr was shown at the ACBS Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance, the year the barrel back was the featured marque. She won Best Barrel Back, Best Professional Restorer for McCall Boatworks, and the Jordy Carlton Overall Best of Show. That show boasted the largest collection of barrel backs assembled since Chris Craft ended the production run in 1942, so a best of show was quite the feat.
She now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida, under the name Illustrious. The hull card and the registry at the Antique Boat Museum tell the whole, delightful story.
It’s that history, that record-keeping and honoring of a boat’s legacy, that makes wooden boat ownership feel like stewardship, not possession.
“I look at it as being a custodian,” he says. “Somebody’s going to use it after me. We took a piece of history and restored it to its beauty and its functionality for people to enjoy. With a fiberglass boat, I don’t think it would manifest itself the same way.”
The Payette Lakes
Antique and Classic Boat Show runs July 31- August 2, 2026, at Art Roberts Park and Legacy
That custodial instinct is part of why the club exists, and why it matters that it’s turning 20. The people who’ve been caring for these boats for the past two decades are starting to age into the question of what comes next. The boats will outlast their owners. The question is whether the knowledge will too.
Park docks in downtown McCall. Free and open to the public. For more information or to learn about the club, visit payetteclassicboats.net.
The club is the perfect place to start for anyone exploring the idea of purchasing a wooden boat and joining this community of stewards. But before committing, there are three questions every prospective owner should sit with: What kind of problems do you want to have? What body of water will you be on? And is this boat actually the right size for it? “You’d be surprised,” he says, “how many people don’t think about that last one until they’re already out on the water in the wrong boat.”
This is where the community of members is so unique. Every owner has a story about how they found theirs, what it cost them to bring it back, and what surprised them. “It’s a community of knowledge and experience,” he says. “Success and failures both. People can put that to use on their own journey.”
While the pride of restoring one of these historic beauties is a big draw, that isn’t always the best part. For our boat owner, his favorite part is the kids.
He had captain’s chairs installed and a bolster, so a child can sit up tall enough to put both hands on the wheel and actually steer. He’s done it with the neighbors’ kids. He’s done it with friends from out of town. He’s looking forward to the day he can do it with his grandson.
“I love to see the look on their face,” he says. “It’s very empowering.”
And that’s where the tradition stays alive. Sparking that joy you can only feel on a 1947 wooden boat, cruising the lake on a summer evening, and a community of people on Payette Lake who believe that some things are worth the work of keeping alive.
Fall Line Shop 3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4151
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Drift West 616 N 3rd St., Suite 115A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-6445 drift-west.com
Fringe
200 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0762
Gallery Fifty Five
311 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-6313
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Granite Mountain Nature Gallery
305 E Park St., Suite A McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-1111
granitemountainng.com
Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Shop
216 Lenora St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-2088
stlukesonline.org
Keep Me In Stitches
136 E Lake St., Suite B
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-2906
kmislive.com
McCall Boat Works
1304 Boydstun Ln.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-941-5402
mccallboatworks.com
McCall Guns & Archery
122 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-271-1947
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McCall Jewelry Company
207 E Lake St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4367
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McCall Pet Outfitters
411 S 3rd St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-3440
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McCall Sports
802 N 3rd St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-2334
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The McCall Store
1012 N 3rd St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4581
McPaws Thrift Store
301 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4434
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Mile High Marina
1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-8605
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Mile High Power Sports
13924 HWY 55 McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-7007
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Monkey Love
306 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
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Natural Grocers
209 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-630-6017
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Payette Lakes Fine Art & Craft Fair
720 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-871-0672
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Photo courtesy
PhotocourtesyJonContiVisuals
Raven’s Gambit
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Razzle Dazzle
503 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-630-6698
Roots & Relics
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Tamarack Resort
Tamarack Outfitters
Logo Co.
Satellite Outpost
Idaho Impression
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Toby’s Reclaim
506 Pine St. McCall, Idaho
304 EAST LAKE STREET OPEN DAILY 11AM-6PM 208-634-8268
Toby’s Place Thrift Shop
903 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6583 tobysplace.org
Western Larch Interiors
270 Main St, Suite B Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-315-1894
Wild Onion 805 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7788
The minute we hit that 45 mph speed zone, my nose goes out the window.
I cannot help it. Seriously, I physically cannot help it. There is a smell coming off this town that I cannot fully explain except to say that it is THE smell, the best smell, the smell that means everything is happening right now and I am part of it. By the time we hit the middle of town I am practically vibrating. Ears back, eyes half-shut, fully committed.
Because McCall gets it. They know that smell, that joy. This town has always been the kind of place where we get to come along as a family member, not an afterthought. I have seen my fellow four-legged friends perched outside coffee shops with a
water bowl at their feet, trotting alongside their humans on the sidewalks, cleaning up ice cream drips all summer long (an important community service that I personally take very seriously).
There are dog-friendly patios. Dog-friendly trails. A walking loop built specifically around businesses that welcome dogs. And, my favorite, a dog park where you I get to run and play AND visit with the residents of the care center next door.
McCall thought of everything.
Which is why this is one of my very favorite places to be. I love it here. Let me show you around.
Continued page 64
By a Very Good Boy (The Best, Actually)
First, A Few Things My Person Needs to Know
I want to tell you about McCall but first, there are rules and my person says rules are important even when they are frustrating and I trust my person completely because they give me food and let me sleep on the bed.
McCall has a leash law inside city limits. This means Rotary Park, Art Roberts Park, Legacy Park, and Brown’s Park all require a leash. Dogs are also not allowed on the sandy beach areas at the city parks, even on a leash, and Ponderosa State Park and North Beach are the same — leashes on all trails, no dogs on the beach or in swim areas. My person did not know this the first time we came, and a very polite ranger explained it, and my person’s face got red.
BUT. BUT BUT BUT. There are two places in town (my favorite places!) where I can be off-leash and it is completely allowed and I am telling you right now that these places are incredible.
The Dog Zone is a special stretch of beach on Payette Lake between Mile High Marina and Brown’s Park. It is for dogs.
It is a beach. FOR DOGS. The water is cold and I do not care even a little bit because WATER and SWIMMING and OTHER DOGS and the whole world is here and it is wonderful. Go early on summer weekends because other dogs have also figured out how good this is and they will all be there.
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Riverfront Park also allows dogs off-leash! The North Fork of the Payette River goes right through it and there are fun rocks and shoreline to explore and more room and it smells different than the Dog Zone in a way I find very interesting and so exciting. I would go to both parks in the same day if my person would allow it and sometimes they do!
For off-leash adventures outside town, Warren Wagon Road north of McCall goes into the Payette National Forest where leashes are not required as long as I stay in sight and respond to voice commands (which I do because I am a very smart dog). This is important because I do not want to scare or disturb my forest friends who live along these trails and I DEFINITELY don’t want to make any of those big sheep dogs mad at me if we get close to some of their herds. They scare
Continued page 70
Continued page 64
KEEP US WILD KEEP US WILD
PLEASE DON’T FEED THE LOCALS! PLEASE DON’T FEED THE LOCALS!
Coexist harmoniously with our wild neighbors, visit www.mccallwildlife.com. (McCall City Code 5.7.400)
In McCall leashing is the law. (McCall City Code 5.7.100)
me, even though I know they are just doing their job to protect their fluffy friends.
One of my very favorite places right in town is the McCall Unleashed Dog Park at 418 Floyd Street, right at the McCall Rehabilitation and Care Center. It has a fenced run and trees and the BEST part is that my person takes me up to the deck to meet the people who live there and they pet me and tell me I am a good dog and I already knew that but I love hearing it. Please go here. The people on the deck are so happy to see me and I am so happy to see them and everyone is happy. That is what makes this place so special.
There is one more rule that is important. Maybe the MOST important rule even though it makes me embarrassed…my human has to pick up my poop. There. I said it. And now that I did I realize how easy it is to do that! It turns out there is no poop bag fairy…my person is the one responsible. My person knows this. Your person should know this too. There are stations in every park that have bags and trash cans, but my human always brings their own bags, too. I am glad because no one likes to step in another dog’s poop. What a way to ruin a perfect day, right?!
Continued page 72
July 21 - 25, 2026
Mountain Community Transit through the RED LINE
This is a FREE public transportation service for the City of McCall. Anyone is welcome to ride.
Green LINE
BLUE LINE
Buses run daily 7:00am–7:00pm GOLD LINE
This is a FREE public transportation service between McCall & Cascade. Anyone is welcome to ride.
Buses run Monday–Friday 6:00am–7:25pm LEARN MORE AT: mountaincommunitytransit.com 208-634-0003
Your connection to downtown McCall, Payette Lake, Hotels, Recreation, Shopping, & Restaurants.
Buses run Memorial Day–Labor Day Friday-Saturday • 11:00am–9:00pm
This is a FREE public transportation service between New Meadows & McCall. Anyone is welcome to ride.
Buses run Monday–Friday 5:45am–6:12pm
Please see website for holiday closures. mountaincommunitytransit.com
Like A Dog in A Treat Store
McCall Pet Outfitters & Supply at 411 S. 3rd Street has everything I could ever imagine I would ever want. Leashes, life jackets, cooling bandannas, booties, and TREATS. This is the most magical place in McCall. Open seven days a week. My person has been here multiple times because we keep forgetting things and that is okay because my nice friends at McCall Pet Outfitters have everything we could ever need!
The Waggin’ Trail and I Are Best Friends
MCPAWS (that is the animal shelter here, more on them later, very important) made a one-mile walking loop through downtown McCall connecting businesses that love dogs. Some of them have patios where I can sit with my person. Some of them have water bowls. Some of them have TREAT JARS.
The trail is one mile long and I have smelled every inch of it and there are biscuits at multiple stops and I think about this trail even when I am at home.
Pick up the Waggin’ Trail map at participating businesses or at mcpaws.org/waggin-trail. Start near Mountain Java where my
person gets coffee and I sit outside and everyone who walks by says hello to me because I have a very welcoming face. This is maybe the best way to start a morning.
Which brings me back to MCPAWS. If you don’t yet have a trail buddy or patio pooch, this is your place. There are always new friends here I am just waiting to meet and some of them have never gotten to go to the Dog Zone or walk the Waggin’ Trail with their own humans. They are just waiting for someone to show them! No appointment needed – stop in during regular business hours and find your bestest dog ever.
And if you are not ready to commit but you still want to do something good, MCPAWS has a program called Doggie Day Out and it is exactly what it sounds like. You sign up, you show up, and you take a shelter dog out for the day! A hike. A walk around town. A whole adventure. MCPAWS provides everything — collar, ID tag, leash, backpack, water bowl, all of it — so you just have to show up and be a best friend for a day. The dog gets out of the shelter and into the world. You get a dog for the day. Sign up under the Get Involved tab at mcpaws.org. I think this is the absolute best idea anyone has ever had!
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
My Perfect Dog Day in McCall
Morning: WATER
Dog Zone. First thing. The lake is cold and I am swimming before my person has finished taking a sip of coffee and the morning light is on the water and there are other dogs here who I have just met and they are now my best friends. If the Dog Zone is crowded we go to Riverfront Park and I investigate the river very seriously and swim.
Then we walk downtown and do the Waggin’ Trail and I get those yummy biscuits. My person gets coffee. Everybody wins.
Midday: THE FOREST
The trees here are so tall and the smells are AMAZING. Like there are approximately one million smells and I am going to investigate all of them. One of my favorite trails off Warren Wagon Road is Pearl Lake. This trail goes to a small alpine lake where I swim again, because obviously. Sometimes, if we have more time and my human
Continued page 74
Mon-Sat • 7:30am - 5:30pm Sunday • 7:30am - noon
204 Lenora St Downtown McCall
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
wants to do a long hike, we take the Loon Lake Loop. It’s a walk and more strenuous for my human, but I love it and my person always acts tired in a way I find confusing because we are outside and moving and this is living.
IMPORTANT: Mountain trails get hot, and you need to bring more water than you think. I will not bring this up until I am already very thirsty because I am focused on smells and, well, a dog. Lots of trails do have creeks and lakes, but I always forget how thirsty I get in between.
Afternoon: MORE WATER
Depending on the day, we love to sneak in a bit more water time in the afternoon. Some of my favorite places to swim are Little Payette Lake, Upper Payette Lake, Brundage Reservoir, and Goose Lake. All wonderful, all off-leash, all cold. One important note for my human in the later summer months: please check cdhd.idaho.gov for algae bloom advisories before letting me drink from outdoor water sources.
Another of my favorite things to do in the afternoon is to go paddleboarding. There is this super cool stretch of water where I get to swim a bit and sit on my human’s paddleboard when I get tired and they do all the work. It’s called the Meanders and
it starts at North Beach. I might actually like this activity the best because I get to wear my doggie life jacket and I look super good in mine. My humans bring their own paddleboards, but I see lots of other friends rent them from businesses in town like Backwoods Adventures and McCall Sports.
Evening: DINNER AND BEING ADMIRED
After a day of exploring, it is time for the best part of the day… patios! McCall has so many good patios and many of them allow leashed, well-behaved dogs and I am always well-behaved on patios because there is food nearby and I am paying attention. I love getting a few bites from my humans and sitting outside while the mountains turn pink and everyone who walks past says what a good dog I am.
Always call ahead to confirm dog-friendly patio policies because they can change and I find it very upsetting to be turned away when I smell all those delicious smells!
And that, my friends, is a perfect dog day in McCall. This is the kind of place that makes a good boy like me feel like I really belong, not just tolerated, not just allowed. Genuinely welcomed. I hope you feel that way, too. Now let’s go — we are wasting good exploring time!
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
LIVE
AUTOMOTIVE
Gills Point S Tire & Auto Service 617 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2252 bruneelpoints.com
Les Schwab Tire Center 500 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6042 lesschwab.com
Miner’s McCall
147 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2004 minersmccall.com
Old Town Market 507 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2016
Smith Auto of Weiser 602 HWY 95 Weiser, Idaho 83672 208-549-3310 smithautoweiser.com
BANKING & FINANCIAL SERVICES
Columbia Bank 900 2nd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8185 columbiabank.com
Edward Jones - Vineyard Lamm Wealth Management 616 N 3rd St., Suite 105 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5855 edwardjones.com
Hammari Bookkeeping & Tax 150 W Roseberry Rd., Suite 1A-2 Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-849-3803 hammaritax.com
Idaho First Bank 475 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1000 idahofirstbank.com
Backcountry Business Solutions McCall, Idaho 208-306-0915 backcountrysolutions.net
Photo courtesyJon Conti
Mountain Valley Networks
McCall, Idaho
208-994-5999 mvnisp.net
EDUCATION
McCall College 106 E Park St., Suite 220 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3456 mccallcollege.org
McCall Donnelly School District
299 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2161 mdsd.org
Mountain Community School 906 Base Court Rd. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-1595 mtncommunityschool.org
Roots Forest School 2018 State Park Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-315-0925 rootsforestschool.com
UI Extension, Valley County 110 W Pine St., Suite 510 Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-7190 uidaho.edu/extension/county/valley
SIP & SAVOR
Yeti Backcountry Pizza and Tap House
Thirty-five miles up Warren Wagon Road, between Burgdorf Hot Springs and the old mining town of Warren, the trees open up, and there it is. Yeti Backcountry Pizza and Tap House, sitting at 6,000 feet above sea level, powered entirely by the sun, mountain air, and propane pizza ovens, and serving up some of the most talked-about pizza in the area.
The menu runs from fresh-made pizzas and wings to nachos, sandwiches, and salads. Yeti has a gift for pizza with surprising combinations that will become your new obsession. The Greek layers garlic oil, fresh tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, red onion, feta, and fresh basil over a mozzarella blend, finished with red pepper flakes and oregano. The Buffalo Chicken goes creamy garlic ranch, mozzarella, buffalo chicken, red onion, fresh tomato, black olives, and blue cheese. And then there’s the pickle pizza (yes, really!) with garlic oil, mozzarella, dill pickle, bacon, dill, and hot pepper flakes. Trust us, you should order it. Traditional favorites round out the menu for anyone who needs convincing.
That same spirit carries right into the glass. Jeanne Kelp, Yeti’s co-owner, has built a drink program that’s as creative as the pizza menu. Because Yeti holds a beer and wine license, all alcoholic beverages stay at 16% ABV or lower, which led Jeanne to develop something entirely her own. She combines different canned cocktails, adds custom flavors, and creates what she calls Yeti Crafted Cocktails. Originals that don’t exist anywhere else in the mountains. She’s done the same with energy drinks, and for the non-drinkers in the group, there’s the Yeti Backcountry Soda line, her take on dirty sodas, crafted with the same ingenuity.
Continued page 80
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais P hotograp hy
Photo courtesy SamanthaSaisPhotography
WHERE BEER LOVERS MIGRATE!
The result is a drink menu that matches the food menu in ambition. Eight taps pouring from local McCall breweries, four hard cider taps, and a “Bottoms Up” dispenser that fills your glass from the bottom up. All of it served 6,000 feet in the air, miles from the nearest stoplight.
The most popular Yeti Crafted Cocktail is the Sun & Snow. The top Backcountry Soda is the Birthday Beast. Jeanne was kind enough to share both recipes so you can give them a try at home, though we’d argue nothing beats making the drive.
SUN
&
SNOW
YETI CRAFTED COCKTAIL
1 can Cutwater Lemon Drop
1 BuzzBallz Pineapple Colada
Wet the rim of a 20 oz glass with lemon. Rim with toasted coconut or pineapple sugar. Add ice. Pour in the BuzzBallz Pineapple Colada and Cutwater Lemon Drop. Gently stir and garnish with a lemon slice and pineapple skewer.
BIRTHDAY BEAST YETI BACKCOUNTRY SODA (NON-ALCOHOLIC)
1 can Dr Pepper
1/2–3/4 oz Cupcake Torani syrup
1/2–3/4 oz Vanilla Torani syrup
Splash of Coffee Mate Sweet Cream
Whipped cream and sprinkles
Add the syrups to a 24 oz cup, fill with ice to about 3/4 full, pour in Dr Pepper, and stir well. Add the sweet cream, stir again, then top with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Yeti Backcountry Pizza and Tap House is located at 24718 Warren Wagon Road, approximately 35 miles north of McCall. Summer hours are 11am – 7pm daily.
Yeti is located off the grid nestled between Burgdorf hot springs and Warren Idaho.
Come enjoy fresh made Pizza, wings, nachos, and sandwiches! We have Yeti-crafted cocktails, 12 beers and ciders on tap, plus canned drinks, sodas, dirty sodas and iced dirty energy drinks for when you still want to ride after dark.
Yeti isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a destination, an experience, and a taste of wilderness unlike any other. So don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of a Yeti—out there, the wild has its legends.
University of Idaho - McCall Field Campus
1800 University Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-885-1080
uidaho.edu/mccall-field-campus/moss
GOVERNMENT
Adams County 201 Industrial Ave. Council, Idaho 83612
208-253-4561
co.adams.id.us
City of Cascade 105 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611
208-382-4279
cascadeid.us
City of Donnelly
169 Halferty St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-8859
cityofdonnelly.org
City of McCall
216 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7142
mccall.id.us
City of New Meadows 101 S Commerce Ave. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2171
newmeadowsidaho.us
Valley County 219 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-7100 co.valley.id.us
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
Adams County Health Center 205 N Berkley St. Council, Idaho 83612 208-253-4242 achcid.org
McCall Rehabilitation & Care Center
418 Floyde St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2112 mccallrehab.com
Solace Natural Medicine 301 Colorado St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7289 solacemedicine.com
St. Luke’s McCall 1000 State St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2221
stlukesonline.org/mccall
Trinity Home Care & Resource
106 E Park St., Suite 106 Mccall, Idaho 83638 208-908-2791
trinityhomecareresource.com
Roseberry Barn + Summer Music Festival at Roseberry ModernHistory
By McKenzie Kraemer
The barn was built in 1912. Two years later, the railroad came to Long Valley.
The railroad didn’t come to Roseberry, though, and that was the whole problem. The tracks went a mile and a half west, through a wheat field and what would become Donnelly. As a result, Roseberry, which had been the largest town in the valley, watched its bank, the church, and most of its businesses follow the rails out of town. By 1916, it was a ghost.
But the spirit of Roseberry stayed.
For nearly a century, Gus Lehti’s barn stood south of Deinhart Road off Highway 55, in the Finnish homestead corridor that once defined the upper valley. It is all mortise-and-tenon
joints, 36-foot lodgepole pine beams milled in a single piece, and a cupola on top. It is one of only two barns in Long Valley built that way, and its construction outlasted most of the nearby town it was born alongside (and then a few generations after that).
Continued page 84
and
Photo courtesy Jon Conti
In 2008, Ellen Sackerman donated the barn to the Long Valley Preservation Society. In May of 2009, volunteers disassembled it, moved it piece by piece to the Historic Roseberry townsite east of Donnelly, and put it back together. When volunteers rebuilt it at Roseberry, they added nails for structural stability but kept the original pegs in place as a nod to the craftsmanship that built it. Once the barn was in place, come July, the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry rolled in for the first time with a proper stage underneath it.
That year, the barn found its people and the festival found its home.
But Roseberry knew how to gather long before the barn arrived. Before the railroad decision emptied the town, there was a building at the center of it all that locals simply called the “red hall.” It stood at the southwest corner of Farm to Market and Roseberry Road, a two-story structure with a dry goods store on the ground floor and a dance hall above. The school used it for basketball games and plays. Neighbors came for dances. “Anything that went on in Roseberry was in this big hall,” recalled Marie Spink, who taught there in 1927 and 1928. Stories have it that the whole building swayed when the dancing got going. It was eventually torn down and the lumber salvaged, and by 1980, only its foundation stones were left.
The Barn at Roseberry is the red hall’s heir. Same bones, same purpose.
Frank Eld spent 40 years rescuing buildings and moving them to Roseberry. He summed up what drove the whole enterprise: “A lot of kids today don’t know what their family names mean or where their families came from. I’m trying to create roots.”
The barn fits that. Gus Lehti built it with pegs and patience in 1912, two years before a railroad route would quietly sign Roseberry’s death warrant. More than a century later, those 36-foot beams are holding up a stage where people come to hear music in what used to be a ghost town.
Continued page 88
Two Rivers Health & Wellness – Dr. Lins
307 Park Street, Suite 103
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-9711
tworivershealthwellness.com
HOME & CONSTRUCTION
Adair Homes
406 S Main St., Unit 102 Cascade, Idaho 83611
208-362-7044
adairhomes.com
Best Custom Homes
3313 W Cherry Ln., Suite 1092 Meridian, Idaho 83642
208-991-8039
bestcustomhomes.co
Cornerstone Building McCall, Idaho 208-477-9783
cornerstonebuildingllc.com
Edgewood Log Homes 13526 HWY 55 McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-0055
edgewoodlog.com
Hawk Construction and Property Services McCall, Idaho 208-630-4492 hawkestates.com
PineTop Custom Homes (PineTop Builders) 112 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-328-5130 pinetopmccall.com
Robnett Properties McCall 616 N 3rd St., Suite 106 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3113 robnettpropertiesmccall.com
Scott Hedrick Construction 1154 N Orchard St. Boise, Idaho 83706 208-345-5800 scotthedrick.com
SOIGNE HOMES 155 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4255 soignehomes.com
The red hall ran its course. The railroad went to Donnelly. The barn spent nearly a century in its original location near McCall, and when it finally made it to Roseberry in 2009, it was like it had always belonged there.
The Summer Music Festival
The Summer Music Festival has its own unlikely origin story, one that starts not at Roseberry but in a chance meeting between Dan Halkyard, who managed the Alpine Playhouse, and Pat Harren, a local musician, sometime in the mid-1970s. McCall in those years had drawn a loose, colorful community of artists and musicians. They called themselves the Music Circus. The nicknames were awesome: Mr. Crow, Jazmo, Pretty Peggy, Beeboo, TeePee Nancy, Sweet Sue, Big Bear.
The first festival was small, scrappy, and completely itself. Local artist Kathy Golden made the poster. The Mores Creek String Band from Boise headlined. The event went by several names over the decades, including the McCall Folk Festival and a few others that didn’t stick, before landing on what it is now: the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry. The venue followed a similar wandering path, from the Alpine Playhouse to the
Continued page 90
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
CLEANING & RESTORATION
Disaster Response
13888 HWY 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3100
teamdr.com
Done Right Flood and Fire Services
4735 W Chinden Blvd. Garden, Idaho 83714 208-215-2577
McCall-Donnelly High School music room to the University of Idaho field campus (now MOSS), before finally arriving at the place that felt like it had been waiting for all along.
More than 40 years in, the festival is produced by the McCall Folklore Society. Three nights, every July. Thursday is Locals Night, when the valley’s own musicians take the stage and the evening feels most like the Music Circus in its heyday. Friday and Saturday bring the headliners. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. each night, and the setting does things no indoor venue can replicate: the old townsite, the mountains going purple at dusk, the faint smell of lodgepole on the air. Absolute perfection.
The 2026 festival runs July 16, 17, and 18. Thursday is Locals Night. Friday features Dead Winter Carpenters, Ken Pomeroy, and Matt Mitchell Music Co. Saturday brings the Fireside Collective and Neither Hour, with a third act to be announced.
If you can’t make it in July, the Long Valley Preservation Society runs the Wednesday Night Concert Series throughout the summer, free shows at 6:30 p.m. at Roseberry from June 24 through September 2.
The Summer Music Festival at Roseberry runs July 16–18, 2026. The Wednesday Night Concert Series (produced by the Long Valley Preservation Society) runs June 24–September 2, free, 6:30 p.m., Historic Roseberry. Find tickets, lineup updates, and event information at thesummermusicfestival.com and historicroseberry.org.
The Folklore Society puts it simply: a relatively small event like this one can proudly reflect the combined efforts of a bighearted community. Marie Spink would have recognized that. So would Gus Lehti. The red hall used to be the place where that happened. Now it’s the barn.
It took the festival four decades and four venues to find its home. Turns out, the barn had been the tent the Music Circus sought from the very beginning.
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
PhotocourtesyJonConti
Magnum Floors
114 N 3rd St., Suite 10 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6292 magnumfloors.net
Pinnacle Windows and Doors 102 S 17th St., Suite 301 Boise, Idaho 83702 208-901-0111 pinnaclewindowsidaho.com
Renewal by Andersen - Idaho 3531 E Overland Rd. Meridian, Idaho 83642 208-297-2103 renewalbyandersen.com
Crawford Olson Real Estate 403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6060 crawfordolson.com
Engel & Völkers
501 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-849-4005 mccall.evrealestate.com
Jennifer Jones, Realtor 150 W Roseberry Rd., Suite 1A Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-440-9400
dirtroadstolakehomes.com
Jim Boley, Realtor
301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 619-993-3595
mccallresortproperties.com
Jo Ellen, Phil & Philip Yribar, Realtors
301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6494
mccallidrealestate.com
The Jones Group 102 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6497 2ndhomes.com
Karen K. Johansen, Silvercreek Realty McCall, Idaho 208-315-2801 silvercreekrealty.com
Lisa Zeiter, Homes of Idaho Bowman Group
150 W Roseberry Rd., Suite 1B-2 Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-365-7506 bowmangroup.idhomesearch.net
Marletta Romero Real Estate 502 N 3rd St., Suite 4 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0600 dreammccall.com
McCall Real Estate Company
301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2100 mccallrealestate.com
Michael Gurney Real Estate 102 N 3rd St., Suite 200 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-369-3387 michaelgurneyrealestate.com
Michelle Basye, Brundage Real Estate 403 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1234 brundagerealty.com
Mountain Central Association of REALTORS
321 N 3rd St., Suite 204 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7424
mountaincentralrealtors.com
Mountain Resort Realty 102 N 3rd St., Suite 200 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5400 mccallresortrealty.com
Tamarack Resort Realty 311 Village Dr. Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1001 tamarackidaho.com
Teia Golden, Windermere Real Estate Professionals of McCall McCall, Idaho 208-616-2646 hwy55realestate.com
Toni Slaymaker, Silvercreek Realty Group
311 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0846 mountainsofexperience.com
Trisha Sears Real Estate/McCall Real Estate
301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-573-1489 trishasears.com
Photo courtesy
Samantha Sais Photography
Verna Vanis, Realtor
403 Park St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-315-1050 vernavanis.com
Yahoo Idaho
McCall, Idaho
208-315-6244 yahooidaho.com
MORTGAGE & TITLE
Amerititle
507 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6363 amerititle.com
Churchill Mortgage
401 S 3rd St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-630-3650 churchillmortgage.com
Flying S Title and Escrow 616 N 3rd St., Suite 101 McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4705 fste.com
McCall Mortgage Company
310 E Lake St., 2nd Floor McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8253 mccallmortgagecompany.com
In the heat of summer, we can’t help but dream of champagne snow, creamy corduroy, and fresh powder stashes. When the snow starts to fall, McCall transforms into a winter wonderland…see what’s in store:
SNOWMOBILE
With more than 500 miles of groomed trails, boredom isn’t an option! Ride solo on your own sleds or rent from one of our local outfitters. For those looking to up the adventure, join an experienced guide who can take you from gentle scenic routes to thrilling high-mark hillsides. Looking for a fresh way to experience the terrain? Snow biking is a fast-growing favorite and offers an entirely new way to explore McCall’s backcountry.
Scan the QR code for detailed descriptions of popular snowmobile play areas and a georeferenced trail map.
ALPINE SKI
With three incredible ski resorts, McCall delivers some of the best alpine skiing and snowboarding in the Northwest. Think bottomless powder days, smooth corduroy cruisers, and terrain parks packed with features for every skill level. For those who crave the ultimate off-piste experience, book a guided cat skiing adventure with Brundage SnowCat Adventures or Payette Powder Guides and carve through untouched backcountry terrain.
FAMILY FUN
Need to shake off cabin fever? There’s no shortage of ways to get the whole family outside and having fun. Lace up your skates for open skating or take a spin on the ice bumper cars at the Manchester Ice Center, grab a tube and ride the magic carpet at the Activity Barn, or take a quick sledding break at Legacy Park downtown—the perfect spot for little adventurers. Want to warm up after a chilly day? Unwind in one of the area’s hot springs for a truly relaxing winter experience.
Photo
TamarackResort
WINTER EVENTS
This winter is packed with can’t-miss events! From tree lightings and theatrical productions to Destination:Beer, there’s something for everyone. The McCall Winter Carnival is also set for the last weekend in January, and is the biggest 10-day celebration of all things winter. Plan to visit all the nostalgic favorites like the Mardi Gras Parade, Torchlight Parade, snow sculptures, live music, fireworks, and more.
DINING
NORDIC, FAT BIKE & SNOWSHOE
Nothing beats cozying up with great food and drinks after a day in the snow. Whether you’re sipping a hot toddy by the fire, indulging in a flaky fresh pastry, or sampling locally sourced flavors like Idaho yak, McCall’s culinary scene has something for every craving. Grab take-out for a night in, enjoy a casual fine dining experience, or meet up with friends at one of our local breweries for après ski pints.
When the winter sun shines, Nordic skiers flock to McCall’s pristine groomed trails, winding through forests and rolling meadows. Whether you prefer classic or skate skiing, you’ll find the perfect track. Want a new way to explore? Fat tire bikes are built for packed snow and offer a fun, fast-paced way to cruise the trails. Or, strap on snowshoes and blaze your own path into the snowy wilderness!
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
TitleOne
1000 2nd St., Suite 104 McCall, Idaho 83638
208-271-4770
titleonecorp.com/locations/mccall
REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS
The Housing Company: The Springs Apartments
565 W Myrtle St., Suite 250 Boise, Idaho 83702 208-331-4811
thehousingcompany.org
Alpine Village Company/RHM Company
616 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-336-2200
alpinevillagemccall.com
DF Development PO Box 111 Cisco, Texas 76437 dfdevelopmentllc.com
Jug Mountain Ranch
13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5072
jugmountainranch.com/real-estate
McCall River Ranch 101 Headquarters Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4469
riverranchmccall.com
STORAGE
Log Jammer Storage
McCall Storage
400 Krahn Ln.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-886-6086 mccall-storage.com
Stor-It Self Storage
207 N 3rd.
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7015 stor-it.com
TRANSPORTATION & MOVING SERVICES
All In One Moving
2807 S Cole Rd. Boise, Idaho 83702 208-999-8036 allinonemovingllc.com
Mountain Community Transit has a new mobile app that puts real-time bus info in your hands with live GPS bus locations, a map of routes and stops, transit notifications and service alerts. Search “Idaho Rides” to download today and start tracking your next ride! mountaincommunitytransit.com
PARTING SHOT
McCall Family Getaway Program
Five kids, ages one through nine. Ski lessons, a sleigh ride, the Mardi Gras parade, and s’mores on the snow front at Tamarack Resort. Welcome to a McCall Family Getaway!
This past winter, we launched something we’ve been excited about for a while: a program that invites real families and real couples to experience McCall through a fully curated, four-day itinerary and lets us capture the whole thing on film. Not a glossy ad. Not a staged shoot. Just actual people, actually here, doing what people do when they fall in love with this town.
The Stallmans were our first family. Eunice and Don, plus Donald (9), Denna (7), Elliot (5), Zoey (3), and Cedric (1). They came in early February for the final weekend of Winter Carnival, based out of a three-bedroom condo at Tamarack Village, and gave McCall everything they had. Ski lessons on the mountain. Parade crowds on E. Lake Street. Snow sculpture gazing and sledding at Legacy Park. Dinner at the Reserve while grandma and grandpa held down the fort with the little ones and a pizza.
And a sleigh ride on the way out (because of course there was a sleigh ride!).
Both winter getaways are now complete and the content coming out of these trips is exactly what we hoped: warm, real, full of moments you can’t manufacture. A nine-year-old’s first run down a mountain. An ice cream cone at a parade. The baby taking a nap in the middle of all the noise. You know, that particular chaos and joy of a family on vacation.
This summer and fall, four more getaways are on the calendar. Two summer trips, two fall trips, each with a different family or couple, each with a completely different McCall experience. Rafting and live music. Mountain biking and lake days. UTVs and big hikes.
Follow along at @visitmccall and visitmccall.org as we introduce each family over the coming months and share their McCall stories. We hope you’ll see yourself in their adventures and experiences!
