This summer issue of Visit McCall Magazine
WHAT’S INSIDE
marks the 20th issue — which is absolutely crazy to believe! And it is a bittersweet one, dedicated to a
JUST PASSING THROUGH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
A mountain bikers guide
STAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 PLAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
remarkable, kind, truly
YOUR ULTIMATE SUMMER BUCKET LIST. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
genuine person who
CALENDAR OF EVENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
made this whole
SHOP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
endeavor possible…
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN McCALL. . . . . . 62
Kathy Muench.
EAT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
When we first had this crazy idea to turn our “Pocket Directory” publication into a full-fledged magazine in 2015, we never imagined how big it would grow. Our first issue was 48 pages. Today, we try to keep it contained to around 100…a difficult feat with all of the stories we want
SIP & SAVOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Summer buzz with Bluetick Coffee
LIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 FEEDING THE FUTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Working year round to save Chinook Salmon
LOUIE LAKE + BOULDER LAKE. . . . . . . . . . 90
to tell and business partners we want to include!
Twin icons of hiking
But we never would have gotten this magazine off the ground, let alone grow it
It’s never to early to plan your winter adventure
to where it is today, without the expert guidance of Steve and Kathy Muench.
AREA MAP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
As publishers of Homes & Land of McCall, they were our first call when the
PARTING SHOT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
PLAN AHEAD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
idea of developing a magazine was born. And like the wonderful, gracious people that they were, they jumped on board immediately. For the first four years, they were our faithful guides. With advice on everything from ad layouts to printing specs, from processes to streamline our content flow to distribution plans, they helped us build this wonderful program and produce a magazine we could be proud of. In March 2019, we lost Steve. This past January, Kathy followed. Words cannot adequately express how integral these two wonderful humans were to Visit McCall Magazine, the McCall Chamber team, and to the community. To Steve and Kathy, you are with us always…imprinted on these pages and on our hearts. –The Visit McCall team
visitmccall.org
VISIT McCALL MAGAZINE credits Editor in Chief | McKenzie Kraemer Assistant Editors | April Thomas Whitney, Sheila Francis, Megan Davis, Rachel Morton Contributing Writers | McKenzie Kraemer, April Thomas Whitney, Sakeus Bankson
Ad Sales | McKenzie Kraemer, Michelle Mooney Ad Design | Kelly Wilder Layout Design | Dawg Haus, Inc. For information on advertising in this publication, please contact the McCall Chamber office at 208.634.7631
Cover photo courtesy Chris Wellhausen The editorial and photographic content of Visit McCall Magazine is produced in this printed format by Dawg Haus, Inc. on behalf of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau who claims all right to the design of the publication. The images and advertisements contained herein are licensed for use by the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. The licensed content in this published format of Visit McCall Magazine is protected by U.S. and international copyright law and may not be copied, used, reproduced or transmitted, in whole or in part, without the express written permission of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
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HISTORIC LODGING IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN MCCALL
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Written by Sakeus Bankson | Photos by Chris Wellhausen
You don’t get to McCall by accident. There’s no “just passing through;” the 4,000-person town in central Idaho is surrounded on nearly all sides by remote mountains, including the largest roadless area in the lower 48, and it’s a 110-mile drive south to the nearest population center. Head north on State Highway 55 and it’ll be hours before you reach anywhere with more than 1,000 people … if the highway’s open, that is. For most locals, however, that’s the whole point. Those that do make the effort will find themselves surrounded by three ski areas, two large lakes and endless hiking in the Salmon River Mountains. The valley also includes hundreds of miles of singletrack, which helped earn the town a Silver Level IMBA Ride Center designation in 2015. So, in late August of 2024, I traveled to McCall, Idaho with professional cyclists Brooklyn Bell and Braydon Bringhurst, photographer Chris Wellhausen and videographer Zack Paukert to sample some of the area’s finest riding, from the backside of a luxury golf course to the new Brundage to Bear Basin trail. As the only Idaho native of the bunch, Braydon knows McCall well, and he and his family have made the two-hour drive from their home in Boise many times. Continued page 8 7
“I love the small mountain-fun-town feel, with wide open and expansive wilderness around,” he tells me when I ask him what draws them to McCall. “It feels like there are epic adventures all over the place.” “Epic adventures” is a good way to describe the early days of mountain biking in the area, which started in the early 1990s when a handful of locals began using bikes to explore the surrounding backcountry trails. The trails had incredible potential; they were also remote, rarely used and seldom maintained, and no one wants to carry their bike over a bunch of downed trees. As Dave Bingaman, Valley County’s recreation planner and CIMBA project coordinator, put it: “If you were on your bike for 50 percent of the time, we considered it a really high-quality ride.” So, in 1997, a few of those early bikers started the Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association (CIMBA) to help improve them. Two decades later, the valley is home to some 500 miles of singletrack, spread out across two bike parks, multiple local trail networks and the plethora of backcountry options. It’s an incredible amount of trail, but not a surprise: you get to McCall on purpose, and it’s the remarkably dense bike culture behind those trails that’s truly impressive. “We’re not a bike scene; we’re a bike town,” says Yadi Spangenberg, a local mountain bike coach and owner of Wild Rockies Racing. “There’s a difference there. It’s not a big, popular destination; it’s just a lot of people who are really passionate about getting out in the mountains and onto the trails.” Continued page 10
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Jug Mountain At first glance, Jug Mountain Ranch does not look like a mountain bike hotspot. The most obvious feature of the 1,410-acre private residential community is the 18-hole championship golf course, and when we pulled into the parking lot the first morning of our trip the only other vehicles were empty golf carts. But hidden in the ponderosa forest behind the upscale clubhouse are 20 miles of some of Idaho’s best singletrack, all free and open to the public, and for much of the week the Jug parking lot is the bustling center of the McCall bike community. The trailhead hosts races, clinics and team practices, and serves as an unofficial campground for visitors looking to park their camper vans. It’s also where we met Joe Weede, Jug Mountain’soutdoor recreation director, who rolled up a few minutes later in the ranch’s massive UNIMOG shuttle vehicle. Joe and Mountain Bike Manager Heather Thiry (the two are also married) have spent over a decade shaping Jug Mountain’s modest 640-vertical feet into a truly impressive miniature bike park, one that — thanks to owner David Carey — is accessible via climbing an old fire road (or, for $30, by shuttle).
Jug Mountain Ranch Stats: Miles: 20 Trails: 15 Vert: 640 feet MeadowCreek Golf Course Highlights: Double Shot / Exfoliator / Berm & Ernie 10
The network spans nearly all riding styles, from the crosscountry Shoreline trail to North Shore wood features on Stitches. We decided to start with a blue flow trail called Berm & Ernie, before moving onto Double Shot, a delightful mix of features and rock tech that feels fresh despite being 15 years old. Brooklyn would deem it her favorite of the trip, though Exfoliator, Jug’s new double-black jump trail, earned an Continued page 12
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enthusiastic honorable mention. “The riding is super fun — fast and filled with lots of playful features. And some of the zones are just super picturesque.” Eventually, the late August heat forced us to retreat to the clubhouse patio for burgers and icy beverages. Yet somehow the dirt remained surprisingly grippy, and we spent the afternoon ripping Double Shot and Exfoliator laps until we were tired, dusty and completely satisfied. When you have trail builders as talented as Joe and Heather, you can do a lot with 640 feet.
Our lodging for the week was the Glass House, a quirky downtown vacation rental that was originally built in the 1960s as the offices for a local lumber company. The name comes from the building’s 179 windows, which give great views of Payette Lake; it’s also a short walk to another McCall staple, Salmon River Brewery, where we raced to finish our second round of burgers before exhaustion fully kicked in — a delicious finish to a hell of a first day. Continued page 14 12
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Tamarack Bike Park The next morning we swapped shuttle trucks for chairlifts after making the 45-minute drive south to Tamarack Resort, a relatively new operation perched above Lake Cascade on the west side of the valley. Tamarack first opened its bike park in 2016, and in the years since has earned a reputation for some of the most progressive trails in the region thanks to a dedicated team of builders. Leading those efforts is bike park manager Mitch Herlein, whom we met at the base area for a tour of the mountain. We spent the morning following Mitch and trail supervisor Mason Kennedy down some of the park’s go-to blues and 14
greens for a warm-up, before ducking onto some of the techier classics like Rock Star and Exit Stage Right. Conditions were loose — not unexpected given it was late August in a bike park — but even the dust couldn’t hide how well-built the trails were. “The valley has a well-rounded riding scene, and Tamarack’s niche is the downhill aspect,” Mitch told us on the chair. “That’s what we’re known for: if you want a long downhill with a good amount of variety, you want to ride rocks, you want to ride jumps, Tamarack is where you come.” Continued page 16
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Nowhere was this mix more apparent than on my two favorite trails, Smokejumper and Hot Shot. The rugged and raw descent plunges through vicious rock gardens, down rooty gulleys and over steep granite slabs more akin to Squamish than southern Idaho, all while traversing stands of the resort’s namesake tree. It reminded me of home, except quite dustier and without the crowds. The route proved to be the perfect warm up for our afternoon session on Shark Bait, the resort’s new black-diamond jump line. Proudly located under the chairlift, the trail opened in 2024 and has proven to be a quick favorite for many riders in the area — and a close second for Brooklyn, who continued hiking some of the lower features long after the lifts closed, until hunger finally drove us back into town for dinner. Continued page 18
Tamarack Bike Park Stats: Miles: 39 Trails: 23 (downhill) Vert: 1,700 feet Highlights: Smokejumper to Hot Shot to Show-Low / Shark Bait 16
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Brundage to Bear Basin If any trail in McCall represents a nexus of progression, backcountry and community, it’s Brundage to Bear Basin. Dubbed “B2BB” for short, the 6.3-mile machine-built trail drops from the boundary of Brundage Mountain, winding its way down a ridgeline to the Bear Basin trail system some 1,700 feet below. And that’s just the short version; the full route starts at the summit of Brundage Mountain, which adds another 700 feet of descent through the granite boulder fields and alpine meadows of the Rock Garden and Lakeview Vista trails.
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B2BB was an ambitious project, one that took 15 years to make a reality. The idea was first dreamed up in 2009 by Payette National Forest recreation staff, but it remained in limbo until CIMBA and the One Track Mind Foundation teamed up to design the trail in 2019. It took the support of over a half-dozen public and private entities — including JA and Kathryn Albertson Foundation, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Richard J. Sabala Foundation, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, the IMBA Dig-In Program and the City of McCall — but by 2022 the group had the approvals and funding they needed to begin construction. That October, CIMBA volunteers and the Brundage Mountain trail crew joined two of the country’s premier trail building companies and finally put shovels to dirt. “B2BB was the first new trail built on the Payette National Forest in a long time,” says Dave Bingaman, who also works as the regional project manager for One Track Mind. “And they didn’t have to put a dime into it. We raised the money 100 percent.” The trail opened just a year later, a testament to the community’s commitment and the power of partnership. It’s also an incredible piece of singletrack. Continued page 20
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Brundage to Bear Basin Stats: Miles: 6.3
B2BB takes its time getting down the mountain, squiggling down the wide-shouldered ridge at a grade that both lets you keep speed while also accommodating a wide range of skill levels. The upper half sticks to the meadows and aspen groves, with a few large man-made rock features to add some spice, before diving into the forest with high-speed gusto. The bottom half is all flow, beckoning you to go a little bit faster… and a little bit faster after that.
Vert: 1,700 feet
From the summit of Brundage Mountain: Miles: 12 Vert: 2,400 feet Shuttle: Wednesdays-Sundays, with pickup at the West Face Parking Lot at 9:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cost: $20 per pickup or $40 for a pickup + lift ticket to the top of Brundage 20
Eventually the trail hits Bear Basin, where you can either go right to the parking lot or turn left and climb to Upper and Lower Drain. We chose the latter; the Drains are both flow trails, an impressive series of berms and jumps carved into dark red dirt. They were so good that, even after covering 16 miles and 3,000 feet, we still spent an hour sessioning the showcase step up at the bottom. Continued page 26
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“The riding is great, and welcoming to all skill levels. I have a blast riding with my young, beginner level daughters, and then riding more aggressive trails with my wife.” – Braydon Bringhurst
Brundage Bike Park We’d gotten a taste of Brundage’s summer offerings on our B2BB lap the day before, but we didn’t see the bike park’s full potential until the next morning when we dropped into Hidden Valley. The resort’s only double-black-diamond trail packs a gargantuan amount of riding into just under 1,000 vertical feet, starting with a chunky subalpine rock garden brimming with
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line options (Braydon even found an impromptu rock roll in the boulder field above the trail). After that hefty serving of tech, it dives into a swoopy gauntlet of meadows sprinkled with bulbous granite features — some seemingly natural, which adds a unique ungroomed freeride vibe — before finishing with a series of jumps and berms. It’s the type of trail that gets more interesting the more you ride it, and I found myself wishing I
319 N 3rd Street McCall 208.630.6104 Quality Used Books! Two Locations to Serve You! Come Browse our selections and leave a donation at: was on a downhill bike…and wearing body armor, after a day-ending crash sent me coasting back to the lodge. As dreamy as McCall is in the summer, many locals would argue that the town’s best season is winter and that Brundage is the main reason why. The lodge has the simple hometown coziness of someplace that’s been well-used and well-loved, and even during the summer it has a low-key bustle about it: bikers loading the lift, runners huffing up one of the lower trails, or people doing yoga on the same grassy hillside where the resort hosts free concerts on Friday nights.
Brundage Bike Park Stats: Miles: 30+ Trails: 16
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Vert: 1,800 feet Highlights: Hidden Valley / Rock Garden to Lakeview Vista to Growler
Continued page 28
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It may have been Thursday, but we got a full dive into “bike town McCall” when the area’s NICA team showed up for practice—all 80 of them, representing roughly 10 percent of the school’s total student population. The horde gathered on the grass and began doing stretches under the direction of Dean Cromwell, the team’s head coach, director and another key figure in the local bike community. He and his wife Amy run a non-profit that’s donated over 400 refurbished bikes and new helmets to kids around the valley — including fifth graders at nearby Donnelly Elementary, where Dean and the other coaches spend a few days each year putting on mountain-bike skills as part of the school’s PE curriculum. After Braydon gave a speech to the kids on risk management, they headed out onto the trails and we headed to Frenchie’s for dinner, a quaint counter-service restaurant in a converted house just outside of downtown. The food is as highquality as it is quick, and the roadside patio (and cocktails!) only adds to the flavor. “It’s a super tight-knit community,” Brooklyn said over one of Frenchie’s “po boy” sandwiches. “Everyone knows each other, and everyone seems to give back, either by helping coach or by digging and working on trails.” Continued page 30
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McCall, Idaho
January 30 - February 8, 2026
20-Mile Trail Having started the trip with the community’s most frequented trail system, we decided it’d only be fitting to finish with a dose of its feral backcountry beginnings. The area has no shortage of options — Goose Creek, a 6-mile out-and-back behind Brundage, is Braydon’s favorite trail in the area — but Dave and a few other locals suggested we try something a little more remote: 20-Mile Trail, a rugged point-to-point in the Salmon River Mountains east of town reminiscent of the “epic adventures” that defined early mountain biking in McCall. So, the next morning we met Dave, Joe and Heather, loaded our bikes into Jug Mountain Ranch’s Pinzgauer 4x4 truck, and began the hour-long drive to Duck Creek Trailhead and the start of our ride. The trail’s first two miles wound up a deep, glacially carved valley with towering granite walls, taking us past the quiet waters of Duck Lake before finally topping out at Lick Creek Saddle. From there, it was all downhill 30
— eight miles of it, a 1,500-foot descent through subalpine forest, wildflower-filled meadows and over crystal-clear streams, alternating between chunky ungroomed rocky and rooty sections and flowing buffed singletrack. It felt truly wild and remote— which made sense, considering the largest roadless area in the lower 48 is just a few ridges over. The ride dumped us out on Warren Wagon Road, just 10 miles from the historic Burgdorf Hot Springs. The rustic resort’s four pools — one nearly Olympicsized — are open yearround, though accessing them in the winter requires a snowmobile. They’ve been a tourist attraction since the 1860s, and I can assure you they’re just as relaxing for tired mountain bikers as they were for the ranchers and miners of 150 years ago. Continued page 32
20-Mile Trail Stats: Miles: 10.3 Vert: 676 feet climb / 1,530 feet descent Other Backcountry Highlights: Goose Creek / Payette Rim
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We’d ended the past two days at the Brundage base area, so it was also fitting that we spent the last night of our trip on the grass outside the lodge, listening to the final show of their summer concert series. The act was singer-songwriter Jeff Crosby, who crooned out country tunes as the crowd danced through the sunset and into the night.
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Looking down at the lights of McCall, I kept thinking that after five days in the valley we had barely scratched the surface of what it had to offer. There was still wakesurfing on Payette Lake, hiking in the Salmon River Mountains, and floating the North Fork of the Payette River. And as for the trails we had yet to ride… well, you get to McCall on purpose, and when you do, just make sure to bring your bike.
Sakeus Bankson is a writer and editor at Patagonia and the former editor of Freehub Magazine. A born-and-raised Eastern Washingtonian now based in Bellingham, he’s spent years chasing trails and stories across the globe. With a deep well of adventure storytelling and two-wheeled wisdom, Visit McCall is thrilled to welcome him as a guest contributor for this issue’s feature article.
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The Mill Steak and Spirits
Burgdorf Hot Springs
324 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7683
404 French Creek (FS#246) Burgdorf, Idaho 83638 208-315-6657 burgdorfhotsprings.com
Palooza Basecamp and Eatery 112 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-733-0507 paloozabrands.com
Rupert’s at Hotel McCall 1101 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8108 rupertsathotelmccall.com
The Roxy Theatre 114 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-5560 theroxyidaho.com
Salmon River Brewery 411 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4772 salmonriverbrewery.com
RECREATION The Activity Barn 141 Moonridge Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3298 Winter Hours 208-634-4151 Year-Round brundage.com/snow-tubing-mccall
America’s Rafting Company 85 S Superior St. Cambridge, Idaho 83610 208-347-3862 idahooutdoortours.com/americasraftingcompany
Backwoods Adventures Open Memorial Day through Labor Day North Beach Boat Launch Warren Wagon Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-469-9067 backwoodsadventuresmccall.com
Bear Basin Nordic Center 3635 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5691 payettelakesskiclub.org
Brundage Mountain Resort 3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4151 brundage.com
WHERE BEER LOVERS MIGRATE!
Cascade Aquatic and Recreation Center 333 Kelly’s Parkway Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-5136 cascadeaquatic.myrec.com
CM Backcountry Rentals 313 McBride St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0017 cmbackcountryrentals.com
Drift West 616 N 3rd St., Ste. 115A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-6445 drift-west.com
Fly Fish McCall
Award-Winning Hand-Crafted Beer Cocktails + full bar Daily Happy Hour
Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-628-3862 flyfishmccall.com
Gravity Sports 200 Jacob St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8530 gravitysportsidaho.com
Harlow’s McCall 14030 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1089 goharlowsmccall.com
Hells Canyon Adventures 85 N Superior Cambridge, Idaho 208-257-4564 hellscanyonadventures.com
Hells Canyon Raft McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6366 hellscanyonraft.com
Home Town Sports 300 E Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2302 hometownsportsmccall.com
Jug Mountain Ranch 13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5072 jugmountainranch.com
salmonriverbrewery.com
411 Railroad Ave McCall, ID
Kelly’s Whitewater Park
McCall Golf Club
330 Kelly’s Pkwy. Cascade, Idaho 83611 kellyswhitewaterpark.com
925 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7200 mccallgolfclub.com
Little Ski Hill
Promoting Holistic Health & Wellness McCall Pilates offers: • Apparatus, Reformer & Mat Pilates • Private Pilates Sessions • Videos on Demand • Outdoor Mat Pilates • Pilates Parties • Balanced Body Teacher Trainings
www.mccallpilates.com (208) 315-3730
(Payette Lakes Ski Club) 3635 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5691 payettelakesskiclub.org
McCall Lake Cruises
Manchester Ice and Event Centre
McCall Mountain Canyon Flying Seminars, LLC
200 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3570 manchestericecenter.com
McCall Angler McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-6445 themccallangler.com
McCall Area Snowmobile Club PO Box 354 McCall, Idaho 83638 snowmobilemccall.net
McCall Curling Club 200 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 facebook.com/mccallcurlingclub
203 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5253 mccalllakecruises.com
104 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1344 mountaincanyonflying.com
MeadowCreek Golf Resort 2975 Kimberland Dr. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2555 meadowcreekgolfresort.com
Mile High Marina & Grille Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8605 milehighmarina.com
Mile High Power Sports 13924 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7007 mhpsmccall.com
Mountain Meadow Adventure Rentals 2445 W Mountain Rd Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-1500 mountainmeadowrentals.com
Mountain River Outfitters 1323 S Main St. Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-628-3733 idahoriver.com
Outdoor Voyagers Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-477-9905 outdoorvoyagers.com
Payette National Forest 500 N Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0700 fs.usda.gov/payette
Payette Pedal Party Art Roberts Park McCall, Idaho 83638 208-631-3997 payettepedalparty.com
Payette Powder Guides McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6793 payettepowderguides.com
years in McCall
Celebrating
Salmon Raft McCall, Idaho 83638 800-350-6654 salmonraft.com
Salmon River Drifters LLC Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-507-8447 salmonriverdrifters.com
Salmon River Tours & China Bar Lodge 229 Rapid River Rd. Riggins, Idaho 83549 1-888-893-2820 chinabarlodge.com
Tamarack Resort 311 Village Dr. Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1000 tamarackidaho.com
Valley County Pickleball Club 12995 Ponderosa Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-301-8013 valleycountypickleball.com
e ts ar ! n e v All e FREE ly total
in partnership with the
Valley Wake Charters McCall, Idaho 83638 208-639-1260 valleywakecharters.com
Wild River Adventures 419 N Main St. Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-995-0181 idahowildriveradventures.com
Yahoo Corrals 2280 Warren Wagon Rd. 208-634-3360 ya-hoocorrals.com
NO WI
Zims Hot Springs
Zip McCall Adventures Boulder Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-1440 zipmccall.com
SALON, SPA, HEALTH AND WELLNESS 208 Med Spa 125 Commerce St., Ste. D McCall, Idaho 83638 208-408-0976 208medspa.com
NGS?
NO PR inutes OBLEM from M c C Watch all up B ! for our o u ld er Lake directio R o nal sign ad age
2995 Zims Rd. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2686 zimshotsprings.com
Just m
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: » Over 9,000 zip line footage with nearly HALF MILE long Zip Line! » 100’ high observation tree house w/ fantastic views » Suspension bridges up to 125’ long » Speeds up to 50mph! » Try our Aerial Adventure Park! Perfect for ages 7 and up!
Make your reservation today at ZipMcCall.com or call 208-271-1440
Alpenglow Spa
Half-Seas Over
300 Stibnite St., Unit 1 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6585 alpenglowmccall.com
1000 N 3rd St., Ste. B McCall, Idaho 83638 208-740-8717 half-seasover.com
Be Well and Tell
Headwaters Yoga
Urban Calm
McCall, Idaho 83638 775-544-9578 kristinadobler.arbonne.com
115 Commerce St., Unit B McCall, Idaho 83638 208-671-5444 headwatersyoga.com
125 Commerce St., Ste. E McCall, Idaho 83638 208-941-9390 urbancalmlife.com
McCall Pilates
Vibrant Med Spa
The Cove at Shore Lodge 501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-0280 thecovemccall.com
The Spa at Tamarack 75 Arling Center Ct. Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1570 tamarackidaho.com/spa
335 Deinhard Ln., Unit 3 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3730 mccallpilates.com
203 E Lake St., Ste. 7 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5729 unwindmccall.com
405 Knights Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-305-7481 crossfitacclivity.com
RDH Endurance Training
Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach McCall, Idaho 83638 208-352-3132 wholemountainhealth.com
Gather Pilates
Simply Be Massage
1016 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-7137 gatherpilates.com
331 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0863 simplybemassage.com
CrossFit Acclivity
Whole Mountain Health
McCall, Idaho 83638 773-575-6040 rdhendurancetraining.com
THE COOLEST PLACE IN TOWN! 200 E Lake Street, McCall
For information, ice schedule and prices, visit
manchestericecenter.com
YOUR PARTNER IN HEALTH People are at the heart of great health care. That’s why we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care tailored to the communities we serve. Together with our community partners and patients, we are building a stronger, healthier future for all Idahoans.
stlukesonline.org
40 Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Summer
By McKenzie Kraemer
Your
e t a m i t l U
Summer in McCall is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of magic. One minute, the snow’s melting. The next? Town is buzzing, the lake is sparkling, and your days are suddenly full of patio drinks, paddleboards, and porch hangs. But that’s the charm, right? Summer here doesn’t drag — it flies. And because the window is short and the to-do list is long, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you make the most of it. Think of this as your seasonal cheat sheet: where to go, what to do, and all the can’t-miss moments in between.
You’ve got sunshine to soak up. Let’s get to it!
1. Enjoy a Scoop Tucked away in the heart of downtown McCall, Ice Cream Alley has been a much-loved summer tradition for nearly 40 years. Offering more than 25 flavors, including local favorites like Huckleberry and
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2. Don’t Miss the Best Barn Dance
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Hosted by the McCall Folklore Society, the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry is one of Idaho’s most popular music events. Held annually in July at the historic Roseberry Townsite in front of the historic Roseberry Barn, the festival features a diverse lineup of artists. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy live music under the Idaho sky. L ocal breweries and food trucks also grace the festival grounds if you’d rather enjoy a local bite.
to c
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Want more live music? Visit our website (visitmccall.org) to see all the local festivals slated for summer including the McCall Music Society’s SummerFest, the Fourth of July Music Festival at Brundage, the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival, and so much more!
3. Meander the River
Continued page 42
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If you do nothing else all summer, do this! Explore the tranquil waters of the Upper North Fork of the Payette River, affectionately known as “The Meanders.” This gentle, nonmotorized zone is ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife like moose, deer, and eagles. Rent equipment from local retailers like Backwoods Adventures, Home Town Sports, McCall Sports, and Gravity Sports or bring your own!
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Lemon Pie, their mountain-sized scoops are drool-worthy. Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it’s the perfect spot to cool off after a day of exploring.
41
Photo courtesy Chad Case
4. Hike to the Best View in Town It’s no secret we L.O.V.E. hiking in McCall. One of the most iconic (and most accessible) offers a birdseye view of Payette Lake and downtown. The hike to the Narrows Overlook in Ponderosa State Park provides not only stunning views but also picnic areas perfect for a leisurely lunch. We love that there are several options to get to this vantage point. Hike along the network of trails in the Park from one of several trailhead parking lots. Or if you would rather experience the view without the hike, there is also a small parking lot right near the overlook you can drive to.
5. Snap a Family Photo Who can resist an oversized chair?! Capture a memorable family photo in McCall’s iconic Big Green Adirondack Chair, located at Gold Glove Park. This oversized chair is a fun and quirky photo opportunity. Let the kids play on the adjacent playground or run through the grass at one of our favorite City Parks. Explore more of our City Parks and open spaces by visiting visitmccall.org/ things-to-do/activity/parks.
6. Beach It at Legacy Park Right in the heart of downtown McCall, this lakeside gem is the go-to spot for sunny afternoons. With a sandy beach, shallow swim zone perfect for littles, and grassy areas made for sprawling out with a picnic, it’s easy to lose track of time here. The water’s just the right kind of refreshing, the view is pure Payette perfection. Plus, you’re only steps away from ice cream, coffee, or a post-swim burger.
Photo courtesy Chad Case
42
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
Continued page 44
Dinner Tue - Sat 4:30-8:00pm cheftopple.com/bufalodonnelly
208-325-3463 319 Main Street Donnelly, ID 83615
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All Day Tue - Sat 12:00-8:30pm cheftopple.com/casca-di-rosa
208-325-3832 377 Main Street Donnelly, ID 83615
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Photo courtesy McKenzie Kraemer
7. Pick Huckleberries Huckleberries may quite possibly be the best thing about summer in McCall. These round purple berries have a tart kick that make them the perfect addition to pies, ice cream, pancakes, syrup and more. While you can purchase fresh or frozen Idaho huckleberries at some farmer’s markets, the best way to get your huckleberry fix is by picking them yourself. Berries typically ripen between July and September and can be found along many hiking trails and forested areas. Remember to bring a container, pick responsibly, and be mindful of wildlife that also enjoy these tasty treats. F ind a few of our favorite local huckleberry recipes by visiting the “Trip Ideas” tab at visitmccall.org.
8. Catch Live Music…Daily Ph o to co u r te s y S a
m a n t h a S a i s P h o tog ra
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We’ve already talked about the music festivals, but weekly live music should also be on your summer bucket list! With a fantastic slate of artists from around the region, catching a show on the patio, on the grass, or in a courtyard is commonplace in McCall. Visit our Event Calendar at visitmccall.org to see whose playing at venues like Brundage Mountain Resort, Tamarack Resort, Roseberry, Jug Mountain Ranch, Salmon River Brewery, Broken Horn Brewery, Café 634, and more!
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
9. Explore a Farmer’s Market Our local markets may be small, but they pack a big punch. Local growers, ranchers, bakers, and artisans come together each week to offer a wide variety of local delights. Every week offers something just a bit different and there is always something new to try.
Three markets run each summer in the area: McCall Farmers Market Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-1pm Mid June – September
Located at 2nd and Lenora (between the library and the lake)
Donnelly Farmers Market Wednesday 3pm – 6pm Mid June – September
Located next to the Donnelly Bible Church
New Meadows Farmers Market Saturday 10am – 2pm Mid June – September 44
Located at Dorsey Warr Memorial Park
10. Take a Sunset Cruise Around Payette Lake P h o t o co u
r tesy Payet te Pe d a l Pa
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Climb aboard and cruise into golden hour. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong lake lover, a ride on The IDAHO with McCall Lake Cruises is a summer must. These laid-back, scenic tours offer unbeatable views of Payette Lake’s sparkling shoreline, with just the right blend of fun facts, local lore, and fresh mountain air. Opt for a sunset cruise — think golden light on the water, cool breezes, and maybe even a glass of wine in hand — or a midday 90-minute cruise perfect for a family outing. You can also charter private cruises for events! Continued page 46
Bonus Bucket List Experience:
Photo courtesy McCall Lake Cruises
There is now another one-of-a-kind way to tour the lake with Payette Pedal Party. This 15-passenger bike boat is one of the most fun and entertaining ways to get on the water. Part pub crawl, part workout, the crew on the Payette Pedal Party creates one memorable experience. Hop on a public tour or book the entire boat!
McCall Music Society Presents
July 15-19th, 2025 For details and tickets visit our website at McCallMusicSociety.org
11. Smell a Ponderosa Pine Sounds weird, right? But trust us on this one. Not only are these beautiful trees special to our landscape, but their bark actually smells like butterscotch. Really! The magic comes from compounds in the bark. So lean in and give it a sniff and catch the unmistakable candylike aroma — especially strong on warmer days. We promise we won’t judge! These majestic trees are abundant in the McCall area, especially within Ponderosa State Park.
12. Hop on the Lift for a Scenic Chairlift Ride
to c o u r te s y B r u n d a g e M o u n ta i n R e so r t
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
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A view without the climb! Even if you are an avid skier, there is something completely different about riding a chairlift in the summer. The warm breeze as you fly up the mountain over the trees and wildflowers, the expansive views. It really is something you have to experience to fully appreciate. Both Tamarack Resort and Brundage Mountain Resort offer Scenic Chairlift Rides along with lift-serviced mountain biking each summer.
Photo courtesy Ryan Zimmer
13. Ooh and Aah at the Fireworks
46
Nothing says “summer in McCall” quite like watching fireworks explode over the glassy surface of Payette Lake while the flotilla of boats bob beneath. McCall’s Fourth of July celebration, Lakeside Liberty Fest hosted by the City of McCall, is always one for the books and try as we might, a photo never quite does it justice. So bring a blanket, grab a dinner to go from one of our local restaurants and settle in at Legacy Park for a show that’s pure small-town magic. Continued page 50
JANUARY
EVENTS sy
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Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Youth Ice Fishing Day
Mother’s Day Celebrations
Mountaineers + Smokejumper Hockey Games
New Meadows Spring Bike-A-Thon
Grom Games: Tamarack Resort
Riggins Rodeo and Parade
McCall Re-Mastered Nordic Race Idaho Sled Dog Challenge
GIG Foundation Annual Fundraiser and Silent Auction
Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain
Historic Roseberry Open House and Volunteer Picnic
IFSA Big Mountain at Tamarack Resort
Memorial Day Observance
Ice Break Up Contest sponsored by AWeSOMe! Runs through March
Friday Karaoke at Tamarack Resort
McCall Starz on Ice
Find weekly events like trivia, bingo, fitness classes, live music and more on our website. Visitmccall.org
McCall Winter Carnival: last weekend in January
FEBRUARY Heritage Night: Little Ski Hill McCall Snowmobile Club Annual Fun Run Base Camp Festival and Cardboard Box Derby: Tamarack Resort Winter Jamboree in Cascade Women with Bait Tournament in Riggins
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JUNE Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm Meadows Valley Farmers Market every Saturday, 10-2pm McCall Arts and Humanities Creative Campus Series TGIF Summer Concert Series: Brundage Mountain
Mountaineers+ Smokejumper Hockey Games
Seven Devils New Play Foundry
Destination: Beer
Northwest Mountain Challenge Bow Shoot: Tamarack Resort
Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain
Idaho Free Fishing Day Father’s Day Celebrations
Payette Land Trust’s SweetHEART Party & Auction
McCall Public Library Summer Reading Program
McCall Golf Course Tiki Treks
Summer Operations Begin: Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort
Photo courtesy Chelsea Tuttle
MARCH Beer & Gear Festival: Brundage Mountain
Photo courtesy Chelsea Tuttle
Women with Bait Tournament in Riggins Snowmobile Crab Feed: Warren Brundage Mountain Diva Days Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain
APRIL
Kaleidoscope Children’s Art Festival: Central Idaho Historical Museum Cowboy Trade Days & Antique Fair in Roseberry Progressive Club Fashion Show Ponderosa Park Run for Payette Lakes Ski Club Northwest Cup Downhill Mountain Bike Race: Tamarack Resort Hells Canyon Jam Riggins Rattle the Canyon
Idaho State Pond Skimming Championships: Tamarack Resort
Payette Land Trust Conservation Day BBQ
Brundage Mountain Brewlympics, Gelande Quaff & Cardboard Classic
McCall Airport Open House
Salmon River Jet Boat Races: Riggins Community Easter Egg Hunts New Meadows Week of the Young Child Events Arbor Day, McCall Celebration of Trees McCall Music Society’s Spring Concert Idaho Gives
48
McCall Chamber Spring Membership Celebration
Cascade Cup Fishing Tournament
Centennial Speed Dating: Brundage Mountain t ho
MAY
Idaho Free Nordic Ski Day
WCM Interactive Arts Festival in Cascade
JULY Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm Meadows Valley Farmer’s Market every Saturday, 10-2pm
JULY CONTINUED
AUGUST CONTINUED
McCall Arts and Humanities Creative Campus Series
Big Mountain Enduro Race at Tamarack Resort
Roseberry Wednesday Night Concert Series
Cascade Medical Foundation Golf Tournament
TGIF Summer Concert Series: Brundage Mountain Summer Concert Series: Tamarack Resort McCall Public Library Summer Reading Program 4th of July Music Festival and Summit Cat Track 10k at Brundage Mountain
Payette Lakes Ski Club Mountain Triathlon Yoga on the Mountain at Brundage Mountain Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament at MeadowCreek Valley County Fair and Rodeo
OCTOBER CONTINUED New Meadows Trunk-or-Treat in the Park McCall Trunk or Treat
NOVEMBER Cascade Holiday Bazaar: Hotel NoBo Thanksgiving 6K Turkey Trot: The Club at Aspen Village The Christmas Market featuring the Festival of Trees (Roseberry) Small Business Saturday
4th of July Music Festival and Fireworks at Tamarack Resort
Chalk on the Walk in Cascade
4th of July Fireworks Show at Meadow Creek Golf Course
Mountain Brewfest
Pray for Snow Preseason Rail Jam: Tamarack Resort
Roseberry’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social
Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Cascade
Lakeside Liberty Fest in McCall Thunder Mountain Days in Cascade Roseberry Arts and Crafts Fair Payette Children’s Forest Take It Outside Event Mile High Mile Annual Swim (Payette Lake) McCall Amateur Golf Tournament Yoga on the Mountain at Brundage Mountain
Art in the Courtyard
SEPTEMBER Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm Meadows Valley Farmer’s Market every Saturday, 10-2pm Summer Concert Series: Tamarack Resort
Brundage Mountain’s Pray for Snow Party
McCall Chamber Fall Membership Breakfast
DECEMBER Shop Local, Shop Late McCall Downtown Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa New Meadows Tree Lighting & Parade Mountaineers + Smokejumper Hockey Games
The Summer Music Festival at Roseberry
Meadows Valley Days – Labor Day Weekend
Annual SAVES Event: Meadows Valley Fire & EMS Dinner
Fun Run benefitting the Shepherd’s Home & Toby’s Place
McCall MusicFest presented by McCall Music Society
McCall Senior Wood Bat Tournament
Toby’s Place Winter Wonderland Celebration
Alpha Nursery Fall Harvest Festival
Backcountry Film Festival
Riggins Hot Summer Nights
Oktoberfest and Top of Tamarack Race: Tamarack Resort
St. Luke’s McCall Holiday Happenings
Creative District Artisans Tour
Judge’s Fishing Day: Cascade
Cascade Community Center Christmas Craft Fair
Payette Lake Run
McCall Music Society Christmas Concert
McCall Chamber Block Party
Breakfast with Santa: Shore Lodge
St. Luke’s McCall Foundation Golf Invitational
Pictures with Santa: Various Locations
Adams County Fair and Rodeo
AUGUST Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm Meadows Valley Farmers Market every Saturday, 10-2pm McCall Arts and Humanities Creative Campus Series TGIF Summer Concert Series: Brundage Mountain Roseberry Wednesday Night Concert Series Summer Concert Series: Tamarack Resort McCall Public Library Summer Reading Program
OCTOBER McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm Meadows Valley Farmers Market every Saturday, 10am-2pm Skate By the Lake Hockey Tournament McCall Curling Club Roktoberspiel Cascade Lake Run McPaws Oktoberfest
Santa Paws Christmas in Donnelly Holiday Boutique Christmas Cookie Decorating: Shore Lodge Santa Skis: Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort Holiday Ice Show: Manchester Ice & Events Center NYE Light Up the Night Fireworks: Brundage Mountain NYE Fireworks and Torchlight Parade: Tamarack Resort
Payette Lakes Ski Club Ski Swap
Holiday Ice Show: Manchester Ice & Events Center
Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival
Witches and Wizards on the Water (Payette Lake)
NYE Fireworks and Torchlight Parade: Tamarack Resort
Huckleberry Festival in Donnelly
Harvest Fest: Donnelly Elementary
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
MWSC’s Ski Bum Scramble
Haunted House: Little Ski Hill
Pioneer Picnic in Roseberry
Halloween in Donnelly Trunk or Treat on Mainstreet
Payette Lakes Classic and Wooden Boat Show
Payette Lakes Fine Art and Craft Fair
New Meadows Fall Harvest Festival
Snow Ball benefiting the Payette Lakes Ski Club
Halloween Movie Night: Tamarack Resort
49
Whether you prefer an early morning tee time or a twilight round, golf in McCall comes with a side of scenic beauty. With pristine fairways, towering pines, and the kind of crisp mountain air that makes every drive feel just a little sweeter, it’s no wonder this is a golfer’s paradise. Choose from scenic courses like McCall Golf Club, Jug Mountain Ranch, Osprey Meadows, MeadowCreek, Whitetail Club, or the Cascade Golf Course, each offering its own blend of challenging play and postcard-worthy views. Not up for a full round (or know the kids won’t last more than a few holes)? Check out the new Par 3 course at Jug Mountain Ranch.
Photo courtesy Jon Webster adn Tamarack Resort
15. Splash Through Some Whitewater
50
Idaho is known as the Whitewater State and for good reason. There is certainly no shortage of rapids to satisfy thrill seekers around the McCall area and our expert guides and outfitters have you covered with everything from half-day to multi-day trips. Bring your sunscreen, sense of adventure, and get ready to yell “paddle forward!” as you charge through the rapids. For families and first-timers, opt for more mellow stretches like the Cabarton along the Payette River. Ready for something a bit more wild? Book a guided day trip on the Salmon River with seasoned guides. Find a list of river outfitters on our website at visitmccall.org.
Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals
14. Tee Off on Summer
16. Eat a Famous Gingersnap
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Bonus Points! While newer on the McCall scene, Paikka is already a place to add to your must-stop list. We can’t get enough of the fresh flavors that come from this farmhouse sourdough bakery along Highway 55. The bagels are to die for, and the coffee cake is nothing short of sinful.
17. Get Artsy Around every corner in McCall, there’s a surprise waiting: sculptures, murals, mosaic benches, even art in the bus shelters. And summer is the best time to tour McCall’s living gallery. Start at Art Roberts Park to snap a photo with the famous “The Bearing Wall” bears, then stroll through town and explore the history artfully designed into the Centennial Park Mosaic, the murals on Railroad Avenue, the “Mountain Goats” at the Alpine Theater, and the “Stalactites” in Legacy Park. Pick up the “Art Walk” map from Gallery 55 or the McCall Public Library so you won’t miss any of the 15+ art installations scattered throughout the city.
Photo courtesy Jon Webster adn Tamarack Resort
One bite and you’ll understand why Stacey Cakes is less of a bakery and more of a local legend. The gingersnap cookies here are crackly, chewy, perfectly spicy — and yes, always worth waiting in line for. It also doesn’t hurt that this delightful bakery is chock-full of other delicious fare like “Twixters,” scones, quiche, cookies, cakes, and more to satisfy your sweet tooth.
18. Zip Line Through the Trees Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your stomach on the zip line through the forest canopy. Choose from two local zip line tours: Tamarack Zipline Adventures and Zip McCall. At Tamarack, you’ll tackle eight zip lines and two suspension bridges in a full canopy tour that brings the forest to life in a whole new way. Over at Zip McCall, the family-friendly setup is perfect for first-timers or anyone looking for a quick hit of adrenaline with a side of Idaho scenery. Either way, it’s part thrill ride, part nature tour, and 100% mountain summer magic.
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
19. Take the Family on a Trail Ride Trade four wheels for four hooves and explore the backcountry the old-fashioned way with Yahoo Corrals. Located just north of McCall on Warren Wagon Road, these guided horseback rides take you along scenic trails through the Payette National Forest, with plenty of time to soak in the views and maybe even spot a deer or two. Perfect for beginners and kids, the gentle horses and friendly guides make it a fun and memorable way to see McCall from a whole new perspective. Choose from 1-hour, 2-hour, or half-day rides. Continued page 52 51
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
20. Spend a Night Under the Stars Whether you’re a seasoned pro or testing the waters with your first s’mores session, camping in the McCall area is the kind of experience that makes you forget about your inbox and remember what the stars look like. Some of the very best memories are made around a campfire — trust us! Around here, there is no shortage of campsite options — from state parks to RV parks to Forest Service campgrounds, find them all in our full Summer Camping Guide at visitmccall.org.
21. Catch a Fish There is ample opportunity to cast a line into the lakes and rivers around McCall, but there is a hidden gem that is our go-to family fishing hole. Nestled within a city park on the southern edge of Cascade, Fischer Pond offers an ideal setting for anglers of all ages, especially young fishing enthusiasts. This 1.7-acre pond is known for good bank fishing opportunities, particularly in early summer and fall. The surrounding park also offers horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot for a family afternoon. Adjacent to The Strand, a greenbelt that follows the Payette River, Fischer Pond is a great spot to pair fishing with a leisurely stroll along the river. 52
Mountain Living Specialist 22. Step Back in Time
Cheri Lawrence, Realtor® (208)250-2430 cheri@cherilawrence.com mountainlivingmccall.com
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Celebrate McCall’s rich history with a visit to the Central o ah d I l Idaho Historical t ra en yC s e t r Museum. The museum co u P h o to spans a four-acre campus featuring eight structures, including the Fire Warden’s House. This three-story log home was built in 1937 by the Civilian
Let me help you find your special Mountain property!
Conservation Corps (CCC) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond the Fire Warden’s House, the museum offers exhibits on the CCC, fire lookouts, the McCall Mill, and the timber industry…everything that built the McCall you know and love today. Continued page 54
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23. Spend an Evening at the Playhouse Experience the vibrant local arts scene by attending a performance at McCall’s Alpine Playhouse, the epicenter of performing arts in the area. This intimate theater hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, including plays, concerts, and film festivals. Notable events include the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference and the Children’s Theater. The recreation and scenery may get a lot of attention, but the arts in McCall have a way of stealing the show!
24. Pedal the Pathways With all the adrenaline-inducing single-track in the area, we can sometimes forget about how much we love our urban, multi-use trails. The paved pathways and designated bike routes, the boardwalk, and the lake loop- these are the routes we take daily. The ones that make it possible to take a bike ride as a family, enjoy an evening cruise, or go downtown for dinner without having to worry about where to park the car. So, hop on a bike and pedal the pathways this summer! You can also find three self-guided biking tours on our website at visitmccall.org. Choose from the “Iconic McCall,” the “Art in the City,” or “The Scenic Route” tour and see the best McCall has to offer on two wheels!
25. Pick Up a Local Gem Retail therapy is always a good idea. And once you check all these bucket list items off your list, be sure to pick up a little something to remember your summer adventures
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
in McCall! Fortunately, behind each storefront is a trove of unique finds from home décor and antiques to clothing and gifts. Spend a few hours browsing the shops and cap off a summer to remember in McCall.
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Tracy Bailey Holmes – Fine Art Studio Th - Sat 11:00am - 4:00pm • 311 E Lake McCall, ID TRACYHOLMESFINEART.COM
Come see us together, Tracy Holmes Fine Art with Gallery 55 featuring fine art sculptures by Chris Grubb • chrisgrubb.art Gallery 55 • 311 E Lake McCall, ID Mon - Sun 11:00am - 5:00pm galleryfiftyfive.com
Artwalk is the first Saturday of each Month from 4:00pm-6:30pm
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Adventure Floors and Window Coverings 135 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3115 adventurefloors.com
Allen Malaise, Wildlife in Bronze Artist New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-890-7524 allenmalaise.com
Backcountry Boutique
Cascade Mercantile
1000 2nd St., Ste. 101 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-9966 Backcountryboutiquemccall.com
120 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-428-6342 cascademercantile.com
The Barn Owl Books and Gifts
The Christmas House
616 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4440 thebarnowlmccall.com
136 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3333 mccallchristmashouse.com
Bella Kitchen
The Connector Cache
401 E Railroad St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4730 bellakitchen.com
122 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 214-675-8855 theconnectorcache.com
Bourne Naughty
Cross O Meats
307 Park St., Ste. 104 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2064 bournenaughty.com
5846 Hwy 95 S. Pollock, Idaho 83547 208-628-3868 crossomeats.com
Brundage Downtown Shop
Del Sannio Imports LLC
317 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7772 brundage.com
Builders FirstSource 400 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2234 bldr.com/locations/mccall-lumber
McCall, Idaho 83638 248-761-0757 delsannio.com
Flying M Coffee Lakeside 314 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-2782 flyingmcoffee.com
Franklin Building Supply 14047 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8111 franklinbuildingsupply.com
Franz Witte Nursery 530 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1001 franzwitte.com/mccall-location
Fringe 305 Park St., Ste. C McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0762
FunLuvin’ Fleecewear 930 Sylvan Creek Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 928-853-4557 funluvinfleecewear.com
Gallery Fifty-Five 311 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6313 galleryfiftyfive.com
Granite Mountain Nature Gallery 305 E Park St., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1111 granitemountainng.com
Gravity Sports
200 Jacob St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8530 gravitysportsidaho.com
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Home Town Sports
300 E Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2302 hometownsportsmccall.com
Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store 216 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2088 stlukesonline.org
Krahn’s Home Furnishings 211 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2193 krahnshomefurnishings.com
La Rosa Hat Co.
209 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 562-522-6905 larosahatco.com
Laketown Shore Shop 200 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 435-994-2024 shoplaketown.com
Magnum Floors 114 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6292 magnumfloors.net
McCall Boat Works 1304 Boydstun Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-7162 mccallboatworks.com
McCall Farmers Market Season: June through October Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10am to 1pm 2nd St. McCall, Idaho 83638
McCall Jewelry Company 207 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4367 mccalljewelrycompany.com
McCall Sports
Leisure Pool and Spa
802 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2334 mccallsports.com
611 N. 3RD St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7570 leisuremccall.com
1012 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4581
The McCall Store
New to town? No street delivery? Working remote? No problem. At MCCALL MAILBOXES, we offer secure, street-address mailboxes— perfect for receiving deliveries, important documents, and more. Plus, a whole lot more to keep your life running smooth in the mountains:
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MCPAWS Thrift Store
Old Town Market
301 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4434 mcpaws.org/thrift-store
507 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2016
Mile High Marina & Grille
503 E Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6698 razzledazzlemccall.com
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8605 milehighmarina.com
Mile High Power Sports 13924 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7007 mhpsmccall.com
Miner’s McCall 147 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2004 minersmccall.com
Wearable Art
Monkey Love 304 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8268 monkeylove.shop
Natural Grocers
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Scentsy – Kim Ormande McCall, Idaho 83638 209-603-4366 Kormonde.scentsy@gmail.com
Toby’s Place Thrift Shop 506 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6583 tobysplace.org
Tracy Holmes Fine Art & Art4racing 311 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 818-253-7456 tracyholmesfineart.com
Wild Onion 805 N 3rd St., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7788
209 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6017 naturalgrocers.com
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Mountain Chic Locally Owned & Operated 207 E. Lake St. Downtown McCall 208.634.GEMS 4367 Follow us on Facebook
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Specializing In • Therapeutic & Relaxation Massage • Stress & Anxiety Relief • Injury Recovery and Pain Reduction • Manual Therapy Techniques
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simplybemassage.com 208.315.0863 331 Deinhard Lane McCall, ID 83638
“Deborah has a gift for healing. I always leave feeling better in body and spirit.”
Simply Be
The Art of Therapeutic Touch
From “scrubbing in” on home medical visits with her mom, a family doctor, at age ten to becoming a highly sought-after massage therapist, Deborah Wade’s journey into bodywork wasn’t so much a decision as it was a calling.
“I didn’t choose healing — it chose me.” Growing up in a house where healing happened at the kitchen table, Deborah learned early that care and compassion often go hand in hand with hands-on help. “My mom would do house calls — picture that classic 19th-century country doctor — and sometimes, I would go to assist her. That experience really stuck with me.” But it wasn’t until much later that the pieces started to click. Her first inkling about the power of touch was from hot wheels — really! Her brother had been chopping wood and was sore and asked her to run his Hot Wheels over his back…resulting in her very first massage. Then there was the neighbor who traded her mother a massage for medical services. “This woman was so self-possessed, so calm,” Deborah recalls of meeting her first massage therapist. “I had never seen anyone like her. And when I saw how she helped my mom, I thought — what is this magic?”
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Fast forward a few decades and Deborah has built a practice around that very magic. Simply Be Massage is a cozy, unassuming studio with a clear purpose: to create a space for healing. But don’t mistake “cozy” for simple. Her approach is anything but cookie-cutter. “I’m constantly learning,” she says, gesturing to a bookshelf overflowing with guides and therapy manuals. After her formal training, she dove headfirst into learning more specialized techniques like myofascial release and chronic pain management, and postitional release. “It just clicked. The body wants to heal — it just needs the right input, the right environment. My job is to create that.” Each session with Deborah is deeply personal. New clients start with a comprehensive intake process where she gathers information about everything from daily movement patterns to stress levels. “We talk a lot,” she says. “I want to know what’s going on in your life, because that’s going to show up in your body.” And then the session begins. Using a blend of gentle techniques and firm, targeted pressure, Deborah coaxes muscles to release, fascia to unwind, and the nervous system to breathe a little deeper. “I’m not here to ‘fix’ anyone,” she clarifies. “I’m here to support what the body already knows how to do.” What truly sets Simply Be apart is that supportive philosophy. Deborah sees herself as a partner in her clients’ wellness journeys, not a guru. She believes in empowering her clients with tools and practices they can use outside of the treatment room.
“Sometimes, we’re working through injury or chronic pain. Sometimes, it’s stress and tension. Either way, the goal is to feel more at home in your body.”
Simply Be Massage offers a range of services including therapeutic massage, craniosacral therapy, prenatal massage, and specialized techniques for those recovering from surgery or trauma. But more than the menu, it’s the experience — personalized, intuitive, and grounded in deep care - that keeps people coming back. “I had one client tell me, ‘This is the only place I feel like I can really exhale,’” she says, smiling. “That’s the whole point. We carry so much every day. Sometimes, the most healing thing is to just… be.” And with Deborah Wade at the helm, Simply Be is more than a name — it’s an invitation.
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McCall Public Lib
rar y Collec tion
Historic Downtown McCall
on Librar y Collecti McCall Public Photo courtesy
Photo cou rtesy
n r e d o M istory H
By McKenzie Kraemer
Photo cour tesy McCall Publi
c Libra ry Collection
Before the ski traffic and the souvenir shops, before summer crowds strolled the lakefront snapping pictures with their phones, McCall was built on the hard work and grit of homegrown businesses. These were ventures rooted in practicality and pride — general stores, cafes, hardware shops, and lakeside camps that served the needs of a growing McCall community. McCall looks a little different now, but its character still echoes the early days. The corner café, the dependable hardware store, the familiar storefronts along Lake Street — they’re the descendants of the visionaries who built something from nothing. And while the names may change and the buildings may shift, the heart of McCall remains rooted in the same values: hard work, hospitality, and a deep love for this place by the lake. Take a step back in time with us as we share some of the early businesses in McCall — a few you may even recognize today!
Shaver’s: The Heartbeat of Lake Street Long before Ridley’s and Albertson’s, there was Shaver’s — a store with roots stretching back to McCall’s very beginning. What started as a modest general store in the late 1800s evolved over more than a century, growing and shifting alongside the community it served. Photo courtesy McCall Public Librar
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Photo cou rtesy Central
In the 1950s, Carl Shaver, who had already opened a successful store in New Meadows in 1941, brought his name and vision to McCall. Under his leadership, Shaver’s expanded to occupy an entire city block. The store took over the site of the old Idaho First National Bank and became the largest retail operation in Valley or Adams County. Known for its old-West flair, Shaver’s even incorporated barnwood salvaged from an 1880s structure. And during a renovation, workers uncovered a stash of old moonshine buried beneath the site of the former McCall Saloon. Just one more colorful chapter in the store’s long story.
Idaho Historical Museum
The story began in 1902, when N.F. Williams opened the Williams General Store, a vital source for everything from boots and dresses to dry goods and groceries. By 1924, it had evolved into Williams & May, known especially for its selection of family clothing and footwear. Then in 1935, Herman Stockwell and Frank Davidson took over, rebranding it as Stockwell’s and placing the store under the stewardship of longtime manager Wendell Gillespie. A fire in 1940 threatened its future, but the store came back stronger, reopening in a new brick building on New Year’s Day 1941.
Today, the original “Shaver’s block” is home to modern-day landmarks like the Manchester Ice Rink at the intersection of E. Lake Street and 2nd Street. In 2001, Shaver’s was purchased by Ridley’s Family Markets and relocated, but the echoes of its century-long legacy remain right in the heart of downtown McCall. Continued page 64
McCall Public Lib Photo cou rtesy
Perched on the corner of the dogleg through downtown with postcard views of Payette Lake, Hotel McCall is more than just a place to stay — it’s a living piece of McCall’s history. From its early days under the stewardship of Mrs. Wm. M. Deinhard in 1922, the hotel earned a reputation for warm hospitality and forward-thinking amenities, boasting 25 rooms with hot and cold running water, a rare amenity in those days!
rar y Collec tion
Hotel McCall: A Century of Lakeside Hospitality
Korner Kafe: Where Comfort Was Always on the Menu
Photo courtesy Central Idaho Histo
rical Museum
The Korner Kafe opened its doors in November of 1935, offering more than just hot meals — it served up comfort with a side of community. Owned and operated by Mrs. Chester A. Stevens, the café quickly became a staple of McCall’s downtown scene, known for its cozy atmosphere and the kind of home cooking that made you linger a little longer at the table. The menu was packed with hearty favorites, but it was the homemade pies and pastries that earned a special kind of reverence. Sunday chicken dinners were legendary, and regulars knew they could count on fast service and fair prices, all delivered with a generous helping of warmth. Long before “farm-to-table” was a trend, the Korner Kafe was plating up scratch-made meals that felt like home.
Photo courtesy McCall Public Library Collection
That spirit of welcome endured even after tragedy struck in the winter of 1937, when the hotel was destroyed by fire. By 1938, it rose again, rebuilt on its original site m l M useu istorica H o h a l Id and soon reclaimed its place as Centra urtesy Photo co McCall’s hospitality cornerstone. Through the decades, it has remained a landmark, especially under the watchful care of owners like Lawrence and Blanche Luce, whose vintage approach to customer service included $11 room rates, chocolates on the pillow, and a nightcap on request. In the 1990s, the Hotel once again changed hands, first to Peggy Wheatcroft and Chris Kirk, then to the Carey Family assuming its care. A large restoration project in the early 90s breathed new life into the space while embracing the rich history of the property with the lobby, library, and restaurant all echoing the elegance of a bygone era…more charm than slick, more story than style. In a town shaped by its seasons, Hotel McCall has remained steady, inviting, and timeless. 64
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All Aboard: The Arrival of the McCall Train Depot Before highways shot a straight path into town and summer traffic filled the streets, McCall’s gateway to the outside world came by rail. The McCall Train Depot, now the site of Salmon River Brewery, began its life humbly as a boxcar turned depot. In 1914, the Idaho Northern Railroad built the rail right through town and locals gathered to witness the spectacle. The
LET machinery, the smoke, the noise…it was all part of something big. McCall was no longer just a lakeside outpost. It was officially on the map. At first, though, that map was a little confusing. The railroad named the station “Lakeport,” not McCall, causing a minor identity crisis. Tickets printed with “Lakeport” left travelers scratching their heads, and even the U.S. Post Office refused to recognize the name. One frustrated passenger was told, “It’s the same place!” before the railroad finally relented and renamed the station McCall, with a sign proudly reading: “McCall, elevation 5022 feet.” Though the trains no longer run, the depot’s spirit lives on in the same spot — now filled with the clink of glasses and hum of conversation...and the occasional train whistle blown from the bar.
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Continued page 66
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Goodman’s Café and Service: A One-Stop Cornerstone Goodman’s Café and Service was a place where you could fuel your car, your appetite, and maybe your soul, too. Owned and operated by Mr. and Mrs. A.A. Goodman, the business was a true McCall original, offering Conoco gas and Ford dealership services on one side, and down-home cooking on the other.
in the heart of Photo cou rtesy town, became Central Idaho His torical Museu m synonymous with the May name and with reliable, no-frills service. The shop didn’t just keep up with the times, it modernized. A major remodel in the 1970s came with a grand reopening celebration that was pure Idaho flair: a motion picture on big game hunting and all the fanfare of a town that knew how to support its own.
cCall urtesy M Photo co ry Collection bra Li lic b Pu
Photo courtesy McCall Public Library Collection
The café, run by Mrs. Goodman, operated year-round and featured an open-air dining space in the summer that made the most of McCall’s crisp mountain mornings and golden afternoons. Locals came for the hearty breakfasts, hot coffee, and comfort food. According to son Austin Goodman, who was interviewed in 1971, the family originally leased a livery barn and eventually ran the garage in the spot that would later house the Western Store. The café next door operated for about 15 years, closing in 1945 when it was sold and converted into a retail store. Located where Krahn’s Furniture now stands, Goodman’s was more than just a service station and café — it was a hub. A place where neighbors met, travelers paused, and a slice of pie could fix just about anything.
Roy May Hardware: Built to Last If you needed a hammer, a handful of nails, or just a little neighborly advice, Roy May Hardware was the place to go. Opened in 1934 by Roy May, the store quickly became a cornerstone of downtown McCall. Roy later brought his son-inlaw, Wayne Cox, into the business, and together they built more than just inventory — they built trust. In 1940, the store moved across the street, settling into the location it would call home for over six decades. That spot, right 66
tral Idaho Photo cou rtesy Cen Historical Museu m
In 2002, the store relocated to its current site, but the name (and the legacy) are still part of McCall’s small-town fabric and still “more than a hardware store!”
The Original Lakefront Listings Long before vacation rentals came with smartphone check-ins and hot tub filters, McCall had its own version of the ultimate summer escape: the camp. These weren’t your wilderness survival setups — they were lakeside getaways, complete with cozy cabins, camp kitchens, and enough lake frontage to go around. Think of them as the original VRBOs, booked not with an app, but with a handwritten note and a firm handshake.
Newcomb’s Camps Run by Mr. and Mrs. G.A. Newcomb, considered true pioneers of lakeside hospitality in McCall, these camps were some of the first to invite vacationers to unwind and settle in. With two locations spanning 600 and 1,000 feet of lakefront respectively, and run with the help of granddaughter Martha McCall, the Newcombs offered 46 tents and five cabins.
Camp Gee-Land A quarter-mile from downtown, Ted Geelan’s Camp Gee-Land was a bit of everything. It offered cabin rentals, a store stocked with essentials, and a Shell station to gas up before you hit the trail or the lake. With 10 log cabins and 3 tent cabins, this spot
mixed practicality with postcard-worthy views. It opened around 1933 and ran like the Swiss Army knife of lakeside stays.
Lakeview Camp Lakeview Camp was the big one — 65 acres of wooded lakeshore with 57 accommodations, a beach, and a full-on community hall. Run by Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Dean, the camp welcomed guests from 1935 on, offering sandy beaches, summer socials, and even free ice delivery. It was the kind of place you’d stay for a month — and wish you could stay for the season.
Photo cour tesy McCall Library Collection
Public
Sylvan Beach Camp Out past town on the west shore along Warren Wagon Road, Sylvan Beach was called a “vacationist’s paradise,” and it earned the title. Operated by Mrs. Allen Webb, this camp offered a mix of modern and semi-modern cabins, plus a dining room known for highquality meals at prices locals loved. With a perfect perch for swimming, boating, and hiking, Sylvan Beach felt like a private resort, but just rustic enough to still be called a camp.
Photo courtesy McCall Public Library Collection
Photo cou rtesy McC
all Public Library Col
lection
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Amy’s Whole Food Creations McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2360 amyswholefoodcreations.com
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Flying M Coffee Lakeside
500 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4634
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Checkpoint Wine Bar & Tapas at Hotel Nobo
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500 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-5621 hotelnobo.com/checkpoint
Clearwater Coffee Company
501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2244 shorelodge.com/dining/the-bar
760 Village Drive #102 Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1017 tamarackidaho.com/dining/clearwater-coffee
Banyans on the Green
The Coffee Shop at Shore Lodge
925 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6575 banyansonthegreen.com
Bluetick Coffee 3100 HWY 55 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 360-914-1833
501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2244 shorelodge.com/dining
Cutwater Grill at Shore Lodge 501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2244 shorelodge.com/dining/the-cutwater-on-payette-lake
1003 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5507 319 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6104 Frenchiesonthird.squarespace.com
Growler’s Pizza Grill 501 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7755 growlerspizza.com
Hometown Pizza & Pub 337 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2596 hometownpizzamccall.com
Ice Cream Alley Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 310 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4700
Jug Mountain Ranch Clubhouse Restaurant
13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5072 jugmountainranch.com/clubhouse-restaurant
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TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING?
We don’t believe in “too much of a good thing.” We believe in serving unrivaled dining experiences night after night. In having the finest wine selection, with over 525 individual labels from around the globe, swirled and sipped at every table. And in focusing our utmost attention on every detail of every dish, from acquiring the best ingredients to perfecting the presentation. We believe that “too much of a good thing” is just about right.
Open Daily, 5–10pm. For reservations, call 208.630.0203 | ShoreLodge.com 501 West Lake Street | McCall, Idaho 83638
KB’s Burritos 616 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5500 kbsburrito.com
Lardos Grill and Saloon 600 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-508-1812 lardogrillandsaloon.com
Mile High Marina & Grille
Mon-Sat • 7:30am - 5:30pm Sunday • 7:30am - noon 204 Lenora St Downtown McCall
501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2244 shorelodge.com/dining/the-narrows-steakhouse
Natural Grocers 209 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6017 naturalgrocers.com
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8605 milehighmarina.com
North Fork Coffee Roasters
The Mill Steak and Spirits
Paikka Bakery
Miner’s McCall
14120 Highway 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 917-860-7913 paikka-baked.com
324 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7683
Organic Coffee, Small Bites, & Fun Merch!
The Narrows Steakhouse at Shore Lodge
147 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2004 minersmccall.com
My Father’s Place 901 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4401 mfpmccall.com
204 Lenora St., Ste. 100 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4433 northforkcoffeeroasters.com
Palooza Basecamp and Eatery 112 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-733-0507 paloozabrands.com
Pueblo Lindo 1007 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2270
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Stacey Cakes
319 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-3463 cheftopple.com/bufalodonnelly
136 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2537 staceycakes.online
The Rendezvous
Steamers Steak & Seafood
Includes El Pueblo Taqueria, Triple B Diner, Bella Vista Pizza, and Bumps & Brews 780 Village Drive #103 Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1123 tamarackidaho.com/dining
The Reserve 760 Village Drive #101 Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1014 tamarackidaho.com/dining/the-reserve
Rupert’s at Hotel McCall 1101 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8108 rupertsathotelmccall.com
Salmon River Brewery 411 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4772 salmonriverbrewery.com
Smoky’s Bar & Grill at Brundage Mountain Resort 3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7462 brundage.com/dining/smokys-bar-grill
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Forged from over 36 years of tradition, “My Father’s Place” is a family owned and operated restaurant that blends just the right amount of vintage charm, contemporary style and unforgettable tastes to create a dining experience that transcends generations. The menu at “My Father’s Place” boasts some of the best charbroiled burgers, fries and shakes in the great state of Idaho.
308 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1411 steamersrestaurant.com
Subway of McCall 320 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2855 order.subway.com
Subway of New Meadows 505 Virginia St. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-4000 order.subway.com
The Sushi Bar 414 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7874 sushibarmccall.com
Toll Station Pizza 410 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7818 tollstationpizza.com
Village Market & Deli 760 Village Drive #103 Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1012 tamarackidaho.com/dining/village-market
Wild River Java 201 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5282 wildriverjava.com
Fresh food, not fast food. Quality made to order! 901 N 3rd Street, McCall 208.634.4401
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SAVOR Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
Summer Buzz with Bluetick Coffee Bluetick Coffee isn’t just another cup of joe — it’s a mission in a mug. Born from a love of good dogs, good views, and even better coffee, Bluetick was founded to offer a cleaner, healthier brew for folks who care about what they sip. Sourced from the lush, high-elevation fields of Finca Terrerito in Copán, Honduras, every bean is grown with care by the Lopez family, a fifth-generation team dedicated to inclusivity, sustainability, and the art of truly exceptional coffee. This coffee is organic, mold-free, low-acid, and roasted fresh in Riggins, Idaho. From their small-batch roasting process to their friendly drive-thru locations in New Meadows, Riggins, Grangeville, and Kamiah, Bluetick delivers the kind of quality you can feel good about. Whether you’re swinging by for a perfectly crafted iced latte or brewing their beans at home, every sip is a nod to nature, tradition, and a whole lot of heart. Pick up a bag of their delicious organic roast and try one of their two favorite summer drinks at home!
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Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
SIP
Honeybee Latte A smooth, refreshing iced drink sweetened with a touch of honey and finished with a hint of cinnamon — perfect for sunny days and slow mornings.
INGREDIENTS: Ice (enough to fill a tall glass) 2 oz espresso (or substitute cold brew) 1 oz honey
½ cup milk of your choice Dash of cinnamon Cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
DIRECTIONS: Start by filling a tall glass with ice. Brew two shots of espresso (about 2 ounces) and pour it over the ice. No espresso machine? Cold brew works too! Add 1 ounce of honey. Pour in ½ cup of milk and stir to combine. For a frothier version, shake everything together in a cocktail shaker before pouring over fresh ice. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a cinnamon stick for a little extra flair. Continued page 74
McCall’s favorite bakery and so much more! 136 E. Lake St., Downtown McCall Next to Albertsons
208.634.2537 staceycakes.online
S’mores Cold Brew
DIRECTIONS
Campfire flavor meets cool caffeine in this indulgent iced drink layered with chocolate, shortbread, and toasted marshmallow goodness.
HOW TO MAKE COLD BREW COFFEE To start, grind your beans. Use coarsely ground coffee (a French press grind works great). Next, steep. Combine 1 cup of coffee grounds with 4 cups of cold water in a large jar or pitcher. Let it steep in the fridge for 12–18 hours. The timing is clutch — don’t go less than 12 hours! Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the grounds. Store in the fridge and enjoy within a week. Pro tip: Freeze leftover cold brew into ice cubes to avoid watering down your drink!
S’MORES COLD BREW INGREDIENTS 8 oz cold brew coffee 1 tbsp chocolate syrup, plus more for drizzling ½ tsp marshmallow or s’mores-flavored syrup (like Torani) OR make your own (see below) ¼ cup milk or creamer of your choice
Crushed shortbread (for the rim) Large Marshmallows Whipped cream (optional) Ice (or coffee ice cubes) Optional: 2 oz whiskey for a boozy twist!
Moisten the rim of your glass with water or syrup, then dip into a shallow dish of crushed shortbread. Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass. Add cold brew, marshmallow syrup, and milk or creamer. Stir gently to combine. Fill your glass with ice (bonus points for using cold brew ice cubes). Pile on marshmallows and a swirl of whipped cream. Toast marshmallows with a culinary torch for that classic s’mores effect. Finish with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and pop a piece of shortbread on the top for a perfect summer treat…with a kick!
Marshmallow Simple Syrup A twist on the classic simple syrup.
INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 8 large marshmallows 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cook’s Tools • Home Decor • Gifts Wishes Granted
DIRECTIONS Over medium heat, bring the sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved. While the syrup is simmering, brown marshmallows with a kitchen torch. Ideally, the mallows will be slightly scorched in spots, but not completely burnt and black. Stir the marshmallows into the hot syrup and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the marshmallows have dissolved. Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large glass measuring cup. Let cool completely, then stir in the vanilla extract. Store in a mason jar. Syrup will keep in the fridge for up to 1 month.
Gift Certificates & Gift Wrap
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LISA ZEITER, MBA Associate Broker, CRS, SRES, SFR
McCall, the place where all of your real estate dreams come true!
Jug Mountain Ranch
Blackhawk on the River
Leisure Time RV
LISA ZEITER
lisa@lisazeiter.com
(208) 365-7506
boiseandbeyond.com
Serving McCall, Donnelly, Cascade, and Emmet
Meadowlark Marketing
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ADVERTISING AND PRINTING Green Cat Dzine
McCall, Idaho 83638 206-406-8329 greencatdzine.com
Idaho Business Review
4696 W Overland Rd., Ste. 180 Boise, Idaho 83705 208-336-3768 idahobusinessreview.com
Mapp Designs
New Meadows, Idaho 83654 303-807-8123 mappdesigns.com
McCall Mailboxes
411 Deinhard Ln., Ste. 7 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4048
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Rocky Mountain Signs 122 Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2045 rm-signs.com
Sparklight
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McCall, Idaho 83638 208-455-5555 877-687-1332 sparklight.com
WSI Digital Shop Keys McCall, Idaho 83638 619-823-8537 wsidigitalshopkeys.com
ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS Crestline Engineers
323 Deinhard Ln., Ste. C McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4140 crestline-eng.com
Edgewood Log Homes 13526 Idaho 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0055 edgewoodlog.com
Epikos
303 Colorado St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4540 epikosdesign.com
Falvey’s Earthworks
14059 Burr Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2021 falveysearthworks.com
Franz Witte Landscape Construction 530 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1001 franzwitte.com/mccall-location
Jug Mountain Builders 409 S 3rd St., Ste. D McCall, Idaho 83638 208-816-9243 208-305-1540 jugmountainbuilders.com
Kerby Custom Homes McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2973 kerbycustomhomes.com
Luminaire Smart Homes Garden City, Idaho 83714 208-781-8301 boisesmarthomes.com
Maupin Homes
403 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-954-6846 maupinhomes.com
Mountain Element Construction, LLC McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0256 mountainelementconstruction.com
Mountain Town Homes 215 Commerce St., Unit 2 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-314-2303 mtntownhomes.com
Payette Builders, Inc. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-9477 payettebuilders.net
Pinetop Custom Homes 112 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0090 pinetopmccall.com
Robnett Properties
616 N 3rd St., Ste. 106 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3113 robnettpropertiesmccall.com
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Bruneel Point S
617 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2252 pointstire.com/mccall
Glass Pro McCall
325 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5050 glasspromccall.net
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Drop in and enjoy the views... For every dream that takes flight, we’re there to protect it. Call us for all of your title and escrow needs.
616 N. 3RD STREET, STE. 101 | MCCALL, ID 83638 | 208.634.4705 209 N. MAIN STREET | CASCADE, ID 83611 | 208.382.1334 MCCALLID@FSTE.COM | FSTE.COM
Les Schwab Tire Center
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.
TitleOne
Miner’s McCall
Flying S Title and Escrow – Lexi Dean
TJ Bookkeeping
500 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6042 lesschwab.com 147 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2004 minersmccall.com
BANKS AND FINANCIAL SERVICES Alturas Wealth Management & CPA Services McCall, Idaho 83638 208-991-8789 alturaswm.com
AmeriTitle McCall 507 E Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6363 amerititle.com
Churchill Mortgage - Christine Reino 401 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-3650 churchillmortgage.com/loan-officers/ christine-reino
Edward Jones – Vineyard Lamm Wealth Management 616 N 3rd St., Ste. 105 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5855 edwardjones.com
331 Deinhard Ln., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4056 fairwayindependentmc.com 616 N 3rd St., Ste. 100 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4705
Flying S Title and Escrow 616 N 3rd St., Ste. 101 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4705 fste.com
Hammari Bookkeeping & Tax 150 W Roseberry Rd., Ste. 1A-2 Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-747-5626 hammaritax.com
Idaho First Bank 475 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1000 idahofirstbank.com
McCall Mortgage Company 310 E Lake St., 2nd Floor McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8253 mccallmortgagecompany.com
1101 W River St., Ste. 201 Boise, Idaho 83702 208-424-8511 titleonecorp.com Council, Idaho 208-271-6176
Umpqua Bank
900 2nd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8185 umpquabank.com
Washington Federal Bank – Dan Margolis 204 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-1881 wafdbank.com/locations/idaho/mccall
Washington Federal Bank 204 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2121 wafdbank.com
Wealth Management Associates
873 E State St. Eagle, Idaho 83616 208-344-1900 wealth-mgt.net/idaho/our-team/ron-coate
Mutual of Omaha Reverse Mortgage – Kelsey Jorck McCall, Idaho 83638 303-514-8983 mutualreverse.com/lo/kelsey-jorck
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City of Cascade
CHURCHES
105 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83638 208-382-4279 cascadeid.us
Elk Creek Church
14102 Highway 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-631-1938 elkcreekchurch.com
City of Donnelly
McCall Church of the Nazarene 223 Hewitt St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5775 mccallnazarene.org
City of McCall
McCall Community Church
At Mountain Valley Networks, we help small businesses and large companies upgrade their phone systems with modern, easy-to-use solutions. If your current system is outdated, MVN has you covered.
901 N 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5430 mccallcommunitychurch.com
Mountain Life Church 14180 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3037 mymlc.org
Restaurant owners, tired of answering calls about your hours or letting customers wait for voicemail? Our system gives callers key information, like your business hours, right away. This simple upgrade can reduce call volume by 98%, so you can focus on running your business.
169 Halferty St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-8859 cityofdonnelly.org 216 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7142 mccall.id.us
City of New Meadows
401 Virginia St. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2171 newmeadowsidaho.us
Valley County
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1001 Gable St. McCall, Idaho 208-634-2796 Standrewsmccall.org
Starting at $24.99* per user, per month *taxes excluded.
CITY, COUNTY AND STATE GOVERNMENT
Give us a call today: 208-994-5999 or visit us on the web at: mvnisp.net
Adams County
201 Industrial Ave. Council, Idaho 83612 208-253-4561 co.adams.id.us
219 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-7100 co.valley.id.us
CLEANING SERVICES Disaster Response of Idaho 13888 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3100 teamdr.com
AN EMPLOYEE OWNED COMPANY
WE MAKE BUILDING EASY One project, one solution, one conversation at a time.
Experienced Sales Team Free Estimates Provided Fast and Safe Delivery
14047 ID-55, McCall, ID 83638
On-Site Door Shop Clean and Dry Material 100% Employee Owned
208.634.8111
www.franklinbuildingsupply.com
Done Right Flood & Fire Services 4735 W Chinden Blvd. Garden City, Idaho 83714 208-215-2577 donerightfloodandfire.com
H&M Laundry
270 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-867-6454 hmlaundry.com
High Mountain Cleaning and Property Services, LLC New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-741-2395 highmtncleaningpropertysvcs.com
Lakeshore Disposal
200 Industrial Loop McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7176 wasteconnections.com/lakeshore-disposal
One Clean Day, LLC
270 N Main St., Ste. A Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-315-1894 onecleandaymccall@gmail.com
Pim’s Carpet, Rug and Upholstery Cleaners 208-628-4211 208-695-0402 pimscarpetcleaners.com
SERVPRO of McCall 907 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-849-4095 servpromccallid.com
COMMUNICATION, TV AND CABLE Family Inspirational Radio: KDZY/KUJJ Radio 707 Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3781 kdzy98.com
Mountain Valley Networks McCall, Idaho 83638 208-994-5999 mvnisp.net
Sparklight
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-455-5555 877-687-1332 sparklight.com
COMPUTER AND NETWORKING 4 Corners Communications 3208 Hwy 55 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-4100 4cornerscomm.com
May Security and Infinite Home Theatre 345 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8200 infiniteht.com/may-security
Mountain Valley Networks McCall, Idaho 83638 208-994-5999 mvnisp.net
HEALTHCARE Adams County Health Center 205 N Berkley St. Council, Idaho 83612 208-253-4242 achcid.org
McCall Rehabilitation and Care Center 418 Floyde St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2112 mccallrehab.com
Payette Lakes Medical Clinic
211 Forest St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2225 stlukesonline.org/communities-and-locations/facilities/ clinics/st-lukes-clinic-payette-lakes-family-medicine
Solace Natural Medicine 301 Colorado St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7289 solacemedicine.com
St. Luke’s Hospital—McCall 1000 State St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2221 stlukesonline.org
Trinity Home Care & Resource 106 E Park St., #106 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-908-2791 trinityhomecareresource.com
Two Rivers Health & Wellness – Dr. Nancy Lins, NMD
100 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-9711 tworivershealthwellness.com/meet-dr-nancy-lins
HOME AND CONSTRUCTION
READY FOR ANY SEASON.
READY WHEN YOU NEED US. property damage & check-up services: Water Damage Fire & Smoke Damage Mold Remediation Wind & Storm Damage Biohazard/Environmental Cleanup Home Furnishing Cleaning Water System Reviews Remodels Prevention Inspections
the season changes, our response time doesn’t.
A-1 Heating and Air Conditioning 140 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1586 a1heating.com
Action Garage Door 65 N Linder Meridian, Idaho 83642 208-371-3666 actiongaragedoor.net
24/7 emergency response
Adventure Floors and Window Coverings
locally owned and operated
135 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3115 adventurefloors.com
Alpine Southwest Pest Control Weiser, Idaho 83672 986-221-1621 alpinesouthwest.com
Americool Heating & Cooling 707 W Avalon St. Kuna, Idaho 83634 208-922-3816 americoolid.com
Austin Excavating and Tractor Service 918 Flynn Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3431 austinexcavatingandtractor.com
certified expertise trusted in valley county for over 12 years
TeamDR.com 844-315-3100 ™
Feeding the Future The McCall Hatchery Works Year-Round to Save Chinook Salmon Written by April Thomas Whitney Photos by Samantha Sais Photography
Tucked away in McCall, Idaho, near the shimmering waters of Payette Lake, the McCall Fish Hatchery plays a critical role in protecting Idaho’s Chinook salmon. Built in 1979 as part of the Lower Snake River Compensation Plan, the hatchery helps offset the loss of migrating fish caused by the four dams on the Lower Snake River. But the hatchery’s mission goes beyond boosting salmon populations — it also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about the life cycle of these remarkable fish and the work the hatchery is doing to help them survive.
The Mission: Restoring Idaho’s Chinook Salmon Population The McCall Fish Hatchery was created to help recover the declining population of summer Chinook salmon. These fish have faced steep challenges over the years, and the hatchery’s goal is to ensure their survival. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) operates the facility, focusing on rearing Chinook salmon and preparing them for their journey back to the wild. Jamie Mitchell has managed the McCall Hatchery for the past 10 years. “Our mission is to enhance the population of summer Chinook salmon and ensure these fish continue to thrive in Idaho’s rivers,” says Mitchell. “By carefully monitoring the fish and using data-driven practices, we can boost salmon numbers while preserving the genetic diversity that’s essential for long-term survival.” Each spring, about one million smolts are released from the McCall Hatchery into the South Fork of the Salmon River (near Warm Lake), where they begin a 775-mile journey to the Pacific Ocean. After several years, they return to their birthplace to spawn, completing a remarkable cycle. 80
Unfortunately, the chinook salmon face numerous challenges on their epic journey to the Pacific and back, including dams, limited food supply and predators, including hungry sea lions and seals that can venture up the Columbia River to feast on the salmon before they reach the ocean.
The Hatchery Detour “It all starts over at the South Fork Salmon River, where these fish originate from,” said Mitchell. “When the adult fish come back to their native spawning grounds after 2-3 years in the ocean, we collect all the adult salmon in a fish trap. At that point, we sort the natural fish from the hatchery fish. We send the natural fish upstream from the weir to spawn naturally on their own in the Upper South Fork.” The technicians collect the number of hatchery origin fish needed for the hatchery program and truck them back to McCall, where they live at the hatchery until the end of the summer. That’s when they are spawned, meaning their eggs are collected and fertilized at the hatchery. Continued page 82
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After those fertilized eggs hatch, the baby fish will spend about 18 months at the hatchery before heading back to the wild as smolts. The eggs incubate for one to two months before hatching, then remain in incubators for two to six months after that. After incubation, the hatchlings are transferred to 14 indoor vats, where they are fed and continue developing. They remain in those vats for about six months until the following June or July, when the marking process begins. This is why the summer months are the best time to visit the hatchery.
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During late June and early July there’s a good chance you can see the marking process in action (call ahead for best viewing times). During this important step, three-inch smolt have their adipose fins clipped so anglers and biologists can identify them in the wild. A tiny metal implant — about the size of a pinhead — is inserted into the nose of some of the fish. Those tags have microscopic numbers that are read and logged at the end of the spawning process.
Mountain Community School Public K-8 Charter School
“There’s a lot of tracking that goes on and data that’s collected.” After marking, the pre-smolts are sent to the outdoor rearing ponds to gain size and strength. “June through end of September is our warmest water temperature. So that’s our opportunity to get the most growth on these fish. So we’re just feeding them as much as we can to get them fat for winter. We try and keep the water about 52 to 55 degrees, and that’s about ideal for getting good growth on Chinook through the end of September,” says Mitchell. All the water used at the hatchery comes from Payette Lake. During the Continued page 84
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208.315.0600 dreammccall.com dreammccall@gmail.com
fall and winter months, water temperatures drop and the cold-blooded fish don’t require as many calories.
Ready for Release By mid-April, the smolts are ready for release. Hatchery teams set up a fish pump to pump them from the hatchery ponds into transport trucks. The trucks transport as many as 40 loads of fish to the South fork over the course of 3-4 days. The goal is to get them all released before high water, so the current can flush them down to the Lower Granite dam, about 250 river miles away. It takes a year and a half for an egg to develop and grow into a five and a half inch smolt. “We try and keep them as happy and healthy as possible for 18 months,” says Mitchell. “Get them set up for success. Get them out to the ocean, and hopefully the ocean conditions are right, and they get big and strong in the ocean and survive the 775-mile trip back up here so people can catch them four years later.”
Too Many or Not Enough Any extra fish above the number needed for the hatchery program are marked and returned to the river for anglers to catch during the designated South Fork fishing season. If the extra hatchery fish keep cycling back up to the South Fork Fish trap without getting caught, the hatchery will collect those fish and either give them to one of the Native American tribes they work with, (the Nez Perce tribe and Shoshone Bannock tribes) or to a local food bank. If there are not enough salmon returning during a particular spawning season, Fish and Game may reduce the length or cancel the season for anglers. “In 2018, we were short on returning adults, so we ended up short 100,000 fish for our release, about 10% down,” says Mitchell. Scenarios like these illustrate the importance of the hatchery’s impact. “The main advantage is that there are no predators in the hatchery. The other big advantage is the egg development. We see 80% survival on our eggs from when we spawn them to release. In the wild, you would see less than 5% coming out of the gravel. The hatchery program puts an extra million young fish into the system every year to boost the number of fish that are given a chance to complete the whole cycle.”
Why Visiting the Hatchery is Worth It A visit to the McCall Fish Hatchery has a lot to offer. For families, it’s a chance to introduce children to the importance of conservation and the wonders of wildlife. For anglers, it’s an opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into maintaining healthy fish populations. And for anyone exploring McCall, it’s a chance to witness a critical part of Idaho’s natural heritage. “We enjoy sharing the story of Idaho’s salmon with visitors,” says Mitchell. “These fish face countless challenges in their journey, and by giving people an inside look at what it takes to protect them, we hope to inspire a stronger sense of stewardship for our natural resources. We also hope to help people understand why and how much effort is being made to ensure that salmon keep coming back to the South Fork every year and that a lot of that is happening right here in McCall.” 84
When to Visit The McCall Fish Hatchery welcomes visitors year-round, but the best time to visit is between Memorial Day and Labor Day when hatchery operations are in full swing.
Tour Options:
Tour Highlights:
• Self-Guided Hatchery Tours: Visitors can explore the facility at their own pace during business hours, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. Informational signage and exhibits provide helpful context about the hatchery’s work. Exhibits and signage are set to be upgraded throughout the summer of 2025.
• Rearing Tanks: Walk by the outdoor raceways where young salmon grow. Learn how hatchery staff feed and care for the fish daily. Visitors can watch the fish as they transition from fry to smolts and learn about the different stages of development. Best time to see this: Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Guided Hatchery Tours: For a more in-depth experience, guided tours are available. Led by knowledgeable hatchery staff, these tours offer a deeper level of detail and the chance to ask questions. It’s best to call a week in advance to confirm availability.
• Marking Process: Watch as hatchery workers remove the adipose fins from the small fish and insert a coded wire tag in their noses. This happens in a special marking trailer. Best time to see: Late June & Early July.
• Egg Incubation Room: See where thousands of salmon eggs are nurtured under carefully controlled conditions. Hatchery staff monitor the temperature, oxygen levels, and water quality to ensure the best possible survival rates. Best time to see: October (call ahead).
To Schedule a Tour: Call the hatchery at 208-634-2690 to inquire about tour times and group reservations. Walk-ins are welcome, but calling ahead is recommended, especially for large groups.
Bespoke Properties Idaho Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-614-1025 bespokepropertiesidaho.com
Bosch Lighting
Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-984-0008 boschlighting.com
HVAC Service & repair
Are you tired of feeling too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter? Look no further than Americool Heating & Cooling, LLC your trusted source for expert HVAC service and repair! Now serving McCall and the surrounding areas. HVAC System Repair HVAC System Installation Radiant Heat Repair & Installation HVAC System Maintenance Commercial & Residential
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Clark Custom Fabrication 215 Industrial Loop McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5513 clarkcustomfabrication.com
DF Development LLC PO Box 111 Cisco, Texas 76437
Disaster Response of Idaho 13888 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3100 teamdr.com
DTH Services, LLC
Weiser, Idaho 83672 208-718-8497 dthplumbingservices.com
Edgewood Log Homes 13526 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6632 Edgewoodlog.com
14037 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7325 energyseal.net
Falvey’s Earthworks
14059 Burr Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2021 falveysearthworks.com
Franklin Building Supply 14047 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8111 franklinbuildingsupply.com
Franz Witte Landscape Construction 530 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1001 franzwitte.com/mccall-location
Garage Door Guy LLC.
325 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3421 garagedoorguyidaho.com
Glass Pro McCall
325 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5050 glasspromccall.net
Hawk, Inc. Construction and Property Services McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4492 hawkestates.com
Heartwood Carpentry Inc. 3500 Raney Rd. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-871-4995 heartwoodcarpentrylm.com
Luminaire Smart Homes Garden City, Idaho 83714 208-781-8301 boisesmarthomes.com
Maddyn Homes LLC
203 E Lake St., #3 Ste. B McCall, Idaho 83638 208-996-3355 maddynhomes.com/mccall
May Security and Infinite Home Theatre 345 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8200 infiniteht.com/may-security
Mid State Fire Protection 163 Thula #7 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-5726
One Clean Day, LLC
270 N Main St., Ste. A Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-315-1894 onecleandaymccall@gmail.com
Overkill Industries Middleton, Idaho 208-999-3400 overkillidaho.com
Pat’s Glass and Door 301 Railroad McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4442 patsglassanddoor.com
Pine Mountain Builders of McCall 13761 Grouse Knoll Pl. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-1240 pinemntbuilders.com
Resolute Restoration
High Desert Wildlife & Pest Solutions
McCall, Idaho 83638 844-774-3246 resoluterestoration.com
Idaho Soft Wash
600 River St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4122 restonorth.com
9495 Galloway Rd. Middleton, Idaho 83644 208-590-3364 highdesertwildpest.com Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-739-2296 idahosoftwashing.com
In House Carpet One Floor & Home 302 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-370-7373 leigh@discoverinhouse.com
Inland Marine
Restoration North
Revolusun Mountain States LLC 457 Steelhead Way Boise, Idaho 83704 208-315-4082 idaho.revolusun.com
Rise Elevator LLC
Middleton, Idaho 83644 208-488-0134 jason@riseabove-elevator.com
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2875 inlandmarine.org
Roberts Repairs
Ironwood Contracting
RoePaint.com
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-7783 nate@ironwoodcontracting.com
Lakeshore Disposal
200 Industrial Loop McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7176 wasteconnections.com/lakeshore-disposal
Lit Electric LLC
McCall, Idaho 83638 206-359-1570
Photo courtesy Chad Case
EnergySEAL Air Barrier Systems
McCall, Idaho 83638 775-384-4543 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-991-0567 roepainting.com
Sawtooth Paint Co. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-600-5073 sawtoothpaintco.com
Stoneridge Tile & Stone LLC Garden Valley, Idaho 83622 208-284-5710
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Syman, LLC—New Meadows 3121 Hwy 55 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-287-8420 symancompany.com
Tates Rents
106 S Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5709 tatesrents.com
Western States Equipment Company & Cat Rental Service 10 Davis Creek Ln. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 986-686-7703 westernstatescat.com/?city=Donnelly
Westside Electric Company McCall, Idaho 83638 208-484-5193
INSURANCE, ATTORNEYS AND BUSINESS SERVICES Amazon Hub Delivery
Donnelly, Idaho 83615 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 810-210-0319 amazon.com/hubdelivery
AmeriTitle
507 E Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6363 ameri-title.com
AW Custom Content McCall, Idaho 83638 awhit208@gmail.com custom-content.net
Community Hub McCall 114 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-447-7202 mccallarts.org/cub
Dunn Consulting
Eagle, Idaho 83616 208-298-7282 keithdunnconsulting.com
Landmark Environmental Consulting LLC McCall, Idaho 83638 208-994-2684 landmark-environmental.com
Michael R. Gurney Agency, Inc. 1607 Davis Ave., Unit 158 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7154 farmersagent.com/mgurney
Millemann Pemberton & Holm LLP Attorneys at Law
LANDSCAPE SERVICES Crawford Landscape
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2080 crawfordlandscapemccall.com
Falvey’s Earthworks
14059 Burr Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2021 falveysearthworks.com
Franz Witte Landscape Construction 14047 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8111 franzwitte.com/mccall-location
GroundUp LLC
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-991-4281 GroundUpMulching.com
MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS Idaho Business Review
706 N 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7641 mpmplaw.com
4696 W Overland Rd., Ste. 180 Boise, Idaho 83705 208-336-3768 idahobusinessreview.com
Redfish | Bluefish
The Star-News
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2058 redfishbluefishinc.com
Sarah Taylor Insurance, LLC 1650 S Albright Ln. Boise, Idaho 83709 208-344-0022 imaidaho.com
1000 N First St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2123 mccallstarnews.com
Visit McCall Magazine
The official magazine of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 208-634-7631 visitmccall.org
MINING AND GEOLOGY Granite Mountain Nature Gallery 305 E Park St., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1111 granitemountainng.com
Perpetua Resources 13181 Hwy 55 Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-901-3060 perpetuaresources.com
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AWeSOMe!! Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4275 sites.google.com/AWeSOMe!mccall.org
Cambridge Commercial Club Cambridge, Idaho 86610 208-257-3533
Cascade Chamber of Commerce 101 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-3833 cascadechamber.com
Central Idaho Mountain Bike Association McCall, Idaho 83638 CIMBArides.org
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Donnelly Chamber of Commerce 169 Halferty St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-8859 donnellychamber.com
Educational Theatre of Idaho McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-2631 educationaltheatreofidaho.org
Family Advocates
9777 W Chinden Blvd., Ste. 100 Garden City, Idaho 83714 208-345-3344 familyadvocates.org
Friends of the McCall Public Library 1001 State St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5522 mccall.id.us/426/friends-of-the-library
Friends of the Weiser River Trail Weiser, Idaho weiserrivertrail.org
Idaho Nonprofit Center
5257 W Fairview Ave., Ste. 260 Boise, Idaho 83706 208-424-2229 idahononprofits.org
Whether you are building new, upgrading an existing system or need fast, reliable service, RISE ELEVATOR is your trusted partner. WE SPECIALIZE IN
SERVICE & REPAIR • NEW INSTALLATION • MODERNIZATION From luxury homes to commercial buildings, our expert team delivers top-tier craftsmanship and unmatched customer service.
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge McCall, Idaho 83638 idahosleddogchallenge.com
Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce 5465 E Terra Linda Way Nampa, Idaho 83687 208-917-9977 Idahoveterans.org
riseelevatorllc.com 208-488-0134 jason@riseabove-elevator.com
Ignite Idaho Family Resource Center 106 E Park St., Ste. 220 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-994-5537 igniteidahofrc.org
Kelly’s Whitewater Park 330 Kelly’s Pkwy. Cascade, Idaho 83611 kellyswhitewaterpark.com
McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 605 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7631 visitmccall.org
McCall Area Snowmobile Club McCall, Idaho 83638 snowmobilemccall.net
McCall Arts and Humanities Council 114 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-447-7202 mccallarts.org
McCall Community Center 701 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6078 mccallcommunity.com
McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation McCall, Idaho 83638 mdef.org
McCall Farmers Market 2nd St. and Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 farmersmarketmccall.com
A more sustainable world starts in our own backyard. www.PerpetuaResources.com
LOUIE LAKE + BOULDER LAKE TWIN ICONS OF HIKING IN MCCALL Written by McKenzie Kraemer
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Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
BOULDER LAKE
If you ask anyone where to hike in McCall, Boulder Lake and Louie Lake are sure to make the short list. These twin hikes are iconic for their accessible trailhead access, appeal to all ages, and beauty. These are trails that don’t just take you from point A to B…they stick with you. For locals and visitors alike, these two lakes offer a snapshot of everything we love about hiking in McCall: big views, clear water, and just enough challenge to earn your picnic spot. Hike them individually or explore both by traversing the connecting path between the two lakes. (Oh, and Boulder Meadows Reservoir at the trailheads is a destination itself!). Just be sure to bring appropriate footwear and opt for a closed-toe shoes. Continued page 92
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Photo courtesy Brett Johnson
LOUIE LAKE
BOULDER LAKE
LOUIE LAKE
Boulder Lake may be the most well-known hike in the area, and for good reason. With its sweeping valley views, wildflowerstudded meadows, and the “infinity edge” created by its dam, this 3.2-mile round-trip trail is a local favorite. Depending on the season, the last climb to the lake is surreal as the trail winds up through a waterfall.
Nestled beneath the rugged Jughandle Mountain, Louie Lake is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Its shimmering waters are so clear you’ll think twice before tossing a rock in and disrupting the tranquility. At just 2.5 miles round-trip, this hike is a manageable outing for most and a popular pick for anglers looking to pack in a float tube and chase trophy cutthroat trout. Yes, it’s that kind of lake.
It’s a bit more challenging than Louie — expect about 800 feet of elevation gain — but still very family-friendly. If you’re hiking with kids ready to graduate to the next level of trail adventures, this is your spot. At the top, the lake stretches out invitingly, flanked by granite ridges and dense forest. Don’t forget to take a photo from the dam’s edge — it’s like nature’s version of an infinity pool! There are also several camping locations dotted around the shoreline for an overnight stay under the stars. 92
The trail itself is short but scenic, climbing through forests and open meadows before delivering a stunning view of Jughandle’s granite peak mirrored on the lake’s surface. There is one steep section that will get your legs burning, but it is a short run and spending a few hours around this beautiful lake makes the effort more than worth it.
Continued page 94
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475 Deinhard Lane McCall, ID 83638 208.634.1000 IdahoFirstBank.com
Did you know?
Local youth, ages 13-16 recently reported... Alcohol at age 13 30% Tried or younger used an 16% Have e-cigarette
12% Have used cannabis To see more local data from our youth, or to check out community resources, visit www.PlanetYouthWCM.org
EXTEND YOUR ADVENTURE: Connecting Boulder and Louie Lakes If you’re feeling ambitious — and have the time and stamina — you can link Boulder and Louie Lakes via a connecting trail that winds through the ridges between the two. This route transforms two mellow out-and-backs into a memorable loop. Expect around 6.8 to 7 miles for the total loop depending on your starting point, with moderate elevation gain and a solid dose of solitude between the lakes. It’s the perfect option for those who want a full day on the trail without straying too far from town. Pack plenty of water, a snack or two, and maybe a fly rod for a midday break at either lake. We like to start the loop by hiking to Boulder Lake. Once there, the connecting trail can be found at the end of the lake, the intersection marked by a small rock cairn. Stay to the right and climb the hillside (this is one of the best places to see wildflowers in the summer!). About a mile in, the trail turns upward and will peak at about 7,700 feet in elevation before descending toward Louie Lake’s shoreline. The route between lakes is approximately three miles long. Both lakes are accessible in the spring, summer, and fall — depending on the weather. Spring (Late May & June): Start late morning when the sun has had time to warm the trail. Expect pockets of snow and some wet/muddy/icy spots. Bring extra socks and a trekking pole for slippery sections. Summer (July – September): This is peak hiking (and wildflower) season. Be sure to throw in a can of bug spray and plenty of water. The trails can get busy this time of year (at least by McCall standards). An early start can give you the best chance of having the trail to yourself!
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
Fall (October – early November): The colors are stunning and worth another visit even if you have hiked these routes earlier in the year. Mornings can be crisp and afternoons warm so bring layers. We also recommend wearing bright/reflective clothing in the fall as an extra alert to hunters who may be in the area.
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Trailhead Directions: From McCall, drive south on Highway 55 and turn left onto Elo Road. Take the left fork after 2.8 miles onto Boulder Lake Road. Follow this road to its end at a campground about 5 miles in. Turn left to park for Boulder Lake or right to park for the Louie Lake Trailhead. The trailhead for Boulder Lake can be found at the base of the Boulder Meadow Reservoir dam, while the trail for Louie Lake starts by crossing Boulder Creek.
McCall Fire Protection District 201 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7070 mccallfire.com
McCall Folklore Society McCall, Idaho 83638 mccallfolkloresociety.org
McCall Men’s Golf Association, Inc 925 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 mccallmensclub.com
McCall Music Society McCall, Idaho 83638 mccallmusicsociety.org
McCall Winter Sports Club McCall, Idaho 83638 208-918-0234 mwsc.club
Payette Lakes Chapter of the Antique Class Boat Society McCall, Idaho 83638 payetteclassicboats.net
Payette Lakes Progressive Club McCall, Idaho 83638 payettelakesprogressiveclub.org
Payette Lakes Ski Club/Little Ski Hill 3635 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5691 payettelakesskiclub.org
Ready to help with all of your real estate needs! 1007 N 3rd St, McCall, ID 83638
Payette Land Trust 309 E Lake St., #5 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4999 payettelandtrust.org
Ponderosa Center—The Ludwig Terrace 1117 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 ponderosacenter.org
Rise Up 2 Thrive
404 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-5310 riseup2thrive.org
Rotary of McCall
McCall, Idaho 83638 portal.clubrunner.ca/3899
Seven Devils Playwrights Conference McCall, Idaho 83638 516-319-9089 sevendevils.org
Shepherd’s Home
PETS McCall Pet Outfitters 411 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3440 mccallpet.com
MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter 831 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3647 mcpaws.org
PHOTOGRAPHY Amy Isacson Photography McCall, Idaho 83638 208-907-6593 amyisacson.com
Samantha Sais Photography
Valley County Pathways
Melissa Shelby Photography/ Mountain Town
WCM YAC
150 W Roseberry Rd., Ste. 1B-1 Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-830-0702 westcentralmountainsyouth.org
Yellow Pine Village Association Yellow Pine, Idaho 83677 yellowpinetimes.wordpress.com yellowpinefestival.org
Realtor cell ph#: 208-315-2801 karenkjohansen@gmail.com |
office: 208-634-1800
w w w. c e n t u r y 2 1 . c o m
309 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1152 shepherds-home.org McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4991 valleycountypathways.org
Karen Johansen
McCall, Idaho 83638 520-979-6947 samanthasaisphotography.com
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-1294 Melissashelby.com mountaintown.us
REAL ESTATE Alpine Village Company
Amherst Madison
592 N Benjamin Ln. Boise, Idaho 83704 208-391-2391 Amherst-madison.com
Amherst Madison Real Estate 204 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-391-2391 2ndhomes.com
Jim Boley – the McCall Real Estate Company
301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2100 ext.1111 mccallrealestate.com/associate/jim-boley
Brundage Realty
403 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1234 brundagerealty.com
Century 21 Whitewater Clark 1007 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1800 century21.com
Crawford Olson Real Estate 403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6060 crawfordolson.com
600 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-336-2200 alpinevillagemccall.com
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McCall Real Estate Company 301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2100 mccallrealestate.com
Mountain Central Association of REALTORS 321 N 3rd St., Ste. #204 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7424 mountaincentralrealtors.com
Mountain Resort Realty 102 N 3rd St., Ste. 200 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5400 mccallresortrealty.com
Northwest Passage Apartments
McCall’s Real Estate Team
155 Everett Ln. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-3366 northwestpassage.nwrecc.org
Marletta Romero, Real Estate Broker® Silvercreek Realty Group 502 N 3rd St., Ste. 4 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0600 dreammccall.com
Trisha Sears Real Estate/McCall Real Estate 301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-573-1489 trishasears.com
Toni Slaymaker, Silvercreek Realty Group LLC Cory Corbet, Realtor®
McCall Real Estate Company 301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-3283 corycorbet.com
The Springs Apartments in McCall 565 W Myrtle St., Ste. 250 Boise, Idaho 83702 208-331-4811 thehousingcompany.org
Angie Crow – Lpt Realty
Jessen Real Estate
Shelly DeMoss, Realtor®
Karen Johansen, Realtor®
New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-789-3315 angiecrowhomes.com Crawford Olson Real Estate 403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-1390 crawfordolson.com/shelly-demoss
Engel & Völkers
501 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4469 mccall.evrealestate.com
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-890-6369 jessenre.com
Century 21 Whitewater Clark 1007 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1800 century21.com
Jennifer Jones Campbell, Realtor® / BOND CAMPBELL (BC Builders) 150 W Roseberry Suite 1A Donnelly, Idaho 83615 dirtroadstolakehomes.com
Teia Golden – Windermere Real Estate Professionals in McCall
Jug Mountain Ranch
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-616-2646 hwy55realestate.com
13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5072 jugmountainranch.com
Cara Hipwell, Homes of Idaho
Cheri Lawrence Real Estate
McCall, Idaho 83638 208-204-9554 viewidahohomesforsale.com
Homes and Land of McCall-CascadeDonnelly 208-634-1472 McCall, Idaho 83638 homesandlandofmccall.com
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The Housing Company
Century 21 PO Box 2586 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-250-2430 mountainlivingmccall.com
311 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0846 mountainsofexperience.com
Tamarack Realty
850 Village Drive Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1001 www.tamarackrealty.com
Haden Tanner, McCall Idaho Real Estate 1000 N 2nd St., Ste. 104 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2242 mccallidahorealestate.com
Verna Vanis, Realtor®
Crawford Olson Real Estate 403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-1050 vernavanis.com
Jo Ellen, Phil and Philip Yribar, Realtors® McCall Real Estate Company 301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6494 mccallidrealestate.com
SCHOOLS Cascade School District 209 N School St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-630-6057 cascadeschools.org
through the
LEARN MORE AT: Mountain Community Transit mountaincommunitytransit.com 208-634-0003
RED LINE
This is a FREE public transportation service for the City of McCall. Anyone is welcome to ride. Buses run daily 7:00am–7:00pm
Green LINE BLUE LINE
This is a FREE public transportation service between McCall & Cascade. Anyone is welcome to ride. Buses run Monday–Friday 6:00am–7:25pm
Your connection to downtown McCall, Payette Lake, Hotels, Recreation, Shopping, & Restaurants. Buses run Memorial Day–Labor Day Friday-Saturday • 11:00am–9:00pm
GOLD LINE
This is a FREE public trasportation 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
NEW! Scan the QR code for detailed descriptions of popular snowmobile play areas and a georeferenced trail map.
SNOWMOBILE With over 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 fastgrowing favorite and offers an entirely new way to explore McCall’s backcountry.
DINING 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.
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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!
P h o t o co u r t e s y J o n Co n
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
NORDIC, FAT BIKE & SNOWSHOE
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
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:
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 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 natural hot springs for a truly relaxing winter experience.
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
FAMILY FUN
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 This winter is packed with can’t-miss Adventures or events! From tree lightings and theatrical Payette Powder productions to the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge and Guides and Destination:Beer, there’s something for everyone. The carve through McCall Winter Carnival is also getting a fresh update untouched — now set for the last weekend in January, Carnival is backcountry going back to its roots as a 10-day celebration of all terrain. things winter. Plan to visit all the nostalgic favorites like the Mardi Gras Parade, Photo courtesy Shore Lodge Torchlight Parade, snow sculptures, live music, fireworks, and more.
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Photo courtesy Idaho Tourism
WINTER EVENTS
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McCall Aviation/AVCenter 300 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7137 mccallaviation.com
Mountain Community Transit
208-634-0003 Call to schedule your FREE ride! treasurevalleytransit.com/service-areas/ mountain-community-transit
Prompt Delivery & Taxi Service McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-3065
UTILITIES Amerigas
1611 Davis Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8181 amerigas.com
ASAP Portables Co. 13831 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0012 asapportables.com
Ed Staub and Sons 13872 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3833 edstaub.com
Honey Dippers
13950 Nisula Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1230 idahohoneydippers.com
Meadows Valley School K-12 500 N Miller Ave. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2411 mvsd11.org
McCall College
106 E Park St., #220 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3456 mccallcollege.org
McCall-Donnelly Joint School District 120 Idaho 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 Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0925 rootsforestschool.com
University of Idaho—McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS) 1800 University Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-885-1080 uidaho.edu/cnr/mccall-field-campus
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STORAGE Log Jammer Storage 66 Scheline Lane McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6883 logjammerstorage.com
Stor-It Self Storage, Car Wash and U Haul 207 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7015 stor-it.com
TRANSPORTATION & MOVING SERVICES All in One Moving LLC McCall, Idaho 83638 208-999-8036 allinonemovingllc.com
Amazon Hub Delivery
Donnelly, Idaho 83615 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 810-210-0319 amazon.com/hubdelivery
Harlow’s McCall
14030 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1089 goharlowsmccall.com
Idaho Power
PO Box 70 Boise, Idaho 83707 800-488-6151 idahopower.com
Lakeshore Disposal 200 Industrial Loop McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7176
Mountain Septic
New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-469-1874
MCCALL
TO RIGGINS
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16 2 20
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NEW MEADOWS
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& THE SURROUNDING AREAS MOUNTAIN BIKE AREAS 1 2 3 4 5
Tamarack Resort Brundage Mountain Resort Jug Mountain Ranch Bear Basin Ponderosa State Park
GOLF COURSES 6 7 8 9 10
Jug Mountain Ranch McCall Golf Course Whitetail Golf Course Cascade Golf Course MeadowCreek Resort
5 8 PAYETTE LAKE 7 13 McCALL 14
GENERAL RECREATION/ ACTIVITY AREAS
LAKE FORK
11 Kelly’s Whitewater Park 12 Roseberry General Store & Barn 13 Central Idaho Historical Museum 14 Activity Barn 15 Lake Cascade State Park
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12 DONNELLY
HOT SPRINGS* 16 Burgdorf Hot Springs 17 Gold Fork Hot Springs 18 Zim’s Hot Springs
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LAKE CASCADE
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CASCADE
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Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
PARTING SHOT
When most people think of weddings in McCall, summer might be the first season that comes to mind — but don’t overlook the stunning scenery of winter. In fact, a snowy celebration might just be the most magical of all. Picture soft flakes falling as you say your vows, pine trees dusted in white, and a backdrop of a frozen Payette Lake and mountain peaks that feels straight out of a snow globe. The whole town transforms into a cozy, twinkle-lit wonderland — perfect for intimate “I do’s” or big, joy-filled gatherings. 102
From fireside ceremonies to après-ski receptions complete with hot toddies and locally inspired fare, a winter wedding in McCall delivers romance, charm, and unforgettable atmosphere. Stunning venues, talented local vendors, and postcard-worthy photo ops at every turn make it easy to plan a romantic wedding that’s as beautiful as it is unique. Visit our website to start planning your winter wedding in McCall.