WEEKEND R MM JEEP TOUR. // PHOTO: S. MICHAL BENNETT
Central Idaho’s Epic Mountain Town: McCall, Idaho By S. Michal Bennett MULTIPLE TIMES OVER THE PAST YEAR I’ve been asked, “Where’s McCall?” Situated almost exactly halfway between Coeur d’Alene and Boise, McCall, Idaho, is the largest city in Central Idaho’s Valley County. Originally a logging town, it’s now an outdoor recreation and adventure destination begging you to take a weekend trip south. McCall is located on the southern end of Payette Lake and is surrounded by the Payette National Forest to the north and east and rolling meadows to the south. The best place to view the lake is from the sweeping granite cliffs at the far end of Ponderosa State Park, a verdant peninsula near downtown that also offers camping, hiking, and fishing. At the top of the lake sits North Beach where the North Fork of the Payette River flows into the lake, an area sometimes referred to as “the Meanders.” This lazy stretch of river is perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding and is surrounded by soaring ponderosa pines, lush wetlands, and a wonderland of wildlife. Other water adventures await at Goose Creek Falls, just north of the town of New Meadows, and Zims Hot Springs a few miles up U.S. Route 95. If you’re looking for less of a crowd, head 14 miles south to Donnelly and camp at a state park on the shores of Lake Cascade. Tamarack Resort, just up the road from the lake’s east shore, is nestled close to Mica Ridge, a difficult-to-reach but scenic peak. Visit McCall also has great resources for other hiking and mountain biking trails in the area. If exploring the backcountry on wheels is more your style, you can rent an ATV from Mountain Meadow Adventure Rentals or drive up the rough road to the fire lookout on No Business Mountain. Mountain Meadow also offers boat, wave runner, SUP, and snowmobile rentals in addition to snowmobile, RZR (a sporty side-by-side), and Jeep tours in the Donnelly and McCall areas. McCall isn’t just a summer and fall destination. With Brundage Mountain Ski Resort to the north, Tamarack Resort to the south, the Manchester Ice Center downtown, and Nordic ski trails throughout the area, there is plenty of play to be had during the winter months. Just want to cozy up in a vacation rental, enjoy some great food and drink, and soak up the mountain town life? Here are some of my favorite McCall eating and drinking establishments: McCall Brewing, Evening Rise Bread Co., Café 6 three 4, Blue Moose McCall Drive Thru, Lonchera Rosita Mexican Food Truck, Rupert’s Restaurant (for cocktails), The Sushi Bar, and Frenchie’s on Third. For more McCall road trip resources, check out Visitmccall.org. 20
OUTTHEREOUTDOORS.COM / SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2021
A FROSTY AUTUMN MORNING ON WENATCHEE'S SADDLE ROCK. // PHOTO: AARON THEISEN
Experience Fall Harvest and Adventure in Wenatchee By Lisa Laughlin WASHINGTON IS RENOWNED FOR ITS APPLES, and there’s no better place to test that claim
than an orchard-centric Central Washington town come autumn. For a fall road trip filled with top-notch produce, hiking, mountain biking, and wine tasting, head three hours west from Spokane to the town of Wenatchee. Located in the foothills of the Cascades, Wenatchee is a mix of arid basalt plateaus and forested hills, with the Wenatchee River churning through the heart of it. You’re likely to find more sun than rain as you explore this rain shadow area. Horse Lake Reserve is home to dreamy singletrack that will give you a stunning view of the valley. Mission Ridge, the local ski hill, doubles as a beautiful trail access point. Explore the 5.3-mile Devil’s Spur Trail just off Mission Ridge Road or take a short hike to Clara and Marion lakes. To stay closer to town, gain elevation in the Saddle Rock Natural Area for a great view of the Columbia River. These locations also double as mountain biking paths. Between your morning and afternoon explorations, stop by the Pybus Public Market, a hub of local produce and goods such as wine, honey, cheese, artisan meats, seafood, gelato, and crafted works. This indoor market is open every day from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. and is located on the paved, 22-mile Apple Capitol Loop Trail running through town. Families can take off on a bike ride, in-line skate adventure, or walk or run along the river, while younger kids can enjoy a miniature train ride at Wenatchee Riverfront Park. Another fun family venture includes a stop at Ohme Gardens, a hillside garden oasis complete with hidden ponds and a wishing well. It’s a great place to take in that late-afternoon fall glow as the sun gives nearby hills a purple tinge come dusk. After a full day in Wenatchee, book a stay in the nearby Bavarian-themed Leavenworth village. Leavenworth is deserving of a fall trip on its own, so waking up here will be the perfect start to a Sunday of hiking on the Icicle Ridge Trail, bouldering at Icicle Creek Canyon, or perusing the many unique shops, restaurants and wine stops downtown. Depending on when you go, snow may already top the Enchantments in the background of this village, but the fall foliage will still be bright and full.
