Visit McCall Summer 2023

This is one of those years that we are feeling extra appreciative of the warmer weather. After a very long winter (repeat…VERY. LONG. WINTER.) the leaves on the trees and the sunshine on our faces feels hard won. Don’t get us wrong, we love the snow, but being able to put our feet in the sand again is something that isn’t taken for granted after a record-breaking snow year.

And what better way to embrace the season than by getting outside and immersing ourselves in a new experience? This issue we are shining a light on some of the most amazing humans you will find in this community. The ones who elevate these experiences we speak of. The ones who train and learn and know all the inside tricks and tips to pass along to you. We are talking, of course, about our stellar guides and outfitters.

Read on to see how these hardworking outdoorsmen and women offer a welcoming way to make the most of McCall in the summer… no experience required.

Photo courtesy John Webster Photo courtesy Jon Conti

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 450 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

By April Whitney and McKenzie Kraemer

The McCall area has been a mecca for adventure for well over a century. Experienced outdoor enthusiasts have honed their skills and knowledge over many years of trial and error, learning from friends, family, other veteran outdoorsmen and women, and challenging themselves to continue exploring.

But you don’t need to be a lifelong adventurer to be drawn to the outdoor lifestyle. You can tap into that immense experience and knowledge thanks to an abundance of experienced guides and outfitters in our area. Guides make it possible to learn the tricks of the trade – or to sample a wide variety of outdoor activities in a low-stress way.

Local, specialized knowledge – and an infectious passion for having fun in the outdoors – is what you get from professional guides. So what are you waiting for? Start with one of these great guided options and experience the outdoors in a whole new way.

Continued page 8

Guided Flyfishing Trips

The modern, DIY version of learning to fly fish is fairly straightforward: watch some YouTube videos, take notes on what gear to buy and how to cast a fly rod. Maybe you even Google “fly fishing near McCall” and find some tips on which flies to try in a handful of nearby locations.

So, you pack up your new gear, head to your waterway of choice, and…now what? What part of the lake or river do you fish from? Where do you cast your fly? How long do you stick with one spot – or fly pattern – before trying another? This is the specialized, localized, internalized, optimized knowledge that you can only find in a seasoned angler. If you don’t have a knowledgeable friend with the time to show you the ropes, a guided experience can really help you get off on the right foot.

A smart first move is to pop into Drift West. Your first steps inside will reveal what looks like a typical fly shop with gear and apparel on display, but operations manager Franklin Dyer says the most important “products” they offer include local knowledge and a knack for truly listening to their guests.

“We’re probably going to askyou more questions than you are ready for, but we want to figure out what it is you really want to do – because you might not know,” says Dyer.

Questions might range from how much physical activity a person is capable of, whether they like the idea of a motorized adventure like Jet Boating, or whether they prefer more of a quiet, wilderness escape that allows them to learn more about the local area and its history.

Continued page 10

Photo courtesy Chad Case

Photo courtesy Chad Case

Photo courtesy Drift West and McCall Angler

Drift West is a concierge service – a consortium, of sorts – for outdoor outfitters, so they have a bead on all the guided adventures offered in the area and can recommend the best excursions for different types of people.

For the true first-timer, Drift West might set you up with a three-hour workshop with all gear provided. These sessions cover the basics on equipment, knots, insects, which flies match up to the insects in the wild, and casting lessons. They also focus on what to do with your fly once it’s on the water, which Dyer says is actually more important than the cast itself, “We want to teach you how to get a drag-free drift with a good presentation where the fish will actually eat it.”

For those who’d prefer to dive right into a fly fishing excursion, the guides at McCall Angler will incorporate that same teaching into a half day (four hour) or full day (eight hour) guided float.

“If you’ve never fished before, what you’re going to get on a guided trip is: you’re going to have somebody who is a professional at what they do, they’re going to give you casting lessons, they’re going to teach you those knots, they’re going to teach you about insect life, and you’re hopefully going to catch some nice fish in a beautiful area.”

Dyer admits a person can do that all by themselves, but their learning curve will be steeper and their success rate likely a lot lower.

“The amount of learning you can get done in a half a day trip would probably take the average person a week of going out and doing it every day by themselves.”

Drift West can hook you up with trips guided by a broad range of local and regional outfitters. Options include high mountain lakes and pristine rivers where you’ll fly fish for brook trout and native rainbows, single-day steelhead and bass trips on the Salmon River, drift boat tours in the lower Salmon River canyon, whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, Hells Canyon and Lower Salmon jet boat tours, and scenic canoe tours on the meandering section of the Payette River just below McCall.

Drift West will be open seven days a week during the summer season (10 am-6 pm Monday through Saturday and 10 am-5 pm on Sundays) and is located at 122 E Lake Street, right next to Albertsons. drift-west.com

Continued page 16

Photo courtesy Chad Case

STAY

Alpine Village Company

600 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-336-2200 alpinevillagemccall.com

Aspen Timeshares / McCall Area

Timeshares

1607 Davis Ave., #149 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7028 aspentimeshares.org

Brundage Bungalows

308 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-473-2894 brundagebungalows.com

Brundage Inn

1005 Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2344 brundagevacations.com

Burgdorf Hot Springs

404 French Creek Rd. (FS#246) Burgdorf, Idaho 83638 208-315-6657 burgdorfhotsprings.com

Cabernet Cottage

208 Thula St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-890-1588 cabernetcottage@outlook.com

Camp Ida Haven

2595 Eastside Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5922 idahaven.org

Creekside RV Park and Campground 3278 Hwy 55 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-315-3080 creeksidervparkandcampground.com

DoneRight Vacation Rentals and Property Management

200 Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-0030

donerightmanagement.com

Evergreen Gems

Limited Edition Vacation Property Rentals & Property Management McCall, Idaho 83638 208-631-0576

evergreengems.com

Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council, Inc. Camp Alice Pittenger

2111 Pilgrim Cove McCall, Idaho 83638 208-377-2011 girlscouts-ssc.org

The Hartland Inn Bed & Breakfast

211 N. Norris Avenue New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-2114 thehartlandinn.com

Havens Haven Guest House and Bed & Breakfast McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6600 dmhlt@hotmail.com

Hearthstone

1308 Hearthstone Ct. McCall, Idaho 83638 800-574-6377 hearthstonemccall.com

Hotel McCall

1101 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8105 hotelmccall.com

Hotel NoBo

500 N. Main St. Cascade, ID 83611 208-382-5621 hotelnobo.com

InIdaho.com

401 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 800-844-3246 inidaho.com

iTrip Boise – McCall Boise, Idaho 83702 208-991-4991 itrip.net/boise-mccall

mccallcabins.com

305 Park St., Ste. D McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-5045 mccallcabins.com

McCall Property Services/McCall Outfitters

McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6257 mccalloutfitter.com

McCall RV Resort

200 Scott St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5646 g7resorts.com/rv-park/mccall-rv-resort/

McCall Vacation Rentals

McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-3333 mccallidahovacationrentals.com

McCall Vacations 805 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7056

mccallvacations.com

Mundo Hot Springs and RV Park

3024 Upper Goodrich Creek Rd. Cambridge, Idaho 83610

208-257-3849

mundohotsprings.com

No Business Lodge

296 Smylie Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-440-5163 nobusinesslodge.com

Nordic Inn

400 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7671

www.nordicinnmccall.com

Palooza Basecamp and Eatery 112 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-733-0507

paloozabrands.com

Paradise Point Episcopal Church Camp 2755 Eastside Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-345-4440

paradisepointcamp.org

Payette National Forest 500 N Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0600

fs.usda.gov/payette

Pilgrim Cove Camp and Conference Center

1075 Plymouth Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5555

pilgrimcovecamp.org

Ponderosa State Park 1920 Davis Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2164

parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/ponderosa

Ranch View Venue

3523 South End Rd. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-469-9029 ranchviewvenue.com

The RV Landing at Carlson Ranch 1526 Big Salmon Rd. Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-628-3132

thervlanging.com

Salmon Rapids Lodge 1010 Main St. Riggins, Idaho 208-628-2743

salmonrapids.com

Experience the charming Scandia Inn. Clean and inviting rooms will be your home away from home as you immerse yourself in mountain solitude. Scandia Inn is conveniently located just blocks from all that McCall has to offer.

After a day full of adventure, unwind at the Scandia grounds with smokeless fire pits, a hot tub, Sauna, lawn games and a new cold plunge.

Use code visitmccall for 10% off any one stay.

*exclusions apply

nicolecatherinephotos

Scandia Inn 401 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7394 thescandiainn.com

Shore Lodge 501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2244

shorelodge.com

Spiegelman Family Properties Almost Heaven & Annie’s Place info@mccallcabins.com

Tamarack Resort 311 Village Dr. Donnelly, Idaho 83615

208-325-1000

tamarackidaho.com

Vacasa 1000 N 2nd St., Apt. 104 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7766 • 800-863-8415 vacasa.com/usa/Idaho/McCall/

WorldMark McCall 805 Sorrel Ct. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2063

worldmark.wyndhamdestinations.com

LOCAL INSPIRATION - WORLD CLASS DESIGN

Edgewood Log Homes® founder and master craftsman, Brian Schafer, is now based right here in McCall, where he brings decades of experience, time-tested innovation, and unrivaled customer care to the heart of the community he now calls home.

Edgewood has been designing and building award-winning homes in snow-laden mountain communities from Tahoe to Telluride for more than 40 years – all artfully designed to match the client’s vision and to make mountain living truly luxurious.

White Water Rafting

We’ve all heard the adage “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” Heraclitus said that somewhere between 544 and 483 BC, but it still rings true today. And no one knows more about how the river is always changing than a river guide.

Photo courtesy John Webster

“I have probably been on more than 800 river trips, and I have seen something new every single time,” says Kurt Armacost, co-owner of Hells Canyon Raft. His guiding career began at age 16 when he started working for the family business. In 1996, he and his wife Heidi took over management of the company and have continued the tradition of introducing (or reintroducing) guests to the wonders of Idaho’s rivers.

“Every time you go out it is a different experience,” says Heidi. “From the water level, to the animals you see, to the people and personalities on the trip, no day on the water is exactly the same.”

And while that ever-changing experience keeps guests coming back time and again, there is one constant that is the backbone of every trip…the guides.

Continued page 18

Photo courtesy John Webster

“A river guide has the unique ability to don many hats,” says Lauren Demo, co-owner of Salmon Raft. “Guides are expert whitewater navigators, backcountry chefs, constellation spotters, historians, bartenders, and beach game instigators – oscillating between roles throughout the trip.”

A guide can make or break the experience, says Demo, which is why rafting companies like Hells Canyon Raft and Salmon Raft work so hard to find, train, and retain their amazing guides. In addition to being personal recreation directors, guides are also well versed in swiftwater rescue and backcountry emergency response.

“It takes a lot of expertise and a lot of river miles to learn how to safely navigate whitewater,” says Demo. So, while the charisma of a guide shines, behind the scenes there is a lot of training, a lot of expert knowledge, and a lot of hard work that goes into every day on the water.

“Our guides are our family,” says Kurt. “They have this amazing ability to put in 12 to 14 hours every day and make it look fun and easy.” Which is just one of the reasons why a few days on an Idaho river is unlike any other experience. “It is just such a unique vacation,” says Heidi. “You actually get to be on vacation the entire time…everything is taken care of for you.”

In addition to rowing guests down the river and regaling the boat with tall tales and fun facts along the way, guides take care of just about everything on the trip. Meals are cooked, cocktails are mixed, tents are set up and taken down, boats packed and unpacked each day…all by your guides. “I joke that you just need a swimsuit and a toothbrush because everything else is taken care of for you,” says Demo.

“You really don’t have to think about a thing,” says Heidi. “Everything is laid out for you, all of the logistics taken care of. So really the hardest thing you have to do is decide if you want to go fishing, go for a hike, or sit back and read a book.”

And that is when the magic really happens. “There is an amazing thing that happens when people really start to disconnect from devices, from work, from all the noise,” says Demo. “They actually start to connect to one another.” It happens between families and friends, and it happens with complete strangers on the same trip.

“One of the things I love to see is multi-generational families come on a trip,” says Heidi. “Everyone has the room to do what they want – fish, hike, read, enjoy a sunset – but they are all still together. No one has to stay back – everyone gets to go all the time and participate in everything at the level they want to.” On the boat, on the beach, at meals, around the campfire. Everyone is together with very few distractions.

Continued page 20

Photo courtesy John Webster

P h o to courtesy John Webster

That connection also happens with different groups on the same trip. “It’s always really cool to see people exchanging contact information and giving hugs after a trip,” says Demo. “We have actually had people who live on opposite sides of the country meet on one trip then come back together for another trip years later.”

Now what? How to book your river trip

Booking a river trip is like talking to a personal concierge. If you call a company like Hells Canyon Raft and Salmon Raft you are going to talk directly to an owner. They are experts at helping you find the right trip and pair you with the right people.

Each rafting company holds permits on different stretches of water and can take 3, 4, 5 or even 6-day trips. The first step in booking a trip is to figure out how long you want to go and on what river. From there, find a reputable outfitter who offers those options.

Who wouldn’t want to wax poetic about that kind of experience? Disconnect to reconnect. All made possible by some stunning whitewater and charismatic, hard-working outfitters. Maybe Heraclitus came up with his famous line while dreaming about being a river guide.

Continued page 22

We recommend getting in touch with one of these specialists to help you plan the trip of a lifetime:

• America’s Rafting Company (idahooutdoortours.com)

Multi-day trips in Hells Canyon and on the Salmon

• Hells Canyon Adventures (hellscanyon.biz)

Single & multi-day rafting in Hells Canyon with jet boat return

• Hells Canyon Raft (hellscanyonraft.com)

Multi-day trips in Hells Canyon and on the Salmon

• Mountain River Outfitters (idahoriver.com)

Multi-day trips in Hells Canyon and on the Salmon; Day trips on the Salmon

• Salmon Raft (salmonraft.com)

Multi-day trips in Hells Canyon and on the Salmon

• Tamarack Resort (tamarackidaho.com)

Day trips on the Cabarton stretch of the Payette River

guided

Payette Lake is a showstopper. More than 10,000 years ago this centerpiece in downtown McCall was carved by a glacier that left 5,330 acres of pristine water with 22 miles of shoreline. At its deepest point, Payette Lake is 392 feet deep…a perfect home for the famous (and friendly) lake monster, Sharlie. And while this stunning alpine lake can be enjoyed from a beach or dock, we also love getting out on the water for a new perspective – and new appreciation – of all this lake has to offer.

McCall Lake Cruises

Like the lake it calls home, McCall Lake Cruises’ signature vessel, The Idaho, commands attention. Built in 1982, this 62-foot vessel weighs just under 50,000 pounds, earning it the award for largest vessel on Payette Lake. “We can notch that bad boy up to about five miles per hour,” says Steven Lee, co-owner. “But it is definitely faster if you go downhill.” Wink, wink.

The Idaho offers a unique way to get out on the water. A lake cruise is all about kicking back and soaking in the views, the people around you, and the local lore. “It is such a different experience cruising on the boat than standing on the shore,” says Kelsey Parke, co-owner. That was one of the things that drew owners Kyle and Jade Enzler, Steven and AJ Lee, and Ryan and Kelsey Parke to the business. Having taken the reigns of McCall Lake Cruises from Brett and Doris Armacost in 2022, they are excited to continue the legacy built by the Armacosts and make seeing Payette Lake from the water accessible to all.

“We love the easy access a lake cruise offers to the water,” says Ryan. “You may not want to rent and drive your own boat or have the time to commit to a full day on the lake.” This is when a lake cruise is a perfect choice. “It is great for all ages,” he says. “It is low risk, it is low impact, it is relaxed, and it is fun!”

Each cruise lasts about 90 minutes and can accommodate up to 65 people. “We do two or three cruises seven days a week from May until about the middle of September,

Continued page 24

“One

depending on water levels,” says Steven. Midday cruises are full of local history and fun facts as told by the experienced staff. Sunset cruises often have music – sometimes live music – and more of a happy hour vibe. “One of the best things we see happen no matter what time of day you cruise is watching people get on the boat as strangers and leave as friends,” says AJ.

In addition to daily public cruises, McCall Lake Cruises also offers private charters for weddings, graduation parties, retirement parties, birthday parties, business events, and more. “It makes a

great venue,” says AJ. “The scenery, the camaraderie of a group experiencing something fun and new together really makes it unique.”

McCall Lake Cruises offers a full bar onboard as well as local and domestic beer and wine selections. Snacks are also available for purchase. Private charters can work with local catering companies and restaurants to host more robust food offerings. Guests at the Scandia Inn, Nordic Inn, or JASK rental properties can enjoy 15 percent off cruise tickets. To book a cruise or reserve a private charter, visit mccalllakecruises.com

Payette Pedal Party

If you have spent any time in McCall in the summer, you know that there is just something special about being around the water. The lake makes memories that last a lifetime. For Sarah Lenda, owner of Payette Pedal Party, that feeling you get on the water is something that has stuck with her. “Growing up here, I worked at a lot of places in McCall, but I loved working summers at Mile High Marina,” she says. “There is just something really special about McCall in the summertime. This is where my heart is and I never want to spend the summer months anywhere else.”

After college, Lenda was on a trip with some friends when they went on a pedal boat. “We just had the best time,” she says, “and afterwards that experience really got me thinking about how great this could be on Payette Lake.” She knew there weren’t a lot of charter options on the lake and felt that a pedal boat would be a great addition to the mix. “I am really offering something a little bit more intimate,” she says, “but with a Jimmy Buffet kind of vibe.”

So, she commissioned a boat, got her captain’s license, and launched the Payette Pedal Party in the summer of 2022. Each tour is two hours long and can take up to 15 guests. Ten pedal stations with comfy beach cruiser seats surround a bar top and there is space up front to sit and lounge if you just want to relax and enjoy the ride. “Pedaling is fun, for sure,” says Lenda, “but we have a motor on the boat to help you out when needed.”

Payette Pedal Party runs public cruises daily, but you can also charter the entire boat. Both options give guests the freedom to choose what they want to do while on the water.

“Some people just want to do an easy cruise,” says Lenda.

Photo courtesy Payette Pedal Party

Photo courtesy Payette Pedal Party

“Others really want to stop at a public dock and jump in the water.” And both are possible! And however you choose to pedal party, the experience is one-of-a-kind.

“It can be a booze cruise with a designated driver, a fun family outing.” she says. “You get to make each cruise your own.” And do it together. “It is great because there is also an element of teamwork. It is a lot of laughs and a lot of joy.”

With Bluetooth on board, ice for bring-your-own beverages and food, and an experienced crew to take you around the lake, the only thing left is to sit back and enjoy. “It is a really unique way for friends, family, or perfect strangers to get together and just enjoy each other’s company,” says Lenda. “It’s something different, and whether you are a kid or an adult, it’s the kind of activity that everyone can do.” And as a bonus, if you have a home or are renting a home on the lake with a dock and charter the entire boat, the Pedal Party can pick you up!

This summer look for fun events like beer and wine tastings along with the regular line-up of public cruises and private charters. Visit payettepedalparty.com to make a reservation and see what events are in the works.

The Payette Pedal Party is currently the only pedal boat of its kind in Idaho and operates from Memorial weekend through Labor Day weekend. “My hope is that this becomes something that is an engrained part of McCall’s summer culture,” says Lenda. “If you are in town, the pedal boat is just something you have to do before the summer ends.”

Continued page 26

Photo courtesy Payette Pedal Party

Valley Wake Charters

Kerry Lofy has been on the water most of his life. From waterskiing and wakeboarding growing up in Wisconsin, to surfing in California during his college years, to teaching wake surfing on Lake Tahoe, there isn’t much water he hasn’t mastered. And now Lofy and his wife call Donnelly home, bringing their knowledge and expertise to Idaho to share their love of watersports with Valley Wake Charters.

“There is something really cool about surfing in the middle of land-locked Idaho,” says Lofy. “To get a surfing experience without having to be in an ocean, battling other people and sharks and cold and swells is pretty amazing.” In 2022, he and his wife started Valley Wake Charters, offering not just surfing lessons but waterski and wakeboard lessons, as well as an option to book a chartered trip for anyone wanting to get out on the lake with an experienced boat driver.

“We have a lot of people who want to get out on the water and learn to surf,” says Lofy, “but we have just as many people who simply want a chartered boat for a sunset cocktail cruise.” And Valley Wake Charters does it all. Two-hour, four-hour, sunset, sunrise…any hour on the lake is an hour well spent. They are also able to provide charters on both Payette Lake and Lake Cascade.

This season they are hoping to expand by offering teen wakeboard and wake surf camps. They also offer a “Women’s Wednesday” open to only the ladies. “My wife drives the boat, and it is great because it feels less intimidating,” he says. “It is a great way to enjoy the sport in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Whether they are teaching lessons or just cruising the water, the one thing that is always top-of-mind is respect for the lake. “We know there is a stigma about wake surfing,” says Lofy, “and we take our responsibility as educators and experienced recreationalists seriously.” Lofy has his captain’s license from the U.S. Coast Guard and has certifications in boater safety. “Part of what we do is demonstrate how to responsibly enjoy these fun

courtesy Valley WakeCharters

Photo courtesy Valley Wake Charters

Photo courtesy Valley Wake Charters

activities,” he says. “We know the local rules and regulations, we know where the no-wake zones are, we surf in the middle of the lake rather than close to shorelines and docks.” Lofy says on top of people wanting watersports lessons, he also works with clients to show them how to operate their private boats safely on the water.

One of the best things about booking a lesson or charter is that everything is included. Lofy says they provide all of the top-of-the-line equipment and lifejackets, plus your very own boat and driver. “Just come with your swimsuit ready to have a great day on the water.”

To book a session with Valley Wake Charters, visit their website at valleywakecharters.com.

Continued page 34

PLAY

EVENT AND WEDDING PLANNING

Brundage Mountain Catering

3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4151

brundage.com/dining/catering

DeLish Catering

700 Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1646

sberry@delishcatering.com

DJ McCall

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-469-9200

dj-mccall.com

Harlow’s McCall

14030 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1089

goharlowsmccall.com

Jilly Renee Speaks

McCall, Idaho 83638

jillyreneespeaks.com

KB’s Burritos

616 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5500

kbsburrito.com

Luminaire

114 N 3rd St., Ste. 3 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-4913

reneesilvus.com

McCall Party Rentals

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-4474

mccallpartyrentals.com

McCall RV Resort (Northfork Lodge)

200 Scott St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5646

g7rvresorts.com/rv-park/mvvall-rv-resort/ McCall Weddings

700 Virginia St., Ste. C New Meadows, Idaho 83654

208-634-4567

mccallweddings.com

MeadowCreek Clubhouse

2975 Kimberland Dr. New Meadows, Idaho 83654

208-347-2555

mcpoa.com

Mustard’s

Meridian, Idaho 83680

208-941-7033

mustardsone@gmail.com

Ranch View Venue

3523 South End Rd.

New Meadows, Idaho 83654

208- 469-9029

ranchviewvenue.com

Seven Devils Delights

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-484-3469

camihedges@gmail.com

T. Rents Vintage

McCall, Idaho 83638

713-208-7720

trentsvintage.com

Tamarack Resort

311 Village Drive

Tamarack, Idaho 83615

208-325-1146

tamarackidaho.com/groups

Tates Rents

106 S Mission St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5709

tatesrents.com

MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

Bistro 45

1101 N 3rd St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4515

bistro45mccall.com

Broken Horn Brewing Company

201 S Mission St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-5472

brokenhornbrewing.com

Brundage Mountain Resort

Smoky’s Bar & Grill

3890 Goose Lake Rd.

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4151

brundage.com/smokys

Foresters McCall

304 E. Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6701

forestersmccall.com

Lardos Grill & Saloon

600 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8191

lardogrillandsaloon.com

Mile High Marina & Grille

1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8605

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day

milehighmarina.com

The Mill Steak and Spirits

324 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7683

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

Salmon River Brewery

411 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4772

salmonriverbrewery.com

Steamers Steak and Seafood

308 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-638-1411

steamersrestaurant.com

Yacht Club

203 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5649

yacht-clubmccall.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

208-317-3862

idahooutdoortourscom/americasraftingcompany/

Apex Electric Bike Sales & Rentals

616 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6290

rollapex.com

Backwoods Adventures

North Beach Boat Launch

Warren Wagon Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

Memorial Day through Labor Day

208-469-9067

backwoodsadventuresmccall.com

Base Camp Aviation, LLC

336 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-5734

Basecampaviation.com

f t i n M c C a l l , I d a h o

Bear Basin Nordic Center

3635 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5691

payettelakesskiclub.org

The Boardroom

304 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3400

boardroomboise.com

Brundage Mountain Resort

3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4151

brundage.com

Burgdorf Hot Springs

404 French Creek (FS#246) Burgdorf, Idaho 83638 208-315-6657

burgdorfhotsprings.com

Cascade Aquatic and Recreation Center

333 Kelly’s Parkway Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-5136

cascadeaquatic.myrec.com

Cheap Thrills Rentals

303 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7472

cheapthrillsrentals.com

CM Backcountry Rentals

313 McBride St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0017

cmbackcountryrentals.com

Drift West

122 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-6445

www.drift-west.com

Gravity Sports

503 Pine 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

Idaho Mountain Guides

Boise, Idaho 83701

208-856-0291

idahomountainguides.com

Jug Mountain Ranch

13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5072

jugmountainranch.com

Kelly’s Whitewater Park

330 Kelly’s Pkwy. Cascade, Idaho 83611

kellyswhitewaterpark.com

Little Ski Hill

(Payette Lakes Ski Club)

3635 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5691

payettelakesskiclub.org

Manchester Ice and Event Centre

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/ McCall Golf Club

925 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7200

mccallgolfclub.com

McCall Lake Cruises

203 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5253

mccalllakecruises.com

McCall Mountain Canyon Flying Seminars, LLC

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

Photo courtesy Case Conti Visuals

Mile High Marina & Grille

1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8605

Memorial Day through Labor Day

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

411 Main St. Riggins, Idaho 83549

208-628-3733

idahoriver.com

Payette National Forest

500 N Mission St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-0600

fs.usda.gov/payette

Payette Pedal Party

Art Roberts Park

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-631-3997

www.payettepedalparty.com

Payette Powder Guides

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-6793

payettepowderguides.com

Rapid River Outfitters

Riggins, Idaho 83549

208-628-3862

rapidriveroutfitters.net

Redline Recreational Toys 13876 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-695-2288

redlinerectoys.com

River Adventures Inc.

122 Main St. Riggins, Idaho 83549

1-800-524-9710

hellscanyon.tours

Salmon Raft McCall, Idaho 83638

800-350-6654

salmonraft.com

Salmon River Helicopters

1526 Big Salmon Rd. Riggins, Idaho 83549 (208) 628-3133

srhelicopters.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

Unique-ARs

McCall, Idaho 83638

888-982-8386

unique-ars.com

Valley Wake Charters

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-639-1260

valleywakecharters.com

Yahoo Corrals

2280 Warren Wagon Rd.

208-634-3360

ya-hoocorrals.com

Zims Hot Springs

2995 Zims Rd.

New Meadows, Idaho 83654

208-347-2686

zimshotsprings.com

Zip McCall Adventures

Boulder Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-271-1440

zipmccall.com

SALON, SPA, HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Aboutkneads Massage

1101 N. 3rd, Hotel McCall McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-1603

hotelmccall.com/amenities/ Advanced Medical Solutions

Donnelly, Idaho 83615

720-490-9649

www.advancedmedicalsolutions.life

Alpenglow Salt Spa

212 N 3rd St., Suite B McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6585

alpenglowmccall.com

Bespoke Well Spa + Boutique

409 S. 3rd St., Ste. 4 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4169

bespokemccall.com

The Cove at Shore Lodge 501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-0280

thecovemccall.com

Emulate Natural Care 165 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615

208-854-1067

www.emulatewellness.com

208 Med Spa and IV Lounge

203 E Lake St., Ste. 7 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-908-7357

hydrate208.com

Simply Be Massage

331 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-0863

www.simplybemassage.com

The Spa at Tamarack

75 Arling Center Ct. Tamarack, Idaho 83615 (208) 325-1570

www.tamarackidaho.com/spa

Vibrant Med Spa

203 E Lake St., Ste. 7 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5729

unwindmccall.com

Whole Mountain Health Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach McCall, Idaho 83638 208-352-3132

wholemountainhealth.com

Riding Horse back

For Sky Wilson, taking care of horses is a labor of love. The daughter of two trail ride and rafting guides, she grew up on horseback, with guiding in her blood.

Wilson had spent five years guiding for Ya-Hoo Corrals before she and her father purchased the family-owned operation from its long-time owners in 2019. She shared their vision to provide a fun and memorable family experience and to share her passion for the outdoors, horses, and the western way of life.

“I love working with people and being able to share my knowledge and my experience with others,” says Wilson. “It’s satisfying to watch them learn and grow and enjoy something that I love myself.”

Ya-Hoo Corrals offers 90-minute trail rides – perfect for new riders or those looking to get back in the saddle again – as well as a four-hour option for those looking for a longer option. The longer rides cover more terrain, offer more scenery, and boost the guests’ chances of spotting local wildlife like moose or Sandhill crane.

When Paddy Kinney hit the trails last summer with his school-age son and niece, it had been about 10 years since he’d been on a horse. He appreciated the ease of the experience and the focus on safety.

Continued on page 36

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

“From showing up to letting the little kids ride on the pony before we left, to getting pictures in the wagon, getting a helmet, it was SO easy and super fun for everybody,” said Kinney.

“The guides were really knowledgeable, and they teach you how to get in the saddle and adjust the stirrups,” adds Kinney. “They give you some really good ground rules on how to rein the horse and how to let the horses pass. And then the horses themselves are really well trained and well suited for beginners so there was never even a moment where it was scary or felt out of control.”

Seven-year-old Oliver Kinney agrees. He went on two trail rides with Ya-Hoo Corrals last summer and said his favorite part was feeding the ponies before the ride and getting to see Payette Lake from the trail. “I thought it was real fun,” added Oliver, who plans to tell his friends, “It’s not that scary on a welltrained horse.”

Wilson says those well-trained horses are a more important asset than most people realize. The former owners of Ya-Hoo Corrals spent 25 years selectively breeding horses to be well suited for trail rides, and Wilson credits those well-built and sound-minded horses as a key part of the great experience she offers her guests.

“With my history of having been there and done it for as long as I have, and knowing the horses the way I do, I can figure out how to match riders to the right horses and arrange the group to make sure everyone has a great ride,” says Wilson.

PhotocourtesySamanthaSaisPhotography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Ya-Hoo Corrals offers trail rides for ages six and up, but there are still some fun options to get the little ones in on the experience. Pony rides at the corrals are available for children five and under, and little kids can hop on a horse-drawn carriage ride with a chaperone for no extra charge. Ya-Hoo also offers a horse-drawn carriage ride + BBQ dinner experience. (kids 5 and under are free, including dinner!).

Ya-Hoo also offers private rides on an hourly basis that can include skill building or more advanced riding.

Paddy Kinney thinks a guided trail ride is a wonderful way to experience horses and would recommend the Ya-Hoo Corrals experience to anyone looking for a fun new way to adventure.

“Just being able to drop by, with no expertise – but a curiosity and desire to do something new – and to be able to go out and ride a horse up a beautiful ridge, look out at the lake and just be ‘in it’…and then jump back in your car and leave – without doing any of the grooming and de-saddling and brushing and feeding and cleaning – is an awesome way to get exposed to something like that.”

Ya-hoo strongly recommends reservations 3-5 days in advance during peak summer months. Ya-Hoo is located at 2280 Warren Wagon Rd www.ya-hoocorrals.com 208-634-3360.

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Tours Zip Line

“It is a completely different perspective,” says Morgan Fuller, Director of Guest and Recreational Services at Tamarack Resort. “Seeing the mountain, the valley, everything from above is so different than what you get from the ground.”

The Zip Line Tour at Tamarack Resort is a unique opportunity you won’t find just anywhere. “There is something about trusting the line to hold you,” says Fuller. “It sounds a little dramatic, but it really is a way of ‘letting go’ and giving yourself over to the experience.”

Tamarack’s thrilling, action-packed zipline tour includes eight zip lines and two suspension bridges covering 3,500 feet of stunning mountain terrain. Fly over creeks, canyons, and forest while enjoying stunning views of Lake Cascade and the valley below.

Each tour starts at the Services Building where you get to meet your knowledgeable guides and other members of the group tour. Up to eight guests go on each tour and Tamarack runs about six tours per day.

After orientation is complete and the gear is distributed, the group jumps on the Tamarack Express to start the tour. While some zip line tours are just that, zip lines only, Tamarack’s tour includes almost two miles of trail hiking. “The great part is that it is all downhill,” says Fuller. “Sometimes it is just 100 yards between lines, but in other sections there is a good half mile between zips.”

Lines one and two are designed to get guests comfortable with ziplining and run a bit lower and slower than their subsequent counterparts. The third line starts on a platform and ends on a platform. “This tends to be the first true test of wills, says Fuller. “There is the great, suspenseful build-up before stepping off a ledge and letting the line zip you across the mountain.”

Lines four, five, and six are the longest with incredible views as you traverse over Serenity Canyon. Line five is especially scenic, landing you at the top of a Ponderosa Pine. “That one is always a thrill,” says Fuller. “It doesn’t matter how many times you do it!”

Continued on page 40

Photo courtesy Sherry Harkin

Line seven is the fastest topping out at speeds of 30 to 35 miles per hour before taking you to the idyllic eighth line. For the last zip, guests start along a suspension bridge that leads to a platform. The line takes you over a creek with little waterfalls before landing on another suspension bridge.

Aalong the entire tour are wonderful, experienced guides to entertain you (and keep you safe) along the way. “This isn’t an impersonal tour where we just help you off a platform,” says Fuller. “Our guides make it a true experience and for a few hours, everyone is immersed in the tour…and terrible guide jokes.”

Tamarack’s zip line guides aren’t just knowledgeable when it comes to the equipment and infrastructure, they also offer a wealth of knowledge on local flora, fauna, and recreation. “We are usually picking berries along the way, smelling Ponderosa Pines (they smell like vanilla or butterscotch depending on who you ask), talking about what everyone is going to do later that day or later that week and offering local tips and recommendations,” says Fuller. But underneath all the fun is a solid serious side that puts safety first. “In between jokes,” says Fuller, “our job is to help people. Not just with equipment, but a lot of what we do is help people push past their fear and really have fun doing something new.”

Fuller says there is not much better than seeing a guest start out a bit timid or unsure about going on the first zip to hooting and hollering down the mountain having the time of their life. “There is a lot of teamwork, a lot of camaraderie, and some relationship building happening on every tour,” she says. “I’ve seen friendships cultivated on a tour, people overcome their fears on a tour…it is really an amazingly fun job.”

Want to book a tour? Visit tamarackidaho.com to make your reservation. Tours tend to fill up fast on the weekend, but Tamarack runs their zip line tours from the last week in May (weather dependent) until the snow flies in the late fall so there is ample time to find a tour that works with your schedule. One note: the zip lines do have a pretty precise height and weight requirement. Guests must be between 85 and 260 pounds and clock in at under 6 foot 10 inches tall. For questions, you can call the Resort at (208) 325-1000 or visit tamarackidaho.com

Photo courtesy Sherry Harkin

Photo courtesy Sherry Harkin

Photo courtesySherryHarkin

Photo courtesy Sherry Harkin

Responsible Recreation

A great bonus of choosing a guided adventure is that local guides have a wealth of knowledge on how to Recreate Responsibly and are eager to share that with their clients. Leave No Trace principles are of the utmost importance to protect and preserve the landscape and recreational areas we all love.

Learn more about how you can do your part by visiting lnt.org or recreate.idaho.gov

We would also like to invite you to make the McCall Promise – a pledge to show your love for McCall and leave this place better than you found it.

Feeling inspired by these amazing guides and outfitters? Keep that energy flowing with a few ideas about how you can be your own guide. Visit our “Trip Ideas” section at visitmccall.org and get the inside scoop on local disc golf courses, scenic chairlift rides, self-guided bike tours, hiking trails, water trails, and so much more.

Self Guided

Tours

Photo courtesy Sherry Harkin

SHOP

Adventure Floors and Window Coverings

135 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3115

adventurefloors.com

Albertsons

132 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8166

albertsons.com

Allen Malaise, Wildlife in Bronze Artist

New Meadows, Idaho 83654

208-890-7524

allenmalaise.com

Backcountry Boutique

1000 2nd St., Ste. 101 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-9966

Backcountryboutiquemccall.com

The Barn Owl Books and Gifts

616 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4440

thebarnowlmccall.com

Bella Kitchen

401 E Railroad St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4730

bellakitchen.com

Black Pine Deer Farm

13508 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-325-8886

The Boardroom 304 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3400

boardroomboise.com

Bourne Naughty

307 Park St., Ste. 104 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2064

bournenaughty.com

Brundage Downtown Shop

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/

Cascade Mercantile

120 North Main Street Cascade, Idaho 83611

208-428-6342

cascademercantile.com/

The Christmas House

136 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3333

mccallchristmashouse.com

Costco Wholesale

2051 S Cole Rd. Boise, Idaho 83709

208-321-8745

costco.com

Cross O Meats

5846 Hwy 95 S. Pollock, Idaho 83547

208-628-3868

crossomeats.com

Fish and Fur Outfitters

Parma, Idaho 83660

208-936-5180

fishandfuroutfitters.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

Frisky Fresh Fish 301 Elk Haven Circle Pollock, Idaho 83547 815-739-0394

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

503 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8530

gravitysportsidaho.com

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

Huckleberry Garden Health Food Store 903 N 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8697

huckleberry-garden.com

Idaho Barn Wood 502 N 3rd St., Unit 6 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-553-3445

idahobarnwood.com

Idaho Prep Co. Nampa, Idaho 83651 209-496-5342 idahoprepco.com/

Keep Me in Stitches

136 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2906 kmismccall.com

Krahn’s Home Furnishings 211 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2193

krahnshomefurnishings.com

Leisure Pool and Spa

611 N. 3RD St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7570 leisuremccall.com

Magnum Floors 114 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6292 magnumfloors.net

McCall Farmers Market

141 Moonridge Dr. 208-634-9777

Season: June through October Wednesdays & Saturdays from 11am–1pm

McCall Jewelry Company 207 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4367 mccalljewelrycompany.com

Frisky Fresh Fish brings the freshest, highest quality, and most delicious seafood from Alaska.   Salmon, Halibut, Scallops, Cod and more.

We are proud to source only the most sustainable wildcaught seafood available. We are confident you will see and taste the difference. 815-739-0394 www.friskyfreshfishslc.com

McCall Made 305 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-3187

mccallmade.com

McCall Mattress 13872 Highway 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-7376

McCall Sports 802 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2334

mccallsports.com

The McCall Store 1012 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4581

MCPAWS Thrift Store

301 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4434

mcpaws.org/thrift-store

Mile High Marina & Grille

1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 208-634-8605

milehighmarina.com

Mile High Power Sports

13924 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7007

mhpsmccall.com

Miner’s Grab N Go

147 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2004

minersmccall.com

Monkey Love

304 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8268

monkeylove.shop

Mountain Renewal Skincare & Women’s Consignment Boutique

321 N 3rd St., Ste. 3 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-0762

Natural Grocers

209 N. 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 naturalgrocers.com

Old Town Market

507 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2016

Razzle Dazzle

503 E. Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6698

razzledazzlemccall.com

Rustic Outlet McCall

110 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4445

rusticoutletmccall.com

Silver Linings Home & Gift Boutique

136 E Lake St., Ste. 6 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3363

mccallchristmashouse.com/silver-linings

Toby’s Place Thrift Shop

506 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6583

tobysplace.org

Unique-ARs McCall, Idaho 83638

888-982-8386

unique-ars.com

Wild Onion

805 N 3rd St., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7788

Works Modern

409 S. 3rd St., Suite 2/2 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-469-1106

Worksmodern.com

ART FUL ALCH EMY

MEET THE LOCAL BREWERS MERGING ART AND SCIENCE

By McKenzie Kraemer

It has been said that we are either left-brained or right-brained. That either our logical, mathematical, linear thinking left brain or our artful, intuitive, imaginative right brain is dominant. However recent studies have debunked the idea that we can be only one or the other. We know the two sides of our brain work differently, but that doesn’t mean they don’t work together. And nowhere is this merging of right and left brain more evident than on the floor of a brewhouse.

Brewers Thom Tash and Joe Sullivan at Salmon River Brewery and Kalen Dodge at Broken Horn Brewing in McCall are leading the charge when it comes to using artful alchemy to brew an ever-growing selection of amazing craft beer.

But they all got their start outside of the brewing industry.

Tash had a completely different career in mechanical design and drafting. He says it wasn’t very inspirational and he burned out – that is when he and his wife made the move to McCall where he was hired at McCall Brewing Company. From there, he moved to Kona Brewing and 10 Barrel Brewing before coming back to McCall when a brewmaster position became available at Salmon River Brewery. “It is crazy to think that I have been professionally brewing for 25 years,” says Tash. “30 if you count homebrewing – and McCall is where I brewed my very first batch at home.”

Like Tash, Dodge had a regular 9-5 job but was an avid homebrewer. “Broken Horn Brewing was basically born in my garage,” he says. “I started

Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals

Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals

brewing beer and sharing it with my friends and began to realize we had something pretty decent.” This August, Broken Horn will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Sullivan came to the local brewing scene in a bit of a different way. “It was a stroke of absolute luck finding Joe,” says Tash. With no experience brewing, he answered an employment ad and the rest, as they say, is history. For Sullivan, the combination of skills it takes to brew is extremely appealing. “Brewing on this scale is really physical,” he says, “but it is also really cerebral.” When he got the job he dove right in and read every book on brewing he could find – and continues to do so today. “The industry is constantly evolving and there are so many different things to learn,” he says. “Before brewing I was in the microbiology field. Brewing is essentially microbiology with sugar and yeast and phosphorus.” So, for Sullivan, it was a slightly unconventional, but natural fit.

With a seemingly endless world of new beer options, how do these brewers conceptualize, create, test, and ultimately elevate a new craft beer to the tap?

How Beer Is Made

To have a true appreciation for the art of beer making, you first need to understand the science behind it. “There are no brewing secrets,” says Tash. While there are variations, the basic brewing process (the science!) is universal.

Step 1: Malt

This is the base of every beer recipe. Malt, or malted barley, is barley that has been harvested under very precise conditions, then allowed to sprout. Once the kernels of barley start to sprout, they are dried out and heated. Through this germination process, certain starches and enzymes are created. And that mix of starches and enzymes fuel the magic of brewing.

Each batch typically starts with a base malt that makes up anywhere from 70 to 90 percent of the total malt in the recipe. Then specialty malts are added in that determine the color, flavor, and aroma. The darker the malt, the darker the finished beer.

Continued page 48

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Step 4: Ferment

At this point, our “beer” is called wort, essentially hot barley sugar water. It comes out of the boil kettle at about 190 degrees and sent through a heat exchanger to drop the temperature to between 65 and 68 degrees before it lands in a fermentation tank. The temperature of the wort is important because this is where the yeast is added. Yeast is a living organism that has a very narrow comfort zone in which it can flourish. Once the yeast is added, the beer is allowed to sit and ferment for 10 to 14 days.

Step 2: Mash

To get to the good stuff, those starches and enzymes, the malt is milled and then mixed with hot water. With the right ratio of milled grain to hot water, brewers create an enzymatic reaction that changes the starch to sugar. All within 35 minutes to an hour. Before moving out of this stage, the mash is recirculated and the grain settles to the bottom, acting as a filter before the liquid is pumped to the boil kettle.

Step 3: Boil

The boil kettle is where the action is. At this stage, the “beer” is rinsed as it is flushed from the mash tank to the boil kettle to get the desired ratio of sugar. The more sugar, the more alcohol potential. Once in the kettle, everything is brought to a full boil and the hops are added. The earlier the hops go in, the more bitterness. The later the hops go in, the more aroma.

In this phase, the first three or four days after the yeast is added are very active. As the yeast eats the sugar (fermentation), they create the flavor and aroma compounds and convert some of the sugar into alcohol. Fun fact: when yeast eats sugar, it multiplies. Brewers are then able to collect the yeast at the end of the fermentation process and typically get out two to three times more than they put in. That yeast can then be reused, some as high as 30, or 40, or even 50 generations.

Step 5: Condition

The home stretch after a beer is fermented is conditioning. This is the process of letting the beer further settle and naturally clarify. This is also where beer is carbonated. After about a week, the beer can be kegged. The only exceptions are a really strong beer or a lager that needs a bit of extra conditioning time.

While the steps to brewing beer are predictable, there is always something to keep things interesting. “I actually really like the problem-solving aspect of brewing,” says Sullivan. “You really have to be able to take all of the peripheral data you are listening to, smelling, and seeing and analyze it all to make the best possible decisions.” That, he says, is where the booksmart

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

aspects of brewing really come into play. “We are always trying to take the job further by doing a better job at making better beer.”

“To me, brewing is the perfect combination of art and science,” says Tash. If you are just an artist, you can paint yourself into a corner. If you are only analytical, you may create a flawless beer but it won’t be at all interesting. “It is the process of combining all of those elements,” he says, “of trying to take an idea and put it in a pint glass, that keeps me coming back.”

The Art of Beer

After mastering the basics of brewing, the real art begins. Each brewer has their own style, their own palette, and their own favorites, which are integrated into the beer they create. “It is amazing to work for a brewery that allows such creative freedom,” says Tash. “It gives us an opportunity to do fun and interesting things.” However, this is no easy feat. “It can feel difficult to be creative these days,” says Sullivan, “but we are constantly seeking out new beers to experience and enjoy – the subtle differences make a huge impact.”

So where do the ideas come from? Tash says he first relies on the style of beer. “I am kind of a style freak,” he says. “I find a lot of value in the classic styles from around the world so when we go to try to make a new beer, my first thought is going to be about

Continued page 50

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

what style I want to work with.” The style parameters generally establish the alcohol level, color, hoppiness, maltiness, and yeast character. “Once those building blocks are in place, you can put your own interpretation on that style.”

Lately, Tash and Sullivan have been having fun making lagers and Belgian-style brews…and being quite successful at it. Their Salmon River Brewery Alpenglow Lager won Gold at the North American Brewers Association Beer Awards in 2022. “A lager is a challenge,” says Tash. “They are clean and well-balanced and if you do something wrong it really shows.” Which is why they love balancing that with Belgians. “Belgians are the exact opposite,” he says. “They are crazy, wonderful, and wild, with off-the-charts aromas and flavors.”

For Dodge, his passion is IPAs. “We have our flagship Initial Attack IPA,” he says, “but right now I am really loving the Hazy IPA and our White IPA.” Not only are there slight variations to the brewing process that keep things fun at Broken Horn, but the resulting beer provides a great variety for a style of beer he loves. “At the end of the day,” laughs Dodge, “I want to like the beer!” That is the best standard of testing.

“The only thing lost in becoming a professional brewer or hardcore homebrewer is that you sort of lose the ability to ‘just have a beer,’” says Tash. “We are always evaluating, always comparing, always thinking about how we could tweak it just a bit to make something different.” So, while most of us can sip a pint without giving much thought to the nuances that make it

unique, we are glad brewers like Tash, Sullivan, and Dodge are here to over-analyze it all. “My wife would say I am obsessed,” says Tash. “I say I am passionate.”

And the passion is paying off. With three breweries in our small mountain community, the beer selection is nothing short of astounding. “The brewing community is really great,” says Dodge. “It doesn’t feel like a rivalry, we help each other out, share ideas.” And each brewery has its own vibe. “There is ample room for all of the breweries in our community to thrive,” says Sullivan. “Ample room to continue to create and experiment with different ideas and offerings.”

So, cheers to experimenting! Cheers to science! Cheers to artistry! As long as our brewers keep experimenting and putting out delicious selections, we are certain there will be a dedicated following of beer drinkers at the ready to enjoy their creative chemistry.

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

EVENTS*

This event calendar represents typical happenings you can find throughout the year in McCall. Please visit each group or business website for specific information on each event.

JANUARY

Payette Children’s Forest Winter Adventure

Idaho Free Nordic Ski Day

Youth Ice Fishing Day

Grom Games: Tamarack Resort

McCall Re-Mastered Nordic Race

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge

Live Music Saturdays: The Rendezvous at Tamarack Resort

Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain

FEBRUARY

McCall Starz on Ice

Heritage Night: Little Ski Hill

Brundage Mountain Diva Days

Demo Days: Tamarack Resort

Snowmobile Fun Run: McCall

Snowmobile Club

Valentine’s Day Dinners: Shore Lodge & Rupert’s

President’s Weekend Light Show: Tamarack Resort

USASA Freestyle Series: Tamarack Resort

Winter Jamboree: Cascade

Meadows Valley Snow Jamboree

Women with Bait Tournament: Riggins

Cascade Cup Fishing Tournament

McCallin’ All Cats Vintage Snowcat Jamboree

Destination: Beer

Winemaker Dinner: Shore Lodge

McCall Winter Carnival: Last weekend in February

Live Music Saturdays: The Rendezvous at Tamarack Resort

Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain

MARCH

Beer & Gear Festival: Brundage Mountain

Women with Bait Tournament: Riggins

Snowmobile Crab Feed: Warren

Theatre Production by McCall Arts & Humanities

St. Patrick’s Day Events: Yacht Club & Foresters

Brewski: Tamarack Resort

Spring Break Lunch & a Movie: Shore Lodge

Live Music Saturdays: The Rendezvous at Tamarack Resort

Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain

APRIL

Idaho State Pond Skimming

Championships: Tamarack Resort

Brewlympics, Gelande Quaff & Cardboard

Classic: Brundage Mountain

Snowbox Derby: Tamarack Resort

Salmon River Jet Boat Races: Riggins

Easter Brunch: Shore Lodge & Rupert’s

Community Easter Egg Hunts

Howdy’s Gas and Grub Annual Fishing Tournament

Mountain High Quilt Camp: Quaker Hill

MAY

Donnelly Community Yard and Craft Sale

Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Idaho Gives

Summer Operations Begin: Tamarack Resort

Mother’s Day Celebrations

Riggins Rodeo and Parade

GIG Foundation Annual Fundraiser and Silent Auction: Bistro 45

Historic Roseberry Open House and Volunteer Picnic

Memorial Day Observance

JUNE

Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm

McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-1pm

McCall Arts and Humanities Creative Campus Series: June–August

Tuesdays at the Terrace: Ponderosa Center, June–September

TGIF Summer Concert Series: Brundage Mountain

Seven Devils Playwrights Conference

Idaho Free Fishing Day

Father’s Day Celebrations

McCall Public Library Summer Reading Program

Summer Operations Begin: Brundage Mountain

Sunset Concert Series: Tamarack Resort

Kaleidoscope Children’s Art Festival: Central Idaho Historical Museum

Cowboy Trade Days: Roseberry

Alpha Days: Alpha Grange

Yoga Festival: Tamarack Resort

Progressive Club Fashion Show

Ponderosa Park Run for Payette Lakes Ski Club

Wine Festival: Tamarack Resort

Hells Canyon Days: Cambridge

Riggins Rattle the Canyon

Sais Photography

Photocourtesy Samantha Sais Photog rap hy

JULY

Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm

McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-1pm

McCall Arts and Humanities Creative

Campus Series: June–August

Tuesdays at the Terrace: Ponderosa Center, June–September

McCall Public Library Summer Reading Program

4th of July Celebrations and Fireworks: McCall, Donnelly, Cascade & New Meadows

4th of July Music Festival and Summit Cat

Track 10k: Brundage Mountain

Cruiz’N McCall Car Show

Thunder Mountain Days: Cascade

Roseberry Arts and Crafts Festival

Payette Children’s Forest

Take it Outside Event

McCall Amateur Golf Tournament

Yoga on the Mountain: Brundage Mountain

Roseberry Summer Music Festival

McCall MusicFest presented by McCall Music Society

4 Summit Challenge: Cascade

Adams County Fair and Rodeo

Roseberry Wednesday Night Concert Series

TGIF Summer Concert Series: Brundage Mountain

Sunset Concert Series: Tamarack Resort

Payette Lakes Classic and Wooden Boat Show

Riggins Hot Summer Nights

AUGUST

Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm

McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-1pm

McCall Arts and Humanities Creative

Campus Series: June–August

Tuesdays at the Terrace: Ponderosa Center, June–September

McCall Public Library Summer Reading Program

Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival

Huckleberry Festival: Donnelly

MWSC’s Ski Bum Scramble

AUGUST CONTINUED

Long Valley Pioneer Picnic

Payette Lakes Fine Art and Craft Fair

Cascade Medical Center Foundation Golf Tournament

Payette Lakes Ski Club Mountain Triathlon

TGIF Summer Concert Series: Brundage Mountain

Roseberry Wednesday Night Concert Series

Sunset Concert Series: Tamarack Resort

Yoga on the Mountain: Brundage Mountain

Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament: MeadowCreek

Valley County Fair and Rodeo

Chalk on the Walk: Cascade

Art in the Courtyard

Mountain Brewfest

SEPTEMBER

Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm

McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-1pm

Meadows Valley Days

Fun Run benefitting the Shepherd’s Home & Toby’s Place

Roseberry’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social

Bikes, Brews, and Bluegrass Festival: Tamarack Resort

Alpha Nursery Fall Harvest Festival

Oktoberfest: Tamarack Resort

Judge’s Fishing Day: Cascade

Payette Lake Run

Fall Fest presented by the McCall Chamber

OCTOBER

McCall Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 11am-1pm

Skate By The Lake Hockey Tournament

McCall Curling Club Roktoberspiel

Cascade Lake Run

McPaws Oktoberfest

Payette Lakes Ski Club Ski Swap

Light Festival presented by the Ponderosa Center

Harvest Fest: Donnelly Elementary

Haunted House: Little Ski Hill

Halloween in Donnelly

Halloween Movie Night: Tamarack Resort

Witches and Wizards on the Water

Trunk or Treat Halloween Events

NOVEMBER

Theatre Production by McCall Arts & Humanities Council

Cascade Holiday Bazaar: Ashley Inn

Thanksgiving 6K Turkey Trot: The Club at Aspen Village

McCall Festival of Trees

Hunt Lodge Holiday Bazaar

Tamarack Gives Back

Small Business Saturday

Pray for Snow Party: Brundage Mountain

Thanksgiving Dinner: Shore Lodge, Rupert’s & the Ashley Inn

Community Thanksgiving Dinner: Cascade

Fall Concert: Shore Lodge

DECEMBER

Downtown ShopAround Shop Local, Shop

Late

Downtown Tree Lighting: McCall & New Meadows

Snow Ball benefiting the Payette Lakes Ski Club

Backcountry Film Festival

St. Luke’s McCall

Holiday Happenings

Cascade Community Center

Christmas Craft Fair

McCall Music Society Community

Carol-Along

Breakfast with Santa: Shore Lodge

Pictures with Santa: Various Locations

Santa Paws

Christmas Cookie Decorating: Shore Lodge

Christmas Eve Dinner: Rupert’s & Ashley Inn

Christmas Dinner: Shore Lodge

Santa Skis: Brundage Mountain

Village Holiday Lighting Ceremony: Tamarack Resort

Holiday Ice Show: Manchester Ice & Events Center

Live Music Saturdays: The Rendezvous at Tamarack Resort

Light Up the Night: Brundage Mountain

New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Tamarack Resort & Shore Lodge

Lynley Rosa

Handmade Hats and a Legacy of Love

By April Thomas Whitney

In an unassuming building on an unassuming street corner in Donnelly, Idaho, sits a treasure trove of history.

The narrow wooden structure was originally built in nearby Roseberry in 1907 but was relocated to Donnelly in 1917 when the railroad first stretched through the valley, surreptitiously bypassing the most well-established town of that era.

The whitewashed building with a western façade reading “First State Bank” is like the cover of a first-edition classic. Its hard-earned patina is interesting in its own right, but the chapters that unfold inside hold stories of love and loss, survival and redemption.

The signs that read “Hats” and “Silver Tip Hat Co” hint at the most obvious chapter of the story. Thanks to a series of happy coincidences, the art of hat making has been kept alive between these walls, even after the 2021 passing of local milliner legend, Randy Priest.

Lynley Rosa relocated to McCall in 2020 and was instantly fascinated by the stories of the hat shop and the charming artisan inside. A couple years earlier, Priest had posted a call for an apprentice on Facebook, “Does anyone want to be cool like me and learn this craft?” When Lynley went to meet Randy for the first time, her answer was a resounding “Yes!”

The pair instantly clicked in that way that once-in-a-lifetime friendships sometimes do. “He started telling me all the stories of his life and I shared my story,” Rosa says as the corners of her mouth turn up and her eyes start to sparkle. “Randy was so special to me. I just knew him a short amount of time but he changed my life. “

Photo courtesy Jensen Nemec, Come Alive Visuals

Photo courtesy Jensen Nemec, Come Alive Visuals

Lynley had always loved fashion and grew up around horses, so she was eager to learn everything Randy knew. Her first task was sewing in sweatbands by hand, patiently lining up each stitch. Randy showed her how to measure a head, as well as steam and stretch the beaver felt “blanks” over a carefully-selected wood block. From there, she learned to tie off the brim break and meticulously hand-sand the felt.

Randy’s methods and tools were anything but modern, but his creations were legendary. The crown iron used in the shop dates back to the 1890s. It was one of the first pieces of equipment that Lynley purchased from Randy as their partnership – and friendship –blossomed.

“I’m super sentimental. Everything has a story and a meaning to me. That’s just how it’s been in my life. Randy always told me “I learned from trial and error, that’s your best teacher.” I just wish we would have gotten more time together,” says Rosa.

At the time, neither of them knew that 79-year-old Priest was developing ALS, he just knew that his hands were sore and unsteady. He was excited to have an eager apprentice to help with the most painstaking processes. Every single step of making these timeless creations is done by hand.

Continued page 56

emo lAlausiVevi s

Photo courtesy Jensen Nemec, Come Alive Visuals

YOU CAN IMPACT THE FUTURE OF WEST CENTRAL IDAHO

Payette Land Trust is dedicated to conserving the rural landscapes of West Central Idaho for the benefit of our communities; protecting the scenic, agricultural, recreational,

historic, and wildlife character of the region.

LEARN LEARN MORE MORE

“I like the old stuff,” says Lynley. “I’m learning so much still, I don’t know that you can ever learn it all, I’m trying to stick with the classics and put a personal touch on them.”

It takes Lynley about 13 hours to make each custom ordered hat. She uses only 100% beaver felt, the gold standard in the industry. She also brings her own aesthetic to some of the designs but finds herself naturally attracted to the classics. Choosing tradition over trendiness is working well for her so far. She says a lot of her customers are looking for hats inspired by the Yellowstone television series (she’s done a few “Rips” and is working on a “Kayce” right now), but several others have stopped in, seen one of the hats she created for herself, and said, “That. That’s exactly what I want.”

Lynley frequently partners with local saddle maker and silversmith Bart Chisham who creates one-of-a-kind leather bands, buckles, and embellishments. Lynley is freshening up the inside of the shop with a fresh coat of paint, some new shelves and updated lighting. She’ll continue to carry silk scarves, has brought in some gorgeous designer silver jewelry, and is now the exclusive Stetson retailer for Western Idaho.

“I just want to be here, be of service to the community, and have a place. I’m bringing in my stuff that I like and so far that’s all working out,” says Rosa. “I’ve been well received it’s been really precious to me.”

Just like when Randy ran the shop, people can bring in their worn hats for Lynley to clean and refurbish. She says that’s one of her favorite parts of the job, because everyone –and everything – has a story.

Photo courtesy Jensen Nemec, Come

“I believe that the events in our lives bring wear and tear, scars and marks, shaping us the same way a hat is shaped and worn over time,” says Rosa. “I think Randy felt the same way, that someone’s wearing a hat that I made and they’re going wherever on their journey and the hat is part of their story.”

Lynley’s own story has been shaped by both love and loss. Her first husband, a fire captain, was fatally shot in the line of duty in 2018. Processing her heartbreak, finding love again, meeting Randy, honing her hat making craft and honoring Randy’s legacy are all part of her redemption story.

In spite of all she’s learned from Randy, Lynley’s hats won’t carry the Silver Tip label. She thinks that should be reserved for hats that Randy made himself. LA Rosa is Lynley’s new brand, stamped in gold foil on each of her creations by a 100-year-old Kingsley Machine she stumbled across and scooped up last year. As for the timeworn building, the Silver Tip sign will remain, but her shop will officially be called “Four of Hearts”. One for her first husband, one for the group of widows who helped support her through her grief, one for her new fiancé, and as you might have guessed, the fourth heart is for Randy.

“He was a legend and an amazing guy – I’m trying to carry on what he would have done if he was still here. I always want to honor him in any way I can.”

For more of Lynley’s story, visit www.larosahatco.com

Valeria Yost Margareta Lipinsky

Sonia Helfer

Sharon Herther

Photo courtesy Jensen Nemec, Come Alive Visuals

EAT

Albertsons

132 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8166

albertsons.com

The Bar at Shore Lodge

501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2244

shorelodge.com/dining

Banyans on the Green

925 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6575

banyansonthegreen.com

Bistro 45

1101 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4515

bistro45mccall.com

Brunchette on the Lake

317 E Lake St., Ste B1 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-849-4040

brunchette.com

Café 6 three 4

500 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4634

cafe6three4@gmail.com

Clearwater Coffee Company

760 Village Drive #102

Tamarack, Idaho 83615

(208) 325-1017

tamarackidaho.com/dining/clearwater-coffee

The Coffee Shop at Shore Lodge

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

Dee’z Squeeze

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-469-9475

deezsqueeze.com

Fogglifter Café

1003 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5507

Frenchie’s on Third

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

Ice Cream Alley

310 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4700

The Intersection BBQ

206 Virginia St. New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-347-4499

the-intersection-bbq-bar-grill.business.site

Jug Mountain Ranch Clubhouse Restaurant

13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5072

jugmountainranch.com/clubhouse-restaurant

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 208-634-8191

lardogrillandsaloon.com

Mile High Marina & Grille

1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 208-634-8605 milehighmarina.com

The Mill Steak and Spirits 324 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7683

Miner’s Grab N Go

147 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2004

minersgrabngo.com

Mountain Java & The Back Room Bar 501 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-2027

idahojavamammas.com/mountainjava/

My Father’s Place

901 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4401

mfpmccall.com

The Narrows Steakhouse at Shore Lodge 501 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2244

shorelodge.com/dining

Natural Grocers 209 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

naturalgrocers.com

North Fork Coffee Roasters

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

Payette Dream 314 E. Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2746

Pueblo Lindo

1007 W Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2270

Ragazza Di Bufalo

319 Main St.

Donnelly, Idaho 83615

208-325-3463

cheftopple.com/bufalodonnelly

Ragazza di Lago

Creative Mediterranean Cuisine

203 E Lake Street McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4665

cheftopple.com/lago

The Rendezvous

Includes El Pueblo Taqueria, Triple B Diner and Summit Bowls

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/menues/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 and Grill at Brundage Mountain Resort

3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4151

brundage.com

Stacey Cakes

136 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2537

staceycakes.online

Steamers Steak and Seafood

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

Tamarack Resort

311 Village Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-325-1000

tamarackidaho.com

Toll Station Pizza

410 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7818

tollstationpizza.com

Village Market

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

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1989

Forged from over 34 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.

SIP & SAVOR

FORAGING FOR MORELS AND HUCKLEBERRIES

It’s no secret that winters can be long in McCall. As the sun begins to shine in the spring, you will find us investigating shady tree wells and forested areas for our favorite fruits and fungi.

Want to try your hand at foraging for morels and huckleberries? Here are a few local tips to get you started…and some amazing recipes from our local chefs to help you make the most of your haul. Who’s ready to get some dirt under their nails and end the day with purple-stained fingers? We are!

MORELS

Morel mushrooms are basically the unofficial food of McCall. They are easy to identify, widespread, and give us all a reason to get out of the house come spring. If you are headed out to find your own batch of Morels, we have a few tips to get you started.

Morels like spring temperatures in McCall. Keep an eye on the thermometer and when daytime temps get to be around 60 degrees and nighttime temps hover around 40 degrees, you know you are in the right season. To find these gems, stay on the sunny side of the mountain. They often pop up on south-

Continued page 62

facing slopes, though can be found on north-facing slopes later in the season. Morels also love trees. While these mushrooms often grow wherever the wind blows them, you can usually rely on finding a few beneath the shelter of trees and along the edge of forested areas. And don’t discount dead or dying trees – they can often be a haven for Morels.

While picking, cut off the dirt end of the stem before placing them in your bag. This way you won’t add a lot of extra work for yourself when you get them home! Don’t clean them until you are ready to cook them. To clean fresh morels, rinse full mushrooms in cold water. Once rinsed, lay in a single layer on a towel to briefly dry. If you are trying to use up older morels, give them a quick soak in warm, salted water. This will help to pull out any bugs or debris that may be lurking. After soaking, lay in a single layer on a towel to briefly dry.

HERB ROASTED LAMB CHOPS WITH MORELS FROM TAMARACK RESORT

INGREDIENTS:

1 lamb rack cleaned and frenched

1 lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 2" pieces

1 cup spinach

DIRECTIONS:

1 tsp minced garlic

½ cup white wine

½ cup morel mushrooms

Olive oil

• Season potatoes with salt and pepper then toss lightly with olive oil and roast in the oven at 250ºF for about 15-20 mins.

• Season the lamb with salt and pepper and fresh herbs of your choice.

• Heat a cast iron pan and sear the lamb until nice and golden. Transfer to oven at 400ºF cook until your desired temperature.

• In a sauté pan heat some olive oil and butter. Toss in spinach and add garlic. Deglaze pan with white wine. Remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan add morel mushrooms and sauté for about 3-4 minutes.

• Pull the lamb from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 mins before carving. Serve with potatoes and enjoy.

MOREL RANGOONS FROM FRENCHIES ON THIRD

INGREDIENTS:

1 package wonton wrappers

1 package cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup goat cheese

2 cups cleaned & sliced morel mushrooms

½ sweet yellow onion, diced

DIRECTIONS:

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 Tbsp butter

1 tsp dry italian seasoning

½ tsp smoked paprika

Salt & pepper to season

Optional: crumbled bacon

Olive oil spray or Pam

• In a sauté pan over medium heat, spray or very lightly oil the pan. Cook mushrooms alone to allow excess water to release and evaporate.

Photo courtesy Tamarack Resort

• Add butter and onions. Let sweat for about 2 minutes. Add garlic and allow to become fragrant; about 2 minutes. Add seasoning and let cook 2 more minutes stirring to ensure nothing burns. Lower heat if necessary.

• Pull mixture aside and allow to cool.

• In a mixing bowl, whisk the cream cheese. Add goat cheese and whisk briefly to incorporate.

• Once mushroom mixture is cool, fold into the cheese mixture. At this point, taste the mixture. Add any preferred bacon, salt, or pepper (taste with bacon before adding any salt or pepper).

• Place mixture in the fridge to let cool as this will make for easier handling.

Set up a station for rolling rangoons: 1 cutting board or clean work surface, cup of warm water, towel for finger tips, 1 oz “ice cream” scoop or teaspoon, wonton wrappers, mushroom mixture, sheet pan for finished rangoons with either spray, liner or rack.

• Working in small batches: Place wrapper flat and add approximately 1 oz mixture in the middle. Use fingertips to dampen all edges of wonton wrappers. Pinch opposing corners together and then pinch the sides to seal the wrappers tightly. Add more water as needed.

• Place completed tray in the fridge.

• Preheat oven to 425ºF. Spray rangoons with olive oil Spray. Cook 12-15 minutes until crisp and center is warm.

• Serve plain or add an optional sauce. We love a quick mix of Mae Ploy and Peach Jam. Feeling motivated? Huckleberry Jalapeno Jelly would be lovely.

Continued page 68

LIVE

ADVERTISING AND PRINTING

Idaho Business Review

4696 W Overland Rd., Ste. 180 Boise, Idaho 83705

208-336-3768

idahobusinessreview.com

Payette Ink & Embroidery

212 N 3rd St., Ste. C McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6520

Payetteink.com

Rocky Mountain Signs

122 Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2045

rm-signs.com

Sparklight

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-455-5555

877-687-1332

sparklight.com

ARCHITECTS

AND BUILDERS

Buildsmith Construction

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-841-5557

Buildsmithnw@gmail.com

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

Maupin Homes

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-954-6846

maupinhomes.com

McCall Craftsman Homes, Inc.

208-634-3273

mccallcraftsmanhomes.com

Mountain Element Construction, LLC

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-0256

mountainelementconstruction.com

Mountain Town Homes

215 Commerce St., Unit 2 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-866-3701

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. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3113

robnettpropertiesmccall.com

USG Homes

208-530-1176

usghomes.com

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

Bruneel Point S

617 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2252

pointstire.com/mccall

CKR USA

Kart Racing Chassis & Components

225 Commerce St., Ste. C McCall, Idaho 83638

208-384-5278

ckr-usa.com

Glass Pro McCall

325 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5050

glasspromccall@gmail.com

Lakeview Chevron Service

300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7544

lakeviewchevron.com

Photo courtesyBrett Johnson

courtesyMcCallArea Chamber

Alturas Wealth Management & CPA Services

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-991-8789

AmeriTitle McCall

507 E Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-6363 amerititle.com

The Brandon Roberts Group

411 Deinhard Ln. #F118 McCall, Idaho 83638

714-585-3230

Brandonroberts360.com

Charity Andersen State Farm Insurance and Financial Services

409 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-6134 charitysf.com/

Lexi Dean, Guaranteed Rate McCall, Idaho 83638 208-202-7807 rate.com/lexidean

Edward Jones-Michael A. Vineyard

616 N. N 3rd St., Ste 105 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5855 edwardjones.com

Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.

331 Deinhard Ln., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-4056

fairwayindependentmc.com

First American Title

616 N 3rd St., Ste. 101 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4705

gofirstam.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

PrimeLending

114 N 3rd St., Ste 2A McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2200

christine.reino@primelending.com

Signet Mortgage

3060 S Rookery Ln.

Boise, Idaho 83706

208-634-2767

signetmortgage.com/boise

Shelli Campbell, Security National Mortgage Co.

116 N. 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-941-2666

snmc.com/lo/shellicampbell/?CID=2740

TitleOne

1101 W River St., Ste. 201 Boise, Idaho 83702 208-424-8511

titleonecorp.com

Umpqua Bank

900 2nd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8185

umpquabank.com

Wealth Management Associates

873 E State St.

Eagle, Idaho 83616

208-344-1900

wealth-mgt.net/idaho/our-team/ron-coate/ CHURCHES

Elk Creek Church 14102 Highway 55

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-631-1938

elkcreekchurch.com

McCall Church of the Nazarene

223 Hewitt St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5775

mccallnazarene.org

McCall Community Congregational Church

901 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5430

mccallucc.org

McCall Seventh-Day Adventist Church

3592 Long View Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-0053

mccallid.adventistchurch.org

Mountain Life Church

14180 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3037

mymlc.org

Our Savior Lutheran Church

100 Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5905

oslcmccall.com

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

1001 Gable St. McCall, ID

208-634-2796

Standrewsmccall.org

CITY, COUNTY AND STATE GOVERNMENT

Adams County

201 Industrial Ave. Council, Idaho 83612

208-253-4561

co.adams.id.us

City of Cascade

105 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83638

208-382-4279

cascadeid.us

City of Donnelly

169 Halferty St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615

208-325-8859

cityofdonnelly.org

City of McCall

216 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7142

mccall.id.us

City of New Meadows

401 Virginia St. New Meadows, Idaho 83654

208-347-2171

newmeadowsidaho.us

Idaho Department of Labor

550 & 555 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7102 labor.idaho.gov

Valley County 219 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611 208-382-7100 co.valley.id.us

CLEANING

SERVICES

Disaster Kleenup

701 N. Kings Road Nampa, Idaho 83687 208-887-0004 iddk.com

Disaster Response of Idaho 13888 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3100

disasteridaho.com

High Mountain Cleaning and Property Services, LLC 208-741-2395 hmcleaningandproperty.com/ Lakeshore Disposal

200 Industrial Loop McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7176

McCall Carpet and Air Duct Cleaning

411 Deinhard Ln., Ste. F233 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-7603

mccallcarpetandair.com

Pim’s Carpet, Rug and Upholstery Cleaners

208-628-4211

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

mountainvalleynetworks.com

ROASTED MOREL MUSHROOM AND ASPARAGUS BREAKFAST STRATA FROM RUPERT’S AT HOTEL MCCALL

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb thick asparagus, cut into 2" sticks

1 lb morel mushrooms, cut into halves or quartered

½ cup chopped prosciutto or bacon

½ cup chopped green onions

3 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley and thyme)

12 large eggs

3 cups half and half

1 ½ cups shredded Havarti

1 ½ tsp kosher salt

½ tsp cracked black pepper

12 oz brioche or French bread, torn into bite size pieces

DIRECTIONS:

• Grease a 9x13 baking dish and set aside.

• Toss cleaned morels and asparagus pieces together with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a cookie sheet in one layer and bake at 375ºF for about 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

• In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs, half and half, salt, pepper, and herbs. Whisk well. Stir in cheeses, prosciutto/bacon, and green onions.

• Tear the bread loaf into 1-2 inch chunks and place them in the baking dish with the cooled mushrooms and asparagus.

• Pour the egg mixture over the top of the bread. Use a spatula to fold the bread over, gently, to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover and chill until ready to bake.

• Let the strata mixture rest for at least one hour (or overnight for an easy make-ahead recipe).

• Preheat oven to 350ºF. Bake, uncovered, for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden-brown and puffy in the center. Insert a sharp knife into the center to check that the eggs are set. If not, bake another 5-10 minutes. Cool 5 minutes before cutting. Serve warm!

MOREL STEAK SAUCE FROM CROSS O MEATS

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tbsp olive oil

½ cup heavy whipping cream

1 Tbsp beef paste bullion (Better than Bouillon)

¼ bundle green onion chopped

¼ bundle parsley, chopped (no stems)

1 Tbsp garlic, minced

¾ cup whiskey of choice

¾ cup wine of choice

4 cups morel mushrooms

DIRECTIONS:

• In a small pan, add olive oil and green onions and sauté.

• In a large saucepan, add whiskey and beef paste. Cook down for 5-8 minutes until the whiskey smell is not as strong. Add the onions during this process.

• Add wine and cook down until sauce thickens.

• Add garlic and parsley, keep cooking down. Sauce should be thick.

• Once the parsley is soft, add mushrooms. The sauce will get watery because of the mushrooms.

• Cook down until sauce thickens; add salt and pepper to taste.

• Add heavy whipping cream until the sauce is thick and bubbling.

• Pour over a delicious Cross O Steak and enjoy!

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.

Finding a bountiful huckleberry patch can require a bit of adventure. Start by getting to the right elevation (between 4,000 and 6,000 feet). Forest Service and old logging roads are a great way to access these high country areas. Huckleberry shrubs range in size from 2 feet to 6 feet and some of the best patches can be found in shaded areas. Keep in mind that huckleberries are a favorite food of bears. While it is rare for a bear to attack, be sure to

make some noise as you work your way through a patch and always carry a canister of bear spray just in case!

The leaves of a huckleberry bush are deep green with thin stems while the berries are small with blue-black skin. When picked, juice from the berries can run from purple to red. Huckleberries typically ripen between July and September in the McCall area.

To clean your huckleberries, pour them in a large bowl and cover them with water. Any stems and leaves that may remain will float to the top and be skimmed off. Drain in a colander then spread them on a towel to dry. Once dry, huckleberries can be frozen and preserved. For the best results, pack the berries into bags and vacuum seal.

HOMEMADE

APPLE-HUCKLEBERRY

JUICE FROM DEEZ SQUEEZE

INGREDIENTS:

32 oz apple juice

4 oz huckleberries, juiced in a hand lemon squeezer

Lemon

DIRECTIONS:

• If you have a juicer, juice 4 lbs of apples; but 32 oz of the storebought juice works great, too! Crush the huckleberries and strain the juice. We like using a hand lemon squeezer for the job. Add a dash of fresh lemon juice and mix well. Garnish with a few huckleberries and a sprig of mint!

Continued page 70

Our family business provides a clean, quality, local expereince, so you can sit back and enjoy the mountains. Find out more about us on our website and social media!

304 EAST LAKE STREET OPEN DAILY 11AM-6PM

PAN ROASTED DUCK WITH HUCKLEBERRY DEMI FROM TAMARACK RESORT

INGREDIENTS:

2 duck breasts

1 cup huckleberries

2 shallots, rough chopped

4 garlic cloves

½ cup red wine

1 sprig rosemary

2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 cups beef stock

1 Tbsp butter

DIRECTIONS:

Duck:

• Score the fat on the breast and season with salt and pepper.

• In a cold pan place the duck fat side down and render the fat until crispy.

• Roll the duck breast over and cook until your desired temperature.

Huckleberry Demi:

• In a saucepan add the shallots, red wine, garlic, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar and reduce by half.

• Add the huckleberries and beef stock and reduce by half.

• Strain the sauce back into the pan and whisk in the butter. This will give the sauce a nice sheen and rich flavor.

• Serve the duck topped with sauce and a side of your favorite vegetable.

HUCKLEBERRY DUTCH BABY FROM CAFÉ 6 THREE 4

INGREDIENTS:

4 Tbsp salted butter

2 eggs

1 cup milk

1 cup flour

2 cups huckleberries

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 400ºF.

• Place the butter in a 12-inch cast iron pan. Place in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the butter.

• While the butter melts, combine the flour, eggs, and milk in a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is thoroughly combined and no lumps remain, about 2 minutes, stopping the blender to scrape down the sides if needed.

• Remove the pan from the oven and carefully pour the batter into the pan. Top with Huckleberries. Return the pan to the oven and bake until the sides are puffed up around 35 min.

• When the Dutch baby is cooked, remove from the oven. At the table, sprinkle confectioners’ sugar on top to garnish. Serve with syrup (or dare we suggest huckleberry syrup?!).

HUCKLEBERRY TART FROM STACEY CAKES

INGREDIENTS:

1 frozen pie crust

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

4 oz white chocolate, melted

Zest and juice of 1 lime

1 cup huckleberries

½ cup sugar

½ lemon, juiced

1 Tbsp cornstarch

DIRECTIONS:

• Heat oven to 400ºF. Prepare pie crust as directed on package for a one crust baked shell using a 9-inch tart pan with removable bottom. Place crust in pan and press in bottom and up the sides. Bake at 400ºF for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

• While the shell is cooking, make the filling. In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Beat in melted white chocolate until blended. Stir in salt, zest, and juice from one lime and stir together until incorporated.

• Spread the filling in cooled, baked shell.

• Make the huckleberry compote. In a saucepan combine the huckleberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice together. Cook over medium heat until it thickens slightly (10-15 minutes, stirring as needed).

• Cool compote completely. Once cooled, pour compote on top of the cream cheese filling. Refrigerate tart for at least one hour before serving.

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

maysecurity.com

Valley Office Systems

5523 Kendall St.

Boise, Idaho 83706

208-384-5954

valleyofficesystems.com

HEALTHCARE

Adams County Health Center

205 N Berkley Ave.

Council, Idaho 83612

208-253-4242

achcid.org

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

Pro-Active Physical Therapy

319 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-8517

proactivephysicaltherapyofmccall.com

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 and Resource

106 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-908-2791

trinityhomecareresource.com

HOME AND CONSTRUCTION

A-1 Heating and Air Conditioning

140 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1586

a1heating.com

Adventure Floors and Window Coverings

135 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3115

adventurefloors.com

All Seasons Refrigeration

New Meadows, Idaho 83654

(208) 995-5498

ASR21AP@gmail.com

Austin Excavating and Tractor Service

918 Flynn Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-3431

austinexcavatingandtractor.com

Bullseye Blinds

McCall, Idaho

208-315-0459

bullseyeblinds@gmail.com

Conifer Inspections

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-1765

coniferinspections.com

DF Development LLC

PO Box 111

Cisco, Texas 76437

Disaster Kleenup

701 N. Kings Road Nampa, Idaho 83687

208-887-0004

iddk.com

Disaster Response of Idaho

13888 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-3100

disasteridaho.com

Edgewood Log Homes

13526 Highway 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-6632

Edgewoodlog.com

EnergySEAL Air Barrier Systems

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

Freelon Property Services 13878 Highway 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0271

freelon-property-services-llc.business.site

Garage Door Guy LLC. PO Box 4352 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-3421

garagedoorguyidaho.com

Glass Pro McCall

325 Commerce St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5050

glasspromccall@gmail.com

Halliday Home Remodeling 208-271-6078

hallidayhomeremodeling.com

Photo courtesy Case Conti

Visuals

LET US WORK FOR YOU

Hawk, Inc. Construction and Property Services

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-4492

hawkestates.com

High Desert Wildlife & Pest Solutions

9495 Galloway Rd. Middleton, Idaho 83644

208-590-3364

highdesertwildpest.com

Ice Dam Bros McCall, Idaho 83638

208-469-4446

icedambrosmccall.com/

Idaho Barn Wood

502 N 3rd St., Unit 6 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-553-3445

idahobarnwood.com

Idaho HOA

495 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-8585

idahohoa.com

In House Carpet One Floor & Home

208-591-0756

leigh@discoverinhouse.com

Inland Marine

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2875

inlandmarine.org

Inventive Renovations

13765 Horizon View Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-871-2359

Inventiverenovations.com

JT & Company

Excavations Services and More Donnelly, Idaho 83615

208-484-8111

Lakeshore Disposal

200 Industrial Loop McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7176

wasteconnections.com/lakeshore-disposal

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

maysecurity.com

Pine Mountain Builders of McCall

13761 Grouse Knoll Pl. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-1240

pinemntbuilders.com

Redman Butler Construction McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-2346 redmanbutler.com

Resolute Restoration McCall, Idaho 83638 844-774-3246 resoluterestoration.com

Restoration North 600 River St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-4122 restonorth.com

RoePaint.com McCall, Idaho 83638 208-991-0567 roepainting.com

Sawtooth Paint

1061 N Barkvine Ave. Star, Idaho 83669 208-600-5073

Tates Rents 106 S Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5709 tatesrents.com

Three Fish Design 109 Fish Trap Rd. Riggins, Idaho 83549 208-559-8447

109threefishdesign@gmail.com

Westside Electric Company McCall, Idaho 83638 208-484-5193

INSURANCE, ATTORNEYS AND BUSINESS SERVICES

1st Point Bookkeeping

200 Scott St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-863-0490

1stpointbookkeeping.com/

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

Benton Insurance

283 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-3253

farmersagent.com/dbenton

Kelly’s Whitewater Park Academy

Building Confidence and Community On The Water

By McKenzie Kraemer

Along a pristine stretch of the North Fork of the Payette River in Cascade, Idaho is Kelly’s Whitewater Park. Built in 2010 by founders Mark and Kristina Pickard, the park was established in honor of Kristina’s late sister, Kelly. Her love of sports and dedication to children are the driving force behind the park’s programming. Making the river available to everyone, no matter the skill or income level, is imperative. “We wanted to ensure that local students would have an opportunity to learn a lifelong sport, as well as river safety,” says Mark Pickard, founder.

This haven for outdoor recreation and water sports has become a destination for families, whitewater enthusiasts, and professional athletes alike. And while it is easy to see the amenities like volleyball courts, bocce courts, and horseshoe pits as well as the main attraction, the whitewater park in the river, there is one aspect of Kelly’s that often flies under the radar…Kelly’s Academy.

“The Kelly’s Academy is one of the strongest programs in the country,” says Chuck Glynn, professional SUP athlete and Director of Kelly’s Academy, “all right here in your backyard.”

Each summer for two weeks, around 100 students and 12 instructors immerse themselves in learning and teaching kayaking, river surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding. The Academy is offered free of charge for

Continued page 78

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo

raphy

Your Partner in Health

We’re advancing health care in McCall in 2023 with an expanded and modernized hospital, a new urgent care clinic and a new medication locker that makes filling prescriptions easier than ever.

any child ages 10 to 18 (or until high school graduation) as long as they are a full-time resident in Valley County. The kayaks, paddle boards, life jackets, helmets, paddles, and all necessary equipment are provided for the student’s use during each session.

“All you really need is your swimsuit and some sunblock,” says Rachel Huckaby, Kelly’s Whitewater Park event coordinator.

Kelly’s Academy offers four sessions of beginner instruction and four sessions of intermediate/advanced instruction in each of the three disciplines. Each session is three days of class for 3.5 hours each day, a total of 10.5 hours of instruction. “In the beginning,” says Glynn, “we ran sessions for 2.5 hours per day for four days.” But as the program picked up steam and more kids wanted to participate, they had to adjust. “This new structure has been a win-win,” says Glynn. “We are able to accommodate more students and are seeing the kids retain so much more and progress so much faster with the extra hour each day of practical instruction.”

And the instruction is one of the things that makes Kelly’s Academy so unique. “What makes this camp so special is that we have the world’s best athletes in the whitewater field as coaches and mentors,” says Glynn, who himself got his start at the Academy competing, rather than coaching. “My first experience at Kelly’s was actually at the Payette River Games,” he says. With a background in ocean surfing and paddleboard racing, Kelly’s asked him to stay on for an extra week and start a river surfing class. “It kind of changed my life,” Glynn says.

Fast-forward ten years and Glynn is not only still coaching, but also responsible for finding the 12 instructors each year. And these are no ordinary instructors. Kelly’s Academy attracts world champions, world record holders, Team USA members, and

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

professionally sponsored athletes from across the world. “The biggest challenge is managing schedules each year,” says Glynn. With athletes like Alec, Hayden, and Connor Voorhees, Nick Troutman, Dan Gavere, and Claire O’Hara, the Academy typically selects its annual dates around big whitewater events. “There is a pretty consistent schedule each year that follows the runoff across the country and we try to find dates for the Academy when some of these athlete instructors will already be in the area,” says Glynn.

But even if an athlete isn’t close by around the time the Academy kicks off, Glynn says that he is always amazed at how people rework their schedules so they won’t miss out on the two weeks in Idaho. “At the end of the day, our instructors drop what they are doing to come because they believe in this program,” says Glynn. “It’s amazing for them to drive across the country on their own time just to come teach…we have really become family.”

Which is why Glynn continues to be so dedicated himself. “A lot has changed since I started with the Academy,” he says. “I have a four-year-old, a two-year-old, and a wife who have been super supportive of my taking off from our home in San Diego each year to come teach. And while it can be tough at times, the thing that keeps me coming back is the reward I get seeing this park come to life and watching these students thrive.”

And thrive they do. So much so that it isn’t rare to have past students move on to become junior instructors and take part in the Academy under the guidance and mentorship of the senior instructors. “It is so cool to watch everything come full circle,” says Glynn. Which has been a goal of the Academy all along – to help build local talent to continue to share the knowledge, skills, and safety aspects of whitewater sports. “We want to help kids get comfortable and skilled enough that they can pursue these sports as a hobby, as a passion, or as a career.”

Brendan LaFay is one such student turned junior instructor. “I first started the Academy when I was 10,” says LaFay, “and have been in the kayaking classes ever since.” He credits the instructors with being the main reason he has improved as a kayaker. “Being around all of these world-class kayakers is a great environment,” he says. “They are always

Continued page 80

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

pushing you to be your best but making it fun while they do that. Plus, it is pretty cool to learn from kayakers you watch on YouTube and social media. They are some of the best in the world.”

A big part of the Academy’s instruction is focused on water safety. “While this is a really fun, safe environment we establish at the Academy, one of our main goals is to not just teach the sport, but to also teach the skills they need that could possibly save a life one day,” says Glynn. LaFay says that is one of the most valuable take-aways he has from the Academy. “Along with

improving my kayaking skills, I have also gained a lot of knowledge about safety and confidence in what to do if I or someone I’m with gets into trouble on the water,” he says.

“One of the things that our instructors are so good at is taking preventative action and really understanding the risk management aspects of river sports,” says Glynn. “They are constantly assessing to ensure that risks are mitigated and that the kids come out with a positive experience.” Glynn says they will often take the time to pause in class if someone from the public floats by without a lifejacket or proper equipment. “We try to use every situation as a learning opportunity to help build their confidence.” And a lot of that teaching is done through fun and games. “We want kids to be relaxed and calm in the water,” says Glynn. Games like “sponge toss” in the kayak class help get students used to having water splashed in their faces, how to paddle for a target, and if their kayak flips over, how to not panic and tap the bottom of their boat for an instructor to come help them roll over. Similarly, in the paddleboard class, games like “Simon says” give kids a chance to practice holding on to their paddle if they fall off and how to assess the water and swim for an eddy. “Some of the best memories I have at the Academy are the games like kayak polo and the sponge game,” says LaFay.

“All of my kids have been in the Academy,” says Huckaby, “and the number one thing I love about this program is that it has taught my kids to be safe in the river.” Which is a critical skill when the river is such a focal point of our communities. “The instructors are so enthusiastic,” she says, “and are really good at making the kids feel comfortable while also helping them push through their fears.” Huckaby says she has loved watching her

Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography

Photocourtesy Samantha Sa

kids learn how to read the water, not just along the stretch in the park, but in a way that they could take their skills to any river and translate the knowledge they have learned. “It makes me so much more comfortable with having my kids in the river knowing they can do it safely.”

Which is a secondary focus of the program says Glynn…helping parents feel confident in their kids’ ability around water. So, they have started to work on involving parents more, helping them understand the equipment and how to be a sideline coach after the sessions wrap up. “Last year we did a river swim,” Glynn says. Every willing parent was outfitted in life jackets, wetsuits, footwear, and all the safety gear their kids use in class, then they

floated through the whitewater with the instructors. “One parent was in tears starting out,” says Glynn. “At first it was because of fear, but by the end, it was tears of joy – like ‘I can do this, I’m not afraid.’”

And that confidence is exactly what the Academy, and Kelly’s Whitewater Park, is for. “This park was built so local kids could use it,” says Huckaby. “We want our community to know how to be in the water safely and really enjoy the park.” And each summer, one student at a time, Kelly’s Academy is helping fulfill that goal. “The park and the Academy exist as Kelly’s legacy to the world,” says Pickard. “To date, we have had more than 1,800 students pass through the Academy.” A legacy, indeed.

Photo courtesy Saman tha Sais Photography

MAGNUM FLOORS

Carpet

• Hardwood Sales & Installation

Office: 208-630-6292

Cell: 208-315-1884

Group/Individual Health/Life/Disability

Medicare/Dental/Vision/Travel

Office: 208-344-0022

Direct: 208-377-6717

Email: sarah@imaidaho.com

Charity Andersen State Farm Insurance and Financial Services

409 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6134

charitysf.com/

Community Hub McCall 114 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-4913

cubmccall.com

Deirdre B. Marketing & Photography 95 N 2nd St. Cambridge, Idaho 83610

208-866-0634

deidrebmarketing.com

Dunn Consulting Eagle, Idaho 83616

208-298-7282

Keithdunnconsulting.com

Landmark Environmental Consulting LLC

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-994-2684

Landmark-Environmental.com

Micael McKenzie Inc Creative Web Design, Graphic Design & Marketing

208-271-6158

micaelmckenzieinc.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 706 N 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7641

mpmplaw.com

Preserve McCall PO Box 4261 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-484-3424

preservemccall.com

Redfish | Bluefish

Leadership Design & Organizational Development

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-2058

redfishbluefishinc.com

Sarah Taylor Insurance, LLC

1650 S. Albright Ln. Boise, Idaho 83709

208-344-0022

imaidaho.com

Women Ignite 10400 Overland Road #122 Boise, Idaho 83709 208-241-8135

paige@womenigniteinternational.com

Take the build of your dreams to the mountains.

WorkX

616 N 3rd St., Ste. 103 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-6599

workxhub.com

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

KozGro Organics LLC

398 Thomason Ln. Cambridge, Idaho 83610 208-718-8771

KozGroOrganics.com

MAGAZINES, NEWSPAPERS AND PUBLICATIONS

Idaho Business Review 4696 W Overland Rd., Ste. 180 Boise, Idaho 83705 208-336-3768

idahobusinessreview.com

The Star-News

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

info@mccallchamber.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/awesomemccall.org

Cambridge Commercial Club

85 N Superior St. 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

Donnelly Chamber of Commerce

169 Halferty St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-8859

donnellychamber.com

Family Advocates

3010 W State St. Boise, Idaho 83703 208-345-3344

familyadvocates.org

Friends of the McCall Public Library

1001 State St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5522

mccall.lili.org

Friends of the Weiser River Trail Weiser, Idaho 208-566-1025

weiserrivertrail.org

Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

100 S Adkins Way, Ste 104 Meridian, Idaho 83642 208-888-0648

vr.idaho.gov

Idaho Nonprofit Center 5257 W Fairview Ave., Ste. 260 Boise, Idaho 83706 208-424-2229

idahononprofits.org

A more sustainable world starts in our own backyard.

Idaho Sled Dog Challenge PO Box 1022 McCall, Idaho 83638 907-360-7604

idahosleddogchallenge.com

Kelly’s Whitewater Park 330 Kelly’s Pkwy. Cascade, Idaho 83611 kellyswhitewaterpark.com

MCCALL & THE SURROUNDING AREAS

*Check for availability. COVID protocols may mean hot springs are closed temporarily.

McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau

605 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7631

mccallchamber.org

McCall Area Snowmobile Club McCall, Idaho 83638

snowmobilemccall.net

McCall Arts and Humanities Council

208-634-7136

mccallarts.org

McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation

208-634-6333

mdef.org

McCall Farmers Market

At The Activity Barn

141 Moonridge Dr., McCall

Wednesday and Saturday, 11am- 1pm

June through October

McCall Fire Protection District

201 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7070

mccallfire.com

McCall Folklore Society

208-634-9788

thesummermusicfestival.com

McCall Men’s Golf Association, Inc

925 Fairway Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-9770

McCall Music Society McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-0905

mccallmusicsociety.org

McCall Community & Senior Center 701 1st St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5408

mccallsrcenter@gmail.com

McCall Winter Sports Club

McCall, Idaho 83638 208-918-0234

mccallwintersportsclub.org

Payette Lakes Progressive Club

Payettelakesprogressiveclub.org

Payette Lakes Ski Club/Little Ski Hill

3635 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5691

payettelakesskiclub.org

Payette Land Trust

309 E Lake St., #5 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-4999

www.payettelandtrust.org

Ponderosa Center – The Ludwig Terrace

1117 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-271-1185

ponderosacenter.org

Rotary of McCall portal.clubrunner.ca/3899

Meets every Wednesday at 12pm McCall, Idaho 83638

Seven Devils Playwrights Conference

McCall, Idaho 83638 516-319-9089

sevendevils.org

Shepherd’s Home 309 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1152

shepherds-home.org

Valley County Pathways

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-4991

valleycountypathways.org

Village of Yellow Pine Association

Yellow Pine, Idaho 83677

yellowpinetimes.wordpress.com

yellowpinefestival.org

ypescapade.org

(Excluding New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Day Observed)

Photo courtesy Chad Case

PETS

McCall Pet Outfitters

411 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3440

mccallpet.com

McCall Pet Spa and Bath House

102 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3977

mccallpetspa.com

MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter

831 S 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3647

mcpaws.org

PHOTOGRAPHY

Autumn Lynne Photography McCall, Idaho 83638

208-907-1706

autumnlynnephotography.com

Chasing Light Photography LLC

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-780-9219

chasinglightphotographyllc.com/

Cimbalik Photography

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-630-3908

Cimbalikphotography.com

Intimate Adventures Media

McCall, Idaho 83638

714-714-1027

intimateadventuresmedia.com/

Amy Isacson Photography

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-907-6593

amyisacson.com

Samantha Sais Photography

McCall, Idaho 83638

520-979-6947

samanthasaisphotography.com

Melissa Shelby Photography/ Mountain Town

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-1294

Melissashelby.com

mountaintown.us

REAL

Alpine Village Company

600 N 3rd St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

208-336-2200

alpinevillagemccall.com

Amherst Madison Real Estate

204 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-6497

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

Cory Corbet, Realtor ® McCall Real Estate Company 301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-3283 corbetproperty.com

Angie Crow – Homes of Idaho New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-789-3315 angiecrowhomes.com/

Experience with Results

Shelly DeMoss, Realtor ®

Crawford Olson Real Estate 403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-1390

crawfordolson.com/shelly-demoss/

Teia Golden – Windermere Real Estate Professionals in McCall McCall, Idaho 83638

208-616-2646

hwy55realestate.com/

Jodi Guliuzza Real Estate Company 321 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-271-6334

buyandsellmccall.com

Cara Hipwell, RE/MAX Executives McCall, Idaho 83638

viewidahohomesforsale.com

208-204-9554

Homes and Land of McCall-CascadeDonnelly

208-634-1472

homesandlandofmccall.com

Homes of Idaho: Bowman Group

150 W. Roseberry Rd. Ste 1B-2 Donnelly, Idaho 83615

208-453-6880

bowmangroup.idhomesearch.net/

The Housing Company

The Springs Apartments in McCall 565 W Myrtle St., Ste. 250 Boise, Idaho 83702

208-331-4811

thehousingcompany.org

Jessen Real Estate McCall, Idaho 83638

208-890-6369

jessenre.com/

Karen Johansen, Realtor ®

Century 21 Whitewater Clark 1007 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1800

century21whitewaterclark.com

Jennifer Jones Campbell, Realtor ® 454 W Roseberry Rd., Ste. 7 Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-440-9400

dirtroadrealtorjjcampbell@gmail.com

Jug Mountain Ranch 13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5072

jugmountainranch.com

Cheri Lawrence Real Estate Century 21 P.O. Box 2586 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-250-2430

mountainlivingmccall.com

Associate Broker Realtor, CRS , GRI Real Estate Services

Maupin Realty

1101 E Lake St.

McCall, Idaho 83638

Sherry Maupin 208-870-9100

Jacob Maupin 208-954-6846

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 Lakes Realty

805 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-2728

mountainlakesrealty.com

Northwest Passage Apartments

155 Everett Ln. Donnelly, Idaho 83615

northwestpassage.nwrecc.org

Crawford Olson Real Estate

403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-6060

crawfordolson.com

RE/Max Resort Realty

102 N 3rd St. Ste. 200 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-5400

mccallresortrealty.com

River Ranch McCall

101 Headquarters Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-4686

riverranchmccall.com

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

Joe and Toni Slaymaker, Silvercreek Realty Group LLC

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

FAMILY FUN

If cabin fever threatens, get the entire family out to play! Strap on the ice skates and hit up open skate at the Manchester Ice Center or ride up the magic carpet at the Activity Barn to fly down the hill on a snow tube. For a quick sledding adventure, try Legacy Park in downtown McCall. The gentle slope is perfect for the little ones! The area is also home to several hot springs perfect for warming up on a cold day.

In the heat of summer, we can’t help but dream of champagne snow, creamy corduroy, and fresh powder stashes. When the snow starts to fall, McCall transforms into a winter wonderland…see what’s in store:

SNOWMOBILE

With more than 500 miles of groomed trails, we promise you won’t be bored! Strike out on your own with your personal machines or rent them from one of our local businesses. You can also follow an experienced guide who can show riders of all abilities everything from gentle slopes to challenging hillsides that tempt even the most adventurous of the “high-markers.” Want to try something new? Snow biking is gaining traction in McCall and a great way to experience familiar terrain in a whole new way.

Scan to access detailed descriptions of popular snowmobile play areas and a georeferenced map.

Photo courte sy Samantha Sais Photography

Photo courtesy Chad Case Photography

NORDIC, FAT BIKE & SNOWSHOE

DINING

Get cozy! Our eateries and bistros offer a haven from the brisk weather. Enjoy everything from fresh pastries to locally sourced yak. Cuddle up and sip a hot toddy by the fire or gather your friends at one of our local breweries for some après ski pints. From tasty take-out to casual fine dining to adventurous dinner events, McCall has something for everyone.

When the sun shines in the winter, powder can play second fiddle to a fresh groomer…a staple for Nordic skiers and something McCall has plenty of. The rolling meadows and challenging hills winding through the trees offer unparalleled options. Looking for a new way to explore the winter trails? Hop on a fat tire bike and cruise through the packed snow. Want to trek into a winter wonderland? Snowshoes are a great way to blaze your own trail!

ALPINE SKI

With three alpine ski areas, McCall is home to some of the finest Alpine skiing and snowboarding in the Northwest. Untracked powder, smooth corduroy, and plenty of terrain park features to keep you shredding. Want to explore beyond the boundaries? Access more than 20,000 acres of snow with a cat ski trip or adventure with Brundage SnowCat Adventures or Payette Powder Guides.

WINTER EVENTS

This winter promises to be a memorable one. Not only are all of our favorite events happening this year (Tree Lightings, Festival of Trees, the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge, and Destination:Beer to name a few), but the McCall Winter Carnival is getting a refresh. This annual tradition will now start the last full weekend in February. The event will span three days and keep all of the nostalgic Carnival events like the Mardi Gras Parade, Torchlight Parade, snow sculptures, vendors, fireworks, main stage, and more. Learn more about the 2024 McCall Winter Carnival plans at visitmccall.org.

Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals

Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals

Photo courte sy Idaho Tourism

Haden Tanner, McCall Idaho Real Estate 1000 2nd St., Ste. 104 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-315-2242

mccallidahorealestate.com

Team Reinhard, Keller Williams

Realty

Bryant & Janice Reinhard McCall, Idaho 83638

208-573-1326

boisemccallrealestate.kw.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

Photo courtesy Brett Johnson

SCHOOLS

Cascade School District

209 N School St. Cascade, Idaho 83611

208-630-6057

cascadeschools.org

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 500 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 mossidaho.org

STORAGE

Northwest Self Storage – McCall 14051 Burr Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4570 nwselfstorage.com

Northwest Self Storage – New Meadows 3774 Hwy 95 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-643-4984 Nwselfstorage.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 208-353-2104 allinonemovingllc.com/ 208-325-1595

Harlow’s McCall

14030 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1089

goharlowsmccall.com

Jackson Jet Center 3815 Rickenbacker St. Boise, Idaho 83705

208-383-3300

jacksonjetcenter.com

McCall Aviation/AVCenter

300 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-7137

mccallaviation@outlook.com

Mountain Community Transit

208-634-0003

Call to schedule your FREE ride!

treasurevalleytransit.com/service-areas/mountaincommunity-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 13858 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-3833

edstaub.com

Honey Dippers 13950 Nisula Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638

208-634-1230

idahohoneydippers.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

Suburban Propane 11121 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-382-5330

suburbanpropane.com

About US

High Desert Wildlife & Pest Solutions was established by United States Veterans who have a combined 35+ years of pest control experience. We are your go-to pest control experts in central ID who you can trust. It's our mission to keep pests away from properties in order to preserve the health and well-being of our clients. We care about keeping your living environment safe and wildlife-free. We can al so make the necessary damage repairs that a pest infestation can cause. Rely on us to resolve your pest problem quickly and make sure pests don't come back. Schedule your home or commercial pest control today.

Services

General Pest

Our general pest service treats for the common insects found such as ants, spiders, wasps, and more. We offer different programs to maintain the protection around your home

Rodent Service Wildlife Exclusion

If you are having a problem with mice around your home we offer a baiting program, maintenance program or rodent exclusion option as well. We want to help you get the pests out and have peace of mind. 208-590-3364 https://highdesertwildpest.com

Do you have wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, bats, birds, gophers, voles and other wildlife coming on your property? We offer trapping, home exclusions, and other methods to deter wildlife from making a home in your home.

PARTING SHOT

What’s so special about this tiny seedling? It’s only a few inches tall and just taking root, but it’s a living symbol of an effort to save a threatened species of pine tree struggling to survive across the Mountain West.

Whitebark Pine (Pinus albicaulis) was officially designated as a threatened species in December of 2022. This keystone species has been in rapid decline for decades, and efforts to conserve and preserve it have been underway in our area since at least 2008.

The silvery skeletons of dead Whitebark pine trees are a signature feature along the upper ridge of Brundage Mountain. However, the top of Brundage Mountain is also home to some of the healthiest and most blister rust resistant populations of living Whitebark Pine Trees in Idaho. Blister rust is a primary threat to the species, so preserving healthy, disease resistant trees (and their pine cones to produce future seedlings) at Brundage Mountain is a conservation priority.

Last summer work crews from Brundage Mountain Resort, the Payette National Forest, and the Youth Conservation Corps spent several days improving conditions for the existing stands of Whitebark Pine by cutting away competing vegetation to make sunlight, water and nutrients more available to the trees – ultimately making them more resilient to bark beetles, blister rust, and natural and prescribed fire.

In the fall, those crews were joined by volunteers from the McCall Master Naturalists to tenderly plant 600 seedlings –cultivated from seeds gathered there four years earlier – in carefully selected locations where they are likely to thrive.

Seedlings grown from future seed collections here will be planted in other areas on the Payette National Forest and other nearby National Forests. One more reason to stay on designated trails while you’re exploring this summer…you never know if the tiny trees you accidentally trample might hold the key to the future of an entire species.

Learn more at www.whitebarkfound.org.

Photo courtesy Brett Johnson Photography/Brundage Mountain Resort

Photo courtesy Brett Johnson Photography/Brundage Mountain Resort

Photo courtesy April Whitney/Brundage Mountain Resort

BOUNDLESS SUMMER ADVENTURE. ALL IN ONE PLACE.