Happy winter! Can we all agree that last year was…interesting. The lack of snow last season was a stark reminder to not take what we have for granted. Sometimes it is easy to forget just how lucky we are to have everything right in our backyard. This year we are keen to get back on the slopes, out on the trails, and exploring the backcountry. And we want to make sure you have every opportunity to take in all the magic that is winter in the mountains, too!
In this issue we invite you to learn about a fantastic local program helping to make the outdoors accessible for all, where to get away from the crowds, and plan your next winter getaway with ready-built itineraries that make visiting McCall easy. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get out there into the snow!
As you adventure, be sure to sign the McCall Promise and help us keep all of our favorite places here better than we found them. Learn more at visitmccall.org/the-mccall-promise
–The Visit McCall team
Editor in Chief | McKenzie Kraemer
Assistant Editors | April Thomas Whitney, Megan Davis, Rachel Morton
Contributing Writers | McKenzie Kraemer, April Thomas Whitney, Kathy Deinhard Hill
Cover photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Ad Sales | McKenzie Kraemer, Michelle Mooney
Ad Design | Kelly Wilder
Layout
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Adapt Overcome
Written by McKenzie Kraemer | Photos by Samantha Sais Photography
Lori Messenger is a self-described “mountain girl.” “I have always loved the mountains,” she says, “as a hiker, backpacker, skier, runner, and wildland firefighter.” And while every sport appeals, Messenger’s passion is Nordic skiing. “I skied collegiately and then coached for a long time,” she says. She also helped to create the junior Nordic program at Bogus Basin.
So, in February of 2023 when she suffered a spinal cord injury, the impact was more than physical. “It’s just been extraordinarily hard,” says Messenger, “and such a grief process, realizing how inaccessible the mountains have become to me.” That is when her brother, Eric Messenger, made it his mission to figure out anything and everything Lori might still be able to do outdoors and how to help her do it.
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“We grew up skiing together,” she says, and Eric’s motivation was contagious. “I have been pretty determined to try anything that crossed my path, whether or not I was particularly interested in it in my previous life or not.” So when Eric, who lives in McCall, realized there was an adaptive program right in town, he dove straight into volunteer training and learned how to sit ski himself. That program is AWeSOMe!, Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall.
AWeSOMe! got its start in 2002 with the vision of Ingrid Burica and Kirsten Evenson and an adaptive ski equipment donation from Recreation Unlimited (now Boise Adaptive Snowsport Education) at Bogus Basin. Initially, the program was hosted at the Little Ski Hill and was part of the After School Program, helping kids with disabilities to ski alongside their classmates and friends.
In its fourth year, AWeSOMe! solidified a partnership with Brundage Mountain Resort that continues today. The move enabled the program to expand its programming to include adults as well kids. And in 2024, AWeSOMe! continued to expand its service area by establishing a second program hub at Tamarack Resort.
Since its inception, AWeSOMe!’s primary sport focus has been alpine skiing. “Our main program, and probably what we are most known for,” says Chris Wernert, program director, “is definitely alpine skiing. It is the program we started with our foundation.” But since joining the team in the winter of 2004-2005, Wernert has worked to grow the program to encompass snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and a summer program that offers kayaking, canoeing, adaptive bicycling, and day and overnight activity camps. “Even though some of these programs are still small, we are committed to growing them as we go so we can offer as many experiences as possible,” says Wernert.
And those programs are gaining momentum. “Four years ago, I would say that most of our program participants were kids,” says Beth Guest, an instructor and the winter program coordinator, “but today it is about half kids and half adults.” Part of that, she says, is due to a grant AWeSOMe! was awarded from the Craig H Neilsen Foundation that enabled them to specifically serve five spinal cord injured individuals. “We have also been able to do a lot more with veterans in the last several years with our summer programming,” Guest says.
One of the biggest challenges an adaptive program like AWeSOMe! faces is equipment. “Most of our equipment is
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donated or purchased with grant funding,” says Wernert. To put some perspective on the cost, one sit ski for downhill skiing averages around $7,000 to purchase.
In addition to the cost of equipment, another challenge adaptive programs face is that there is no one-size-fits-all scenario. “We get to work with people who have cognitive disabilities like autism and down syndrome, kids with cerebral palsy, folks that have been impacted by stroke or spinal cord injuries, and those with visual impairments,” says Guest. And each person is unique in what experience they want and what equipment will work for their situation.
Which is where the creativity and enthusiasm of the volunteer instructors are such an asset to AWeSOMe!. During the busy winter months, the program is home to around 25 certified instructors. “It is no small thing what our volunteer instructors commit to,” says Wernert. “Most of our instructors have been certified through the Professional Ski Instructors of America program with a special certificate to teach adaptive skiing.” And they all have the same goal in mind, even if what led them to becoming part of the program was personal.
“Everyone here is so passionate about helping people with disabilities enjoy life and see that there are still so many things that they can do,” says Wernert. “Sometimes I think it is so easy to take a lot for granted living in a place like this and how easy it is for most of us to be outside as much as we want. I feel so
privileged to be able to be the one that gets people back on the mountain.”
During Lori’s first time trying a downhill sit ski, she said it was a steep learning curve. “There are all of these factors,” she says, “even down to what to wear.” For many with spinal cord injuries, the body’s ability to regulate temperature is also affected, making sensitivities to cold and heat more pronounced, but without an ability to recognize if you are getting too cold or too hot. “So even before we began, Chris sent out a great list to help me learn what to wear and what to bring.”
Once layered for the weather, Messenger said she spent the first hour or so getting adjusted to the sit ski and working with her instructors on the plan for the tether support and practicing with the outriggers as she got acquainted with the equipment. Then she hit the bunny hill. “It is such a crazy feeling,” she says, “In my brain, I keep wanting to control the ski with my legs, which, of course, I can’t do anything with.” Messenger said that was one of the Continued page 14
biggest challenges—the unlearning of the memory her body has when it comes to skiing. “I had to get my brain to the point where I was able to do a completely new thing controlled by my hips instead of the old thing with my legs.”
Not to mention getting over the intimidation factor. “The change up is hard,” she says. “There is a definite terror factor, feeling like you are going down the mountain so much faster.” But like traditional skiing, she found that a little more speed helped the sit ski perform and respond better. “Those first few afternoons on the mountain were challenging,” says Messenger. “Two half days of skiing felt really intense. A lot of it comes down to me learning how to use my own new body.”
Which is where the volunteers at AWeSOMe! really made the difference. “Those first days it was my brother and
Chris who were helping me on my own ski and Beth was modeling the outrigger devices,” Messenger says. “Sometimes it is just so much easier to see someone doing it and model them. Plus, Chris and Beth really were just so much fun.” By the end of that first weekend, Messenger felt like she had started to get the hang of it. “Some people never have the goal of wanting to be independent,” she says, “they just want to get out and enjoy the thrill of being on the snow. But for me, I am more interested in being able to ski by myself.”
So she came back for another weekend and by her fourth day, she was skiing almost exclusively independently on the bunny hill. “There were moments it was really fun,” she says, “and moments when it was scary and just a lot of work and focus.” But the thrill of being back on the mountain was fantastic. And Messenger didn’t want to stop there.
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That second trip to McCall, Messenger alternated between alpine and Nordic skiing days. “It felt a bit like being in an athletic boot camp,” she laughs. And while Nordic skiing had been her main sport, she felt more trepidation trying the adaptive version than with downhill skiing. “There is just so much heartbreak there,” she says. “And it honestly looked like all the work without any of the fun because the way you move is just a double pole.”
But Messenger was pleasantly surprised. “The ‘bucket’ you sit in is much lighter and more nimble than I had expected,” she says. “I was able to immediately move and I could get myself places.” For Messenger, the Nordic learning curve was much less steep. “I was able to pretty quickly figure out how to pull myself around and that felt so liberating.” And while the movement felt familiar, there were still a few adjustments. “You really can’t tackle nearly as tough a terrain as you would skiing with your legs,” she says. “There is just less control coming down a hill and no way to do a quick stop.”
Despite the differences, Messenger says that she really enjoyed the Nordic experience. “There was this moment when I took a bit of a steeper hill and near the top I tipped,” she says. “As I was laying there waiting for someone to come help untangle me I was just lying on my back in the snow.” She said she realized that life in a wheelchair means she rarely gets an opportunity to be on the ground because it can be so difficult to get back up. “I was just laying there in the snow, looking up at the trees and the sky,” she says, “and I was so happy in that moment.”
“I am still very much grieving,” says Messenger. “But the ability to get to be out in the woods on those trails felt really, really good.” As she learns to navigate a ski independently, Messenger says that any adaptive sport still requires a support crew. “The volunteers are so precious,” she says. As are adaptive programs like AWeSOMe!. “You really need these programs to help you learn what’s possible,” she says. From testing equipment to helping friends and family learn how best to support an athlete in adaptive sports, Messenger says that these programs are so important to help you discover all of the opportunities.
“For those of us who were athletes previously,” says Messenger, “those sports were a lot of our social life.” On top of the physicality of getting back to the sports she loves, Messenger says that she is finding the social side of it to be just as important. “I am excited about being able to do these things with just my friends and family,” she says. “And I already have a Continued page 18
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crew of friends excited to Nordic ski with me.” On top of that, Messenger is also working to help build a new adaptive program in her hometown of Missoula. MARS, or the Missoula Adaptive Recreation and Sports, has applied for several grants to help them purchase three Nordic sit skis, a program Messenger is going to coordinate.
“Everybody’s disability is different,” says Messenger. The challenge to any adaptive sport is the constant troubleshooting, figuring out how to make a “standard” piece of equipment custom for each individual and each
setting. “I know that plenty of people have figured out how to do some of these things without an official program,” she says, “but the official programs are so beneficial because they give you such a big head start.” She says this experience with her instructors made a huge difference in showing her what was possible. The program and the volunteers are, in a word, AWeSOMe!.
For more information on how you can get involved and support the AWeSOMe! program, visit their website at sites.google.com/AWeSOMe!mccall.org.
CAL L’S FINEST SPI RI T S
MCCALL’S FINEST SPIRITS
St ra ight up or on the rock s? Sha ken or st ir red? nest spirits are handcraf ted at The Bar. “straight up or on the rocks? shaken or stirred?”
mccall’s finest spirits are handcrafted at the bar.
Serving signature drinks and fantastic food, indoors and out.
Pictured Drink: Shore Fashioned
PLAY
EVENT AND WEDDING PLANNING
DeLish and McCall Weddings
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-1646
mccallweddings.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
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
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
No Business Lodge
296 Smylie Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-315-6445
nobusinesslodge.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
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
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-8605
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
The Roxy Theatre
114 S Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611
208-382-5560 theroxyidaho.com
Salmon River Brewery
411 Railroad Ave. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4772
salmonriverbrewery.com
RECREATION
The Activity Barn
141 Moonridge Dr. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-3298 Winter Hours 208-634-4151 Year-Round
brundage.com/snow-tubing-mccall
America’s Rafting Company
85 S Superior St. Cambridge, Idaho 83610
208-317-3862
idahooutdoortourscom/americasraftingcompany
Backwoods Adventures
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day North Beach Boat Launch
Warren Wagon Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-469-9067
backwoodsadventuresmccall.com
Bear Basin Nordic Center
3635 Hwy 55
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-5691
payettelakesskiclub.org
Brundage Mountain Resort
3890 Goose Lake Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4151
brundage.com
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
616 N 3rd St., Ste. 115A McCall, Idaho 83638
208-315-6445
drift-west.com
Fly Fish McCall
Riggins, Idaho 83549
208-628-3862
flyfishmccall.com
Gravity Sports
200 Jacob St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-8530
gravitysportsidaho.com
Harlow’s McCall
14030 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-1089
goharlowsmccall.com
Hells Canyon Adventures
85 N Superior
Cambridge, Idaho
208-257-4564
hellscanyonadventures.com
Hells Canyon Raft
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-6366
hellscanyonraft.com
Home Town Sports
300 E Lenora St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-2302
hometownsportsmccall.com
Organic Coffee, Small Bites, & Fun Merch!
Mon-Sat • 7:30am - 5:30pm Sunday • 7:30am - noon
204 Lenora St Downtown McCall
MANCHESTER ICE AND EVENT CENTER
MOUNTAINEERS HOCKEY!
• Home games:
- October 25 & 26 vs Roughnecks
- November 15 & 16 vs Ice Raiders
- November 22 & 23 vs Suns
- January 17 & 18 vs Sin City Kings
- February 28 vs Silver Kings
• Doors open at 6:45pm, puck drops at 7:30pm
• Tickets available at the rink $15 adult, $5 student, 6 and under free
200 E. Lake St., McCall ID
CARNIVAL ICE SHOW
Feb 21 & 22
An Olympic & National Champions Star-Studed Lineup!
• Doors open @ 7PM. Performance @ 7:30PM
• $32 adult, $12 youth (general bleacher seating)
• VIP on-ice seating $60pp
• Email us for VIP seating at: wintercarnivaliceshow@gmail.com
75 Arling Center Ct. Tamarack, Idaho 83615 208-325-1570 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
We kindly
Observing
SIP & SAVOR
If you have driven Highway 55 north into McCall, you have likely seen the quaint farmhouse on the outskirts of town with the inviting wrap-around porch. This historic Finnish dairy farm has received a major refresh in the past few years with a brand new sourdough bakery gracing its walls and aiming to honor the past and support local, sustainable methods of farming. Paikka, which means “place” in Finnish, is a cozy, welcoming gathering place to enjoy slow-crafted bread and the power of a shared meal.
Perhaps best known for their sourdough breads, Paikka also serves up small plates on Wednesdays as well as breakfast and lunch on Saturdays. Order your bread ahead for a Saturday pick-up (open 8:30am to 1pm) or swing by on Wednesdays from 2:30pm–6pm for walk-in only fare.
Outside of their weekly spread, Paikka hosts a monthly multi-course dinner event and often hosts special pop-up events that are quickly becoming local legend. Plus, they have added a new retail wine selection to perfectly pair with the deliciousness that comes out of their kitchen.
Want to be the first to know about events, specials, and everything Paikka is baking up? Sign up for their newsletter which hits your inbox every Monday.
Jessica Toebe, the owner and chef extraordinaire behind Paikka, was gracious enough to share one of her famous Galette recipes with us so you can bring a taste of Paikka to your own home this winter.
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
Paikka’s Apple Galette
CRUST INGREDIENTS:
1 ¼ cups flour
1 ¼ cold unsalted butter
CRUST DIRECTIONS:
3-5 tablespoons of ice water 1/2 tsp salt
In a medium bowl, combine the salt and flour.
Using a pastry cutter, cut the cold butter into the flour and salt mixture until the flour-butter mixture resembles wet sand.
Adding water a tablespoon at a time, stir it in with a fork until the dough mixture comes together enough to stay together. Take the dough out and gently knead on a lightly floured surface to shape into a disc. Allow to rest for a minimum of one hour up to 24 hours.
APPLE FILLING INGREDIENTS:
2 lb apples, ideally a tart or baking apple, peeled and thinly sliced 1/2 cup brown sugar
APPLE FILLING DIRECTIONS:
2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp butter
Combine all ingredients in medium heavy-bottomed sauce pan and cook down for 20-30 minutes, until most of the moisture is cooked out of the apples.
Allow to completely cool.
GALETTE DIRECTIONS:
An hour before you are going to make the galette turn the oven on to 410º F and allow the dough ball to soften enough to roll out.
Roll the disc out into a circle approximately 10-12 inches in diameter, and a 1/4” thick. If you have excess dough, just cut the edges off.
In the very center pile all the apple filling.
Begin folding the edges of the dough inwards and over itself so that the dough covers 1/3 of the filling and neat folds encircle the filling. When finished the galette should be a circle of dough folds with a third of the filling exposed.
Brush the dough with an egg wash (1 egg + 2 tbsp milk) and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Bake at 410º F for 20-35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and baked all the way through.
Allow to cool completely before removing from the tray.
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
Photo courtesy Jon Conti 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
Bluetick Coffee
3100 HWY 55 New Meadows, Idaho 83654
360-914-1833
Café 634
500 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4634
Casa Rossa
377 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615
208-325-3832
cheftopple.com/casca-di-rosa
Checkpoint Wine Bar & Tapas at Hotel Nobo
500 N Main St. Cascade, Idaho 83611
208-382-5621
hotelnobo.com/checkpoint
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
Flying M Coffee Lakeside
314 E Lake St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-271-2782
flyingmcoffee.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
Hometown Pizza & Pub
337 Deinhard Ln.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-2596
hometownpizzamccall.com
Ice Cream Alley
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
310 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-315-4700
Jug Mountain Ranch Clubhouse
Restaurant 13834 Farm to Market Rd.
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
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 1300 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 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
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
Since 1937, the three-story log home on the corner of Lake and State Streets has been a fixture of McCall. It has been known by various names—the State House, the SITPA House, the Warden’s House—but to Jo Peterson and Pat Benninghoff, the house is simply known as home.
Jo and Patsy were young children when their parents Art and Doris Roberts moved into the house in 1944. Art had been hired as the Fire Warden for the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association and the house was part of the deal. For the next 22 years, the Roberts family lived in the home and according to Jo, the “big log house was the place of dreams.”
The house, along with the entire SITPA historical site, was the vision of Harry Shellworth, who co-founded and managed SITPA along with his other jobs in the timber industry. Shellworth planned a centralized headquarters for the organization and wanted to build a showpiece that could highlight the importance of the timber industry and Idaho’s forests. Using labor from the Civilian Conservation Corps and the skill and craftsmanship of Finnish carpenters, the house is a marvel in its simplicity and beauty.
While the house was meant for the Warden and his family, it was also designed to be a guest house for visiting dignitaries who had influence over the timber industry. Doris served as hostess and both Jo and Pat remember the work she did to entertain and provide for the guests. They often helped in making the beds for the revolving door of visitors including Idaho governors, members of the State Land Board, Idaho State Foresters, presidents of Boise Cascade, and various others.
But when the girls weren’t helping their mother, they embraced McCall and all it offered. According to Jo, they were “free from dawn to dusk to explore and invent and discover all on our own.” From the lake, to the river, to the Little Ski Hill, the girls experienced life in McCall and they loved it.
Although born 11 months apart, because of their birth dates, the girls were in the same grade in school. They learned the same lessons, had the same friends, shared the same activities. They also shared the same bedroom, first settling into the twin bedroom on the northwest corner of the house before moving into the northeast bedroom. They had a work table and a record player, and a SITPA employee built them a bookcase. The book case remains in the room today. As sisters do, they would occasionally squabble. One time, Pat taped a line between their beds, claiming one side as hers and off-limits to Jo. The arrangement didn’t last long.
School. The following year, the first high school opened in McCall at its current site.
The house was also perfect for sleepovers for friends both in summer and winter. Patsy and Jo often invited their friends to stay the night after school activities such as basketball games. Today they still host those friends with class reunions held at the house, where their old classmates reminisce about their times there.
While the girls attended grade school in McCall, for high school they were bused to Donnelly, part of an agreement between the communities of Donnelly and McCall. They graduated in
Pat and Jo attended the University of Idaho. They graduated in 1962 with teaching degrees. During college, Jo met Doug Peterson. They married in 1961 and returned to Moscow to finish their schooling. They settled in Las Vegas. Pat moved to Roseburg, Oregon after college, where she met Paul Benninghoff. They married in 1964 then moved to Portland. Both weddings took place at the McCall Community Congregational Church with their receptions held in the beautiful Warden House yard. Both women went on to have successful teaching careers.
In 1966, Art and Doris Roberts left SITPA. Pat and Jo were busy starting their own lives, so the impact of the move was not significant at the time. And the family always knew living in the house was temporary as it did not belong to them. Still, it was definitely their home. As Jo stated, “our family loved every log,
every wastebasket, every rock in the fireplace from the moment we walked into that work of art. We loved everything about it. I doubt any little girl loved her childhood home more than I did.”
While modifications had been made to the house while the Roberts lived there— an oil furnace, updates to the kitchen and bathrooms—they made sure the house and all of its furnishings remained true to the original concept. But with new wardens came changes. Furniture and fixtures were removed, kitchen cabinets were painted, shag carpet covered the stairways. The maps that had lined the walls of the dining room and sunroom were put in storage. The exterior of the house was painted barn red with white trim and the shake roof was replaced with tin. The house, while structurally still grand, began to lose its appeal.
Then in 1991, 25 years and three wardens later, SITPA’s operation had grown so much, the original site could no longer meet its needs. A new site on Deinhard Street was chosen, and to cover the costs, the decision was made to sell the original property. Numerous ideas were floated, including tearing down all the buildings, including the house, and replacing them with condos. But locals from McCall rallied, and with the help of Kitty Gurnsey and Gayle Wilde, Idaho State Representatives who had ties to McCall, the State put up funds to buy the new SITPA location and in the process gave the original site to the City of McCall, with the understanding that its historical significance must be maintained. The result was the creation of a nonprofit organization which became the Central Idaho Historical Museum, whose guiding mission is to preserve and maintain the original SITPA site and buildings.
The love and respect Pat and Jo had for the Warden’s house as children has not diminished with time. When CIHM took over the property, Pat and Jo became major benefactors to help restore the Warden’s House to its original glory. Not only did they establish a dedicated fund for its preservation, they did the work.
One of their major efforts involved the kitchen. Working with their husbands and good friends Rosalie Jones, Bruce Fleming and Richard and Peggy Miller, they stripped three layers of paint off the cabinets and refinished them, using a dental pick to chip paint off the walls. They also pulled two layers of tile off the floors and replaced it with a linoleum that closely matched the original. They were even able to find art deco cabinet pulls almost identical to the originals which had been removed and tossed in the 1970s.
2022, they financed the reroofing of the grand house, replacing the tin with a composite shake roof to match the original.
The sisters contributed to the re-sanding of the hardwood floors in the main living areas, then with Rosalie, pulled the shag carpeting that covered the stairs and redid those. They removed the tile in the upstairs bathroom, replacing it with linoleum matching the kitchen. Rosalie was also instrumental in finding a close replica of the original dining room light which had been removed in the 1950s.
The sisters’ generosity is evident throughout the house. Their funding helped restore the furniture in the warden’s bedroom, replicate the original back door, and refinish the log wall in the kitchen that had been severely damaged. In the summer of
Every summer, when possible, Pat and Jo visit McCall and host their class reunions in the house. Sometimes when they are there, people come by the museum and get a real treat when the sisters lead them on a tour. They enjoy telling the stories of their lives in the house. According to Jo, sometimes she sees people’s eyes glaze over, but she just can’t help raving about the place.
Most of all, the sisters want people to recognize the wonder of the grand house, in both its beauty and architecture. But more than that, they want people to know the “joy that big old log house gave people lucky enough to share it.” Going forward, they would like to see the house used for social gatherings, claiming it “needs to be full of people talking and laughing and having a good time.” And no one who has seen the house and stared in wonder at its craftmanship would disagree in their assessment that “the house is special for so many reasons.”
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 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
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
321 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-0030 donerightmanagement.com
Like a Local an Insider’s guide to adventures on & off the trails
By April Thomas Whitney
McCall’s snowy landscapes and endless powder make it a dream spot for snowmobiling. With more than 500 miles of groomed trails, there’s something for everyone, from first-timers to seasoned riders looking for adventure.
Whether you’re chasing deep powder or just cruising along to soak in the scenery, this guide will help you find the best spots to carve fresh tracks and dodge the crowds. We’ve also got the inside scoop on where to eat before and after your ride, plus ideas for fun off-sled activities for when you’ve finally had your fill of powder hounding.
Continued page 46
courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo
Local Knowledge
Matthew McMahan learned at a young age that the key to staying happy during the long winter months is to find activities you love to do in the snow. McMahan grew up skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling all around the McCall area until his parents decided it was time to make a choice.
“My dad was huge into skiing as well, but the cost of all the gear starts to add up. So, when it came time to choose, naturally, I picked the most expensive sport,” jokes McMahan, now a captain with the McCall Fire Department.
“I started riding sleds when I was six years old on the tiny little Yamaha snowmobiles. My dad would pack down a trail on our 10-acre property, and I was out there looping that like crazy,” says McMahan.
Matthew’s whole family is devoted to riding. “That’s the time we spend together as a family, making memories, appreciating each other’s company.”
Matthew met Megan after high school when they were both pursuing higher education in Oregon. She had never been on a snowmobile before meeting Matthew, but it didn’t take long for things to ‘click.’
“So, the snowmobile I was on was short to the ground, very stocky, not tippy at all. At first, I would just follow along with Matthew’s dad in front, then his mom Rita, then me, and then Matthew behind so he could help me get out if I got stuck,” says Megan. “I would follow probably a little too close and just watch what Rita did. If she got on one side of the sled or leaned a certain way, I would do the exact same thing.”
The couple both remember the moment that first winter when everything came together for Megan. They were sledding up by Grassy Twin Lakes when Megan followed Matthew up a steep slope.
“I was watching over my shoulder, and she was still there,” recalls Matt. “So I pushed it a little harder, and she was still there. Then I got a little bit more technical with side hill stuff, and I would get on my side of the sled and look back, and she’d be doing the same thing, and I was like, ‘Man, she’s getting it.’ So that was AWeSOMe!.”
“And I loved it!” says Megan. “And then they got me all the nice gear. I got my Klim jacket for Christmas. Once I got all the warm stuff, it was great.”
Once Matthew had found his sledding partner, making her his life partner came next. The couple got bogged down with the details and expectations of planning a traditional wedding, so they shifted
Maddie McMahan and Grandma Mona
Matthew and Megan McMahan
gears and led a small group of sledding friends up to 8,000 feet so they could tie the knot… on their sleds.
The way they approached their wedding plan is a lot like the way they approach riding. Instead of doing what everyone else is doing, the McMahans embrace a sense of adventure and exploration.
“We’re more like wayfinder riders, right?” says Matthew. “We’re very destinationbound versus playing in a meadow or climbing the same hill over and over. We climb hills, but it’s to get somewhere. Once we’re at the top, we’re moving on to get farther and farther and farther out there.”
The wayfinder/explorer approach has served the McMahans well in recent years as more and more sledders head to the McCall area to enjoy the trails, soft snow, and pleasant weather.
Continued page 48
“People want to snowmobile in this territory for a reason. This is where I want to ride for a reason,” says Matthew. “The snow, the terrain, everything McCall has to offer as a place to stay. I get it.”
Mark Wood gets it too. He’s the former president of the McCall Snowmobile Club and has been working to relieve the crowding issues, starting with the parking lots.
“We’re now getting up earlier because it gets so packed there’s nowhere to park,” Megan says.
Arriving at 9:00 a.m. used to be early enough to find parking on most weekends, but the McMahans say if there’s a holiday or recent dump of fresh snow, they make sure they arrive by 8:00 a.m., even if it’s barely light or too cold to hit the trails that early.
The busiest lots have seen recent improvements like new vault toilets at Francis Wallace and Brush Creek. Local groups have also invested heavily in signage guiding users to the exact spots in the lot where they can help maximize parking.
The McMahans say that once you get past the parking lot, there’s no end to the adventures you can have in the backcountry. Mark Wood agrees—with one exception.
“Snowmobiles aren’t the only users in the backcountry, and keeping those uses separate helps keep everyone safe,” says Wood.
Snowmobilers heading up Goose Lake Road—aka Brundage Mountain Road—need to be aware of permanent and seasonal closures that keep heavy motorized sleds separate from skiers and snowboarders. Snowmobile incursions are a stubborn problem in the Granite Mountain area, which has seasonal terrain closures between December 15 and March 31 to prevent collisions between sledders and skiers.
More signage has been posted to raise awareness in that area, but Wood and other local sledders are trying other steps to coax snowmobilers into less-used, no-conflict areas.
“Just because something looks inviting or already has tracks doesn’t mean it’s an open area,” says Wood. “You really have to do your due diligence, find those maps, and find that information.”
Finding maps of the area has gotten significantly simpler. The Valley County website has a fully interactive map of all the trails
in the area. You can click on any trail before your ride to check its grooming status. You can also download the map into the Avenza app for real-time location tracking. There is also a physical map available on moisture-resistant paper that shows all the key trails, intersections, and riding areas in the “McCall North” area.
“There are bigger, better riding areas just another five or ten minutes down the trail,” says Wood. “We just need to get people to keep going a bit longer to avoid those conflicts.”
In addition to the new signage and maps, Wood and friends hope a new warming hut at Hard Creek—complete with a vault toilet and wood stove—will entice riders to go farther from the parking areas.
“We’ll go north to Hard Lake, keep going north beyond Hazard Lake all the way to the end of the groomed trail,” says Wood. “We’ll run up there, check out the warming hut. If it’s getting close to the end of the day, we reverse our route, just boondocking a little more, and we just run that area.”
Wood and other locals happily pitch in to shovel the entrance or stoke the fire. “I’ve been in there with marginal weather when it’s standing room only with folks from Seattle, Spokane, even the Midwest, warming up and swapping stories with the locals.”
Wood and the McMahans agree that there’s plenty of great riding for all levels in the McCall North zone. Here are their recommendations for those new to the area:
Best For True Beginners Warren Wagon Road to Secesh Stage Stop
Matthew McMahan: “If anyone’s coming here and has only been on snow a couple of times, I’m like, ‘Sweet. Take off from Francie (Francis Wallace parking lot). Follow Warren Wagon Road all the way to Secesh Stage Stop. Have yourself a beer and a burger. Warm up. You’ll hang out with some AWeSOMe! people. That’s a good first time. And then, if you’re really wanting a long day, go all the way to the Baum Shelter Too in Warren.’”
Getting there: Park at Francis Wallace or Brush Creek; head north on Warren Wagon. A groomed trail will take you 25 miles to Secesh Stage Stop. Warren’s Baum Shelter Too is another 11 miles down Warren Wagon Road. (Both locations have fuel).
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Tamarack Realty has been an integral part of Tamarack Resort and Valley County since 2008 with over $1B in real estate sold. Whether Valley County natives or from afar, each Tamarack Realty team member proudly calls this place home, boasting an intimate knowledge and deep affection for the region.
Skis adorned with fresh powder hang on our office walls, and trail maps await in our top drawers. As local experts and seasoned professionals, we embody both expertise and the warmth of friendly individuals you’d invite to your inaugural backyard BBQ Our mission is to help individuals and families find their ideal homes among the mountains, meadows, and lakes of Valley County, guiding them through the entire buying or selling process with integrity and local expertise.
800 Village Drive, Tamarack, Idaho 83615 1014 North 3rd Street, McCall, Idaho 86368 208-325-1001 | TamarackIdaho.com
Best For Aspiring Off-Trail Riders
North Fork Meadows
McMahan: “North Fork Meadows is a really good one. I take people down there who are trying to figure out how to boondock (ride off the groomed trail). It’s flat. There is a creek that goes through there, but it’s a great place to play because there aren’t many trees, so you don’t need to navigate too much when you’re trying to figure things out.”
Getting there: Head out Warren Wagon Road until you are about a mile north of Upper Payette Lake. There is a large meadow west and below the road. Follow tracks to the large flat meadow. There is a vault toilet near the meadow.
Best For Half-Day Riders
Pearl Creek or Duck Lake
Wood: “On the Warren Wagon side, it’s easy to get to the Pearl Creek riding area, which is a great choice for intermediate or expert riders. If you’re parking at the Gordon Titus lot, the Duck Lake play area is a great spot for a quick ride. Beginner and intermediate riders can follow the trail past the Association Cabin, then play off trail along the way. This zone has play areas and terrain to satisfy beginner to expert, depending on snow levels.” Please note: If the road to Duck Lake has not been groomed, this terrain is more suitable for intermediate to expert riders.
Getting there: Head up past Goose Lake and north past the Association Cabin, then head over to the Duck Lake play area.
Best For Beating the Crowds
Explore the South Side of Valley County
The areas to the north of McCall may be popular, but there are many other great trails and riding areas to explore around the region. Donnelly, Cascade, Warm Lake and Smiths Ferry are equally as appealing, if not as well known. Start your adventure from the Anderson Creek parking area on the west side of Cascade Reservoir to explore the West Mountain area. It also provides access to a warming hut near Four Corners. The Wellington Snow Park in Smiths Ferry offers many miles of groomed trails leading to Sage Hen Reservoir and beyond. Wellington has bathrooms and a great warming hut that’s more like a “mini lodge”.
Continued page 52
Creek Warming Hut
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Learn More Here
Know Before You Go A Safety Checklist
Like any outdoor activity, snowmobiling has inherent risks. You can reduce the dangers by making a few important safety checks before every trip.
#1 Check the Weather Report
Checking the weather report before your trip will help you stay safe and comfortable. Temperatures, snow accumulation, wind speeds, and visibility all affect your safety and ability to protect yourself from the elements.
Pro tip: Dress in a moisture-wicking base layer (no cotton) with an insulating mid layer (fleece or puffy) and a waterproof, windproof, breathable outer layer. Waterproof, insulated gloves and boots are a must, along with wool or synthetic socks, a balaclava or face mask and hand and toe warmers.
#2 Check the Grooming Report
In addition to great terrain and Northern Rockies snow, Valley County is blessed with 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails. We are also blessed with an amazing, interactive map that makes it easy to check the status of your favorite trails.
This page also has links to trail maps of the McCall & Donnelly area, the Cascade & Smiths Ferry area, and the Warm Lake and Johnson Creek areas.
Pro tip: Download the Avenza app, then download the Payette National Forest Winter Travel Map. A blue GPS dot will tell you exactly where you are at any time.
#3 Check the Avalanche Report
Avalanches are a real threat for backcountry snowmobilers. Always check the avalanche forecast before you go, and know the specific risks in the area, like persistent weak layers that can cause big slides even when danger levels are marked as moderate.
The avalanche forecasters at payetteavalanche.org provide a “Bottom Line” summary, a danger rating at multiple elevations and aspects.
Carry essential gear like a beacon, shovel, probe, and GPS, and make sure everyone in your group knows how to use them. Stick to safer routes, avoid slopes steeper than 25 degrees, and never ride alone.
Pro tip: Take an avalanche course to get a deeper understanding of the forecasts, the dangers, and how to best avoid them. Find a beacon park to practice your skills on a regular basis. ((Photo of Beacon Park with caption))
#4 Check Yourself
Do you and your group have the gear, skills and knowledge to safely ride in the backcountry? Do you understand avalanche danger? Do you know how to free a sled stuck in the snow? Can you make basic repairs to your snowmobile? Perform basic first aid? Do you have a rescue plan in case your day doesn’t go as anticipated?
Pro tip: If you answered NO to any of these questions, we’ve got you covered! Two of McCall’s snowmobile rental companies also offer guided tours. This is a great way to try out snowmobiling before investing money on gear and investing time in avalanche safety and first aid training.
Continued page 58
Photo courtesy
Samant ha Sais Photography
Ph oto cou rtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Mark Wood
Your Urgent Care Is Here
Convenient, Affordable Option for McCall
The new St. Luke’s Urgent Care, housed in the Allen-Nokes Center, is now open to serve patients. It’s a great option for those who aren’t experiencing an emergency but can’t wait for an appointment.
• Open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Walk-in facility.
• Same-day, affordable treatment.
The first clinic of its kind in our area, Urgent Care provides residents and visitors alike the right care, right when they need it. Thank you to our generous donors, McCall Memorial Hospital District and local support. You made it possible!
Building for the future. The right care, right here.
200 Forest Street McCall, Idaho 83638
208-630-2590
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
Cook’s Tools • Home Decor • Gifts Wishes Granted
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
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 N Main St.
Cascade, Idaho 83611
208-428-6342 cascademercantile.com
The Christmas House
136 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-3333 mccallchristmashouse.com
The Connector Cache 122 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 214-675-8855 theconnectorcache.com
Cross O Meats 5846 Hwy 95 S. Pollock, Idaho 83547 208-628-3868 crossomeats.com
Del Sannio Imports LLC McCall, Idaho 83638 248-761-0757 delsannio.com
Fish and Fur Outfitters Parma, Idaho 83660 208-936-5180 fishandfuroutfitters.com
Flying M Coffee Lakeside 314 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-2782 flyingmcoffee.com
Franklin Building Supply 14047 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-8111
305 E Park St., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-1111 granitemountainng.com
Gravity Sports
200 Jacob St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-8530
gravitysportsidaho.com
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
Krahn’s Home Furnishings
211 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-2193
krahnshomefurnishings.com
La Rosa Hat Co.
209 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 562-522-6905 larosahatco.com
Laketown Shore Shop
200 Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 435-994-2024 shoplaketown.com
208-634-2088 stlukesonline.org 304
Margareta Lipinski
Randy Resimius
Llona Jensen
Alan Giltzow Sharon Herther
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 Boat Works
1304 Boydstun Ln.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-315-7162
mccallboatworks.com
McCall Farmers Market
Season: June through October
Wednesdays & Saturdays, 10am to 1pm 2nd St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
McCall Jewelry Company
207 E Lake St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-4367
mccalljewelrycompany.com
McCall Sports
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
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
1300 E Lake St.
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-8605
milehighmarina.com
Mile High Power Sports
13924 Hwy 55 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7007
mhpsmccall.com
Miner’s 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
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
Scentsy – Kim Ormande McCall, Idaho 83638 209-603-4366
Kormonde.scentsy@gmail.com
Toby’s Place Thrift Shop
506 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-630-6583 tobysplace.org
Wild Onion
805 N 3rd St., Ste. A McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-7788
Snowmobile Rentals
High-quality snowmobile rentals are available at several locations throughout the community. Each company has a different combination of drop-off and meeting locations, so if you have a certain trail or play area in mind, be sure to talk to your rental company ahead of time.
Brundage Mountain Resort
3890 Goose Lake Rd.
208-634-4151 brundage.com/snowmobile
Brundage Mountain offers a one-stop experience based at the resort. You’ll gear up onsite and all rental sleds depart from a private, high-elevation parking lot at the resort, making it easy to access all the trails and play areas accessible from Goose Lake Road, including Burgdorf Hot Springs via the Copet Creek Trail. Brundage also offers guided snowmobile adventures using their rental sleds or your own snowmobile.
Cheap Thrills
303 N. Third St., McCall
208-634-7472
cheapthrillsrentals.com
Cheap Thrills rents a variety of sleds from its office in downtown McCall. Guests drive their own vehicle to the Francis Wallace parking lot, where Cheap Thrills will have your sleds warm and waiting. This location makes it easy to reach all the trails and play areas accessible from Warren Wagon Road, plus Burgdorf Hot Springs, and the backcountry towns of Secesh and Warren.
CM Backcountry
313 McBride St., McCall 208-634-0017
cmbackcountryrentals.com
CM Backcountry also has a McCall office and works out of the Francis Wallace parking lot off Warren Wagon Road. Guests can choose a trail sled or mountain sled. CM also offers riding clinics, avalanche training and guided tours and powder sessions.
Riders check in and gear up at the Mountain Meadows McCall office (between Ridley’s and RiteAid). From there, you’ll drive to the Francis Wallace parking lot to pick up your sleds at the Mountain Meadows trailer. Ride directly from the parking lot to the popular groomed trail that leads to Burgdorf Hot Springs, Secesh Stage Stop, and the Baum Shelter in Warren.
Park and get your gear at the Mountain Meadows office on West Mountain Road (5 minutes north of Tamarack), and ride straight from the parking lot to the trail systems on West Mountain, Council Mountain, and No Business Mountain.
courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo
Guided Tours
Both Brundage Mountain Resort and CM Backcountry offer guided tours for snowmobilers of all levels.
Brundage Mountain Resort offers full-day and half-day snowmobile trips guided by its team of seasoned backcountry guides. Guests depart straight from Brundage Mountain Resort and head toward scenic locations like Clow Point, Granite Lake, Brundage Reservoir, Goose Lake, Brundage Mountain Lookout, and Burgdorf Hot Springs. The majority of this tour is on groomed trails, with a little bit of low-angle powder play likely. Guests with their own snowmobiles can rent a guide for the day so they can focus on fun while the guide does the wayfinding. brundage.com/snowmobile
CM Backcountry offers full day tours for two different types of riders. The Guided Trail Tour is similar to what Brundage offers, but CM launches its tours from the Warren Wagon side, with scenic destinations including Burgdorf Hot Springs, and the charming backcountry towns of Secesh and Warren. CM also offers a Guided Mountain Tour for those who have advanced skills and want to see the epic zones McCall is known for. cmbackcountryrentals.com/guided-adventures
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Trail Tips
Share and Care
When snowmobiling season hits its peak, navigating crowds can put a damper on a rider’s attempts at getting some throttle therapy. Snowmobiling thrives on community respect and responsible riding. Being aware of those around you and following these simple tips can help make the day more enjoyable for everyone.
Help Maximize Parking
Parking lots fill up quickly on holidays or after powder dumps, but the north McCall parking lots have helpful signage that instructs users on where to park. There are designated spaces for trailers, trucks with sled decks and individual automobile parking. Following these guidelines keeps vehicles from getting blocked in and allows more people to use the facilities. Make efforts to carpool whenever possible, especially if a rental company is delivering your machines.
Follow Basic Trail Etiquette
Always:
• Stay on the right side of the trail.
• Ride with safety and courtesy in mind.
• Slow down when other riders are approaching.
• Let uphill riders pass if you’re heading downhill.
• Reduce speed and yield to skiers, snowshoers or trail grooming equipment.
• Slow down near parked snowmobiles.
• Report any illegal activities on the trail.
Never :
• Disregard speed limits or trail signs.
• Stop on curves; only pull over in straight areas.
• Leave your engine running during long stops.
• Ride in closed areas
• Ride on private property without prior permission
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
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 We Offer
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.
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
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.
Riding in Style: Braaper Wrapper
Matthew McMahan is not only passionate about the sport of snowmobiling, but he is also a self-admitted motorhead. On top of working as a firefighter-paramedic and raising two small children, McMahan has transformed his passion for snowmobiles into a small business that brings personality to sleds through custom wraps. Based right here in McCall, McMahan’s attention to detail and love for the process make wrap installation a therapeutic and fulfilling art. His heated shop allows him to work yearround, giving him the perfect setting to turn stock snowmobiles into unique, head-turning machines. “I’ve got a heated shop, a passion for snowmobiles, and the right personality type for this work,” he shares.
While many find the intricate process of applying snowmobile wraps daunting, McMahan embraces the challenge. “So many people complain that it’s hard to install a wrap, but for me, the detail work feels therapeutic.” His expertise ensures not only stunning results but also a high level of craftsmanship, which sets Braaper Wrapper apart in the snowmobiling community.
Working closely with Idaho-based Deviant Ink, McMahan offers customers the chance to completely transform their sleds, often starting by removing old wraps and preparing the surface for the new design. The result is always a dramatically different machine, perfectly customized to the owner’s vision. McMahan’s dedication and craftsmanship in snowmobile wraps allow riders to stand out on the trails with bold designs that reflect their personalities. braaperwrapper.com
What is Boondocking?
In snowmobiling, boondocking is all about going off the beaten path and riding through deep, untouched snow. Instead of sticking to groomed and marked trails, boondockers carve their own path through open fields, forests, and remote areas. It’s a bit more challenging since you’re dealing with natural terrain and unexpected obstacles, but that’s part of the fun. Boondocking is for riders who want a more adventurous experience, making the most of untouched powder and wide-open spaces.
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais
PhotocourtesyBraaper
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
Idaho Free Nordic Ski Day
Youth Ice Fishing Day
Grom Games: Tamarack Resort
McCall Re-Mastered Nordic Race
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge
Saturday Après DJ Series: Tamarack Resort
Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage
Mountain
IFSA Big Mountain: Tamarack Resort
Ice Break Up Contest sponsored by AWeSOMe!! Runs through March
FEBRUARY
Heritage Night: Little Ski Hill
Demo Days: Tamarack Resort
McCall Snowmobile Club Annual Fun Run
Valentine’s Day Dinners: Shore Lodge & Rupert’s
Bass Camp Festival and Cardboard Box Derby: Tamarack Resort
Winter Jamboree: Cascade
Women with Bait Tournament: Riggins
Cascade Cup Fishing Tournament
Destination: Beer
Winemaker Dinner: Shore Lodge
McCall Starz on Ice
Saturday Après DJ Series: Tamarack Resort
Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain
Payette Land Trust’s SweetHEART Party & Auction
Tiki Trek Fridays: McCall Golf Course
McCall Winter Carnival: Last weekend in February
MARCH
Beer & Gear Festival: Brundage Mountain
Women with Bait Tournament: Riggins
Snowmobile Crab Feed: Warren
Brundage Mountain Diva Days
St. Patrick’s Day Events: Salmon River Brewery & Foresters
Spring Break Lunch & a Movie: Shore Lodge
Saturday Après DJ Series: Tamarack Resort
Bear’s Den Snowcat Dinners: Brundage Mountain
APRIL
Idaho State Pond Skimming Championships: Tamarack Resort
Brundage Mountain Brewlympics, Gelande
Quaff & Cardboard Classic
Salmon River Jet Boat Races: Riggins
Easter Brunch: Shore Lodge & Rupert’s
APRIL CONTINUED
Community Easter Egg Hunts
Cascade Easter Activities
New Meadows Week of the Young Child Events
Arbor Day, McCall Celebration of Trees
McCall Music Society’s Spring Concert
MAY
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Idaho Gives
Mother’s Day Celebrations
New Meadows Spring Bike-A-Thon
Riggins Rodeo and Parade
GIG Foundation Annual Fundraiser and Silent Auction
Historic Roseberry Open House and Volunteer Picnic
Memorial Day Observance
Friday Karaoke: Tamarack Resort
JUNE
Donnelly Farmers Market every Wednesday, 3-6pm
McCall Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm
Meadows Valley Farmers Market every Saturday, 10am-2pm
Tuesday Trivia and Friday Karaoke: Tamarack Resort
Oktoberfest and Top of Tamarack Race: Tamarack Resort
Judge’s Fishing Day: Cascade
Payette Lake Run
Fall Fest presented by the McCall Chamber
OCTOBER
McCall Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1pm
Meadows Valley Farmers Market every Saturday, 10am-2pm
Skate By The Lake Hockey Tournament
McCall Curling Club Roktoberspiel
Cascade Lake Run
McPaws Oktoberfest
OCTOBER CONTINUED
New Meadows Fall Harvest Festival
Payette Lakes Ski Club Ski Swap
Witches and Wizards on the Water: Payette Lake
Light Festival presented by the Ponderosa Center
Harvest Fest: Donnelly Elementary
Haunted House: Little Ski Hill
Halloween in Donnelly Trunk-or-Treat on Mainstreet
Halloween Movie Night: Tamarack Resort
New Meadows Trunk-or-Treat in the Park
McCall Trunk-or-Treat
McCall Zombie Crawl with the McCall Area Chamber
NOVEMBER
Cascade Holiday Bazaar: Hotel NoBo
Thanksgiving 6K Turkey Trot: The Club at Aspen Village
McCall Festival of Trees
Small Business Saturday
Brundage Mountain’s Pray for Snow Party
Pray for Snow Preseason Rail Jam: Tamarack Resort
Thanksgiving Dinner Specials
Community Thanksgiving Dinner: Cascade
DECEMBER
Shop Local, Shop Late
McCall Downtown Tree Lighting & Visit with Santa
New Meadows Tree Lighting & Parade
Snow Ball benefiting the Payette Lakes Ski Club
Toby’s Place Winter Wonderland Celebration
Backcountry Film Festival
St. Luke’s McCall Holiday Happenings
Cascade Community Center Christmas Craft Fair
McCall Music Society Christmas Concert
Breakfast with Santa: Shore Lodge
Pictures with Santa: Various Locations
Santa Paws
Christmas in Donnelly Holiday Boutique
Christmas Cookie Decorating: Shore Lodge
Christmas Eve Dinner: Rupert’s
Christmas Dinner: Shore Lodge
Santa Skis: Brundage Mountain & Tamarack Resort
Holiday Ice Show: Manchester Ice & Events Center
Light Up the Night: Brundage Mountain
NYE Fireworks and Torchlight Parade: Tamarack Resort
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Like a Local Your Dining, Drink and Off-Day Adventure Guide
Athough some local sledders might argue this point, there is more to a great getaway than snowmobiling. These suggested itineraries will point you toward the best of what the area has to offer in food, fun and off-day activities.
Early Bird Itinerary
Breakfast
Getting an early start won’t prevent you from enjoying some of the best breakfast bites in McCall. McCall has the unique distinction of boasting some of the most satisfying gas station grub in the northern hemisphere (trust us on this one). Miner’s Grab & Go rolls out a savory selection of housemade breakfast burritos starting at 6:00 am. Old Town Cafe (inside the Shell Station) has a traditional diner-style breakfast that also kicks off at 6:00 am and prides itself on some of the best biscuits and gravy in the county. Fogglifter Café opens at 7:00 am and features a big coffee menu, pastries, and breakfast and lunch plates, including several vegetarian and vegan options sure to fuel you up for a full day of sledding adventures. If you’re really tight on time (or just a fan of drive thru delights) you can stop at Wild River Java , where you’ll find a big coffee and espresso menu, along with breakfast sandwiches and burritos, egg bites, bagels and the ever-popular Wild River Smoothies.
Lunch
Early risers tend to get ravenous by midday, so be sure to pack a lot of heavy snacks or a full lunch to enjoy during your snowmobile adventure. Savvy sledders recommend the Muff Pot, a heatresistant stainless-steel container that allows you to have a hot lunch deep in the forest or on top of a mountain! Place the Muff Pot right next to the muffler or exhaust of your snowmobile, and you can
enjoy a hot meal of fried chicken, steak, cornbread, pasta… anything you can heat and serve. Wear gloves when handling it and line it with oven bags for easy cleanup. themuffpot.com
Happy Hour/Dinner
One of the best parts of being an early bird is that you get to start Happy Hour earlier, too! Some of the most popular post-adventure spots—where you will feel 100% comfortable in your riding gear—include Smoky’s Bar & Grill at Brundage (one mile from the Gordon Titus Parking lot), and Lardo’s Bar & Grill (across the highway from Shore Lodge). Both of these establishments have fun afternoon vibes. You can start off with happy hour and roll right into a delicious dinner at the Salmon River Brewery (known locally as “SRB”). Located in the heart of McCall in the town’s charming 100+ year old Train Depot building, SRB serves a big slate of craft brews, including several perennial award winners. Beer lovers will want to sample the Udaho Gold, Shiver IPA and Buzz Buzz Coffee Porter. SRB also offers a full bar and fun collection of craft cocktails, along with creative dishes and longtime favorites like fried pickle spears, the Black and Bleu Elk Burger, and Thai Beef Basil Salad. Gluten friendly options include street tacos, cauliflower crust pizza and all sandwiches and burgers can be ordered with a gluten free bun.
For those adventuring in the south end of the county, Palooza BaseCamp in Cascade is not to be missed. From the fresh twist on the historic building, to the delicious food, to unique after-adventure activities like ax throwing, this special spot is designed for good times.
Continued page 68
PhotocourtesyJonContiVisuals
Midweek ‘Go with the Flow’ Itinerary
If being an early bird sounds more like torture than a vacation, you may want to strongly consider a mid-week visit. Yes, some of our mom & pop businesses are closed a day or two during the week, but with sparse crowds and a decidedly mellow midweek vibe, there’s still PLENTY to choose from.
Breakfast
If you’re taking your time hitting the trailhead, you’ll have a full selection of coffee and breakfast choices at your fingertips. North Fork Coffee Roasters is an organic craft coffee shop that uses ethically sourced beans which they custom roast for the perfect flavor. North Fork has a great variety of sweet and savory breakfast items for those into grab-and-go. For a sit-down breakfast, it’s tough to find a more charming spot than Café 6-Three-4. From fresh-baked sourdough breads to salads and sandwiches, the menu has a delicious variety of dishes for both breakfast and lunch. (Open most weekdays, check their website for updates)
Lunch & Dinner
Lunch may morph into dinner for the laid-back midweek adventurer. Local favorite Frenchie’s on Third —known for its burgers and New Orleans-inspired Po Boys—serves lunch and dinner Monday through Friday. Grab a side of gumbo or roasted red pepper soup, and keep a keen eye out for the “Blue Plate Special” offered daily at 5 pm, but don’t be too blasé about the Blue Plate, it frequently sells out and once they’re gone, only the delicious memories remain. Toll Station Pizza has plenty of seating to accomodate larger groups. Some favorite pizzas include the Hiker, the Mountaineer, and the Chicken Caesar. Gluten free crust is an option on all pizzas, and Toll Station offers a nice selection of pasta, burgers and sandwiches. KB Burritos is another great option for lunch and/or dinner. Build your own GIANT burrito or choose one of KBs tried-and-true signature burritos, tacos, quesadillas or salads. The food is fresh, flavorful, and fast (for McCall).
Backcountry Explorer Itinerary
(Day Trip or Overnight)
It’s one of the McCall area’s quintessential adventures: snowmobiling to Burgdorf Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. You’ll feel transported back in time as you melt into the steamy waters surrounded by nothing but nature and snowcovered historical buildings dating back to the 1870s. Double down on this great adventure by spending the night in one of Burgdorf’s charming log cabins. The cabins are rustic—in this case, that means wood heat but no electricity or running water. (Potable water is available on site).
Breakfast
Choose from one of the breakfast options in the Early Bird Itinerary above, then head out Warren Wagon Road for the ride to Burgdorf. It’s just over 30 miles from the Francis Wallace parking area.
Lunch
Snacks are available for purchase at Burgdorf, but if you need gas or a full meal, you’ll want to carve out some time to head up the road a bit further to Secesh Stage Stop —or all the way to Warren’s Baum Shelter, Too. Both spots are known for their delicious backcountry cheeseburgers. Overnighters will need to pack all their own food and cooking supplies along with sleeping bags and pillows. Burgdorf puts clean sheets on each bed and fires up the wood stove before guests arrive, but the rest of packing for this backcountry experience is 100% up to you.
Continued page 70
Cory Corbet
CM Backcountry Rentals and Cheap Thrills offer overnight snowmobile rentals. CM and Brundage Mountain offer guided day tours to Burgdorf. Please Note: Day trippers need a reservation for a two-hour soaking session, book online in advance.
Burgdorf Hot Springs 404 French Creek (USFS #246) 208-315-6657 burgdorfhotsprings.com
Dinner (for Day Trippers)
After a ride and a soak, you may want to keep it simple for dinner. If you’re staying at a cabin or condo, pick up a take and bake pizza from Hometown Pizza . With a variety of crust styles, plus salads and sandwiches, there’s something here for everyone in your group to enjoy. Growlers is another great spot to grab a hot pizza or toasted focaccia sandwich. Growlers also features a fresh salad bar, burgers, and other grill items to keep the whole family happy. Another low-key option is Broken Horn Brewery, which is more of a tasting room than a traditional brewpub. Broken Horn features hand crafted beers and ciders and frequently hosts events like
Photo courtesy Jon Conti Visuals
small concerts and trivia nights. Most days you’ll find the River Grill food truck parked outside serving up everything from burgers to street tacos to waffles on a stick. Banyans on the Green is open year-round at the McCall Golf Course Clubhouse, and serves drinks, appetizers, lunch and dinner seven days a week (in addition to breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays). Steamers offers steak, seafood and wine in a rustic, charming space right on Lake Street. Settle in for a delicious entrée or order fan favorites like the French Onion Soup or their delectable spinach artichoke dip appetizer.
Off-Day Activities
Everyone loves a powder day, but sledding several days in a row can get tiring. Our “Off-Day” itinerary highlights activities that offer a balance of adventure, relaxation and local flavor.
Hit the Slopes: Skiing and Snowboarding
Long before snowmobiling took off as a winter hobby, McCall was known for its downhill skiing. Little Ski Hill opened in 1937 and has operated continuously ever since. This non-profit (Payette Lakes Ski Club) is open seven days a week and offers the area’s only night skiing. littleskihill.org
Continued page 72
Photo courtesy
Jon Conti Visuals
Get the Gear – Nordic and Fat Bike Rentals
Gravity Sports
200 Jacob Street, McCall
gravitysportsidaho.com
Nordic – Skate – Fat Bikes
Hometown Sports
300 E. Lenora Street, McCall hometownsportsmccall.com
Nordic – Skate – Snowshoe
McCall Sports
802 N. 3rd Street, McCall mccallsports.com
Nordic – Snowshoes – Fat Bikes
Tamarack Resort Outfitters
311 Village Drive, Tamarack tamarackidaho.com
Nordic – Snowshoes – Fat Bikes
Brundage Mountain Resort, just 8 miles from McCall, has been delivering powder-covered smiles to generations of skiers and snowboarders. The independently owned resort installed a new high-speed quad, the Centennial Express, in 2023 and is opening a new, 18,000 square foot guest services lodge, the MTN Adventure Center, this winter. brundage.com
Tamarack Resort, 18 miles from McCall, is also debuting a new lodge facility this winter. The highly-anticipated mid-mountain lodge opens this winter, and will provide a spacious and convenient place to take a break from the slopes and enjoy views of Lake Cascade. tamarackidaho.com
Hit the Trails: Nordic Skiing/Snowshoeing/Fat Biking
If outdoor cardio is on your punch list, this area offers plenty of groomed trails for Nordic and skate skiers. Ponderosa State Park , two miles north of McCall, sits on a 1,000-acre peninsula and features 13 miles (21 km) of groomed forest trails, including level stretches, hills, and ridges with scenic views of Payette Lake. Rover’s Roundabout (1 mile) is the only dog-friendly trail at Ponderosa.
Bear Basin Nordic Center, north of McCall, boasts 19 miles (30 km) of cross-country trails (all dog friendly). At 5,280 feet elevation, it offers great early- and lateseason conditions and stunning views, especially from Lyle’s Loop. Jug Mountain Ranch, 10.5 miles from McCall, has 16 miles (25 km) of groomed trails with views of Long Valley and Jughandle Mountain. Suitable for all levels, these dog-friendly trails are open to the public and free.
The North Valley Rail Trail and Activity Barn combine for over 5 miles (8 km) of free, dog-friendly trails near McCall.
Tamarack Resort, 8 miles from Donnelly, offers 15 miles (24 km) of dog-friendly Nordic trails through meadows and forests of towering pines, fir, larch, and aspen. Leashes are recommended.
Snowshoeing is allowed at all the Nordic areas listed above, but snowshoers should take steps to avoid tromping on the ski tracks. If you see two sets of parallel grooves in your trail, move off to the side. The great thing about snowshoes is that they are all-terrain!
Fat Bikes have been gaining traction over the last few years for their ability to grip snow covered surfaces. Groomed trails at areas like Jug Mountain Ranch, the Activity Barn/North Rail Trail, and Tamarack Resort’s Meadows trails are a great place for fat bikers to start.
Photo courtesy Jon
Hit the Lake: Ice Fishing
Cascade Lake is famous for its giant yellow perch, but you don’t need to be a seasoned angler to enjoy this unique winter sport. Tamarack Resort offers guided ice fishing adventures, which begin with a sunrise snowmobile ride. Experienced guides provide all the necessary equipment, including heated ice shacks, fish finders, rods, and bait. Just bring your fishing license, cold weather gear, and did we mention, cold weather gear?
Soak the Day Away: Hot Springs & Spas
A leisurely soak in hot, steaming water is the perfect complement to snowy outdoor adventures, and the McCall area has several ways to get a satisfying soaking experience.
Zims Hot Springs offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere where visitors can soak in mineral-rich pools while taking in the stunning views in Meadows Valley. Hidden in a forested mountainside just outside of Donnelly, Gold Fork Hot Springs features a series of terraced pools filled with crystal-clear geothermal waters. In McCall, The Cove Spa at Shore Lodge offers a more high-end retreat, inviting guests to indulge in private, saline hot pools framed by natural rock and lush landscaping, all while enjoying the spa’s signature pampering services. If warmth and relaxation is your vibe, but water is not, consider an infrared sauna session at Bespoke Well Spa + Boutique
Embrace your Inner Child: Tube, Skate, Bump
There’s no shame in acting like a kid when you’re on vacation, and the area has plenty of active pursuits for those with a playful side. McCall’s Activity Barn is built for maximum snow-tubing fun, with a conveyor lift that whisks tubers to the top of the 800-foot tubing lanes for endless gravity-fed fun. The Activity Barn is located just south of McCall and is open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and many school holidays. The Ice Bumper Cars at Manchester Ice and Event Center will definitely make you feel like a kid again, and the rink offers a great Bump + Skate special for just $15. Check their website for public skate times.
“I mean, I have always been a knife freak,” laughs Quarton. Growing up in Wisconsin, Quarton originally had a woodworking shop and was a furniture and cabinet builder. “I was always working to keep all of the tools sharp,” he says, “I loved all of the sharp things.” In his 20s, he knew the woodworking route wasn’t for him and sold part of his cabinet business to a friend. It was around that time when he saw a book, “Knives and Knifemakers” by Sid Bateman. “I was absolutely fascinated,” Quarton says.
So he took the $3,000 inheritance he had received from his godmother and went out and bought all of the stock to make knives. “At this time nobody was really forging,” says Quarton. “The style was more cutout and I was soaking up every piece of information I could find on the subject.” With no formal programs or the internet to rely on, Quarton read books. “I found a guy in California who wasn’t all that nice, but he was a knowledgeable knifemaker and I would just call him up and ask him a ton of questions.”
Armed with books and a bit of advice from more experienced knifemakers, Quarton started making his own knives. “And I quickly realized no one was buying them,” Quarton laughs. A bit defeated, he visited his parents in Ketchum. “I remember bringing my knives to this fly shop and they bought four instantly,” says Quarton, “and I thought, welp, I gotta move to this place!” So he packed up his Toyota Land Cruiser station wagon with everything he owned and all his knife supplies and drove out to Idaho to stay with his sister for the summer.
“My first gig in Ketchum was at this little shop on the corner by the stoplight,” says Quarton. “It was a ski tuning shop in the winter and they didn’t use it in the summer so I had this perfect spot on Main Street to set up my own little shop.” After the summer was over, Quarton would drive 36
Photos by Samantha Sais Photography
hours back to Wisconsin. But before long, the drive and the back and forth lost its romance and he decided to move full-time to Ketchum where he was starting to gain a reputation for quality knifemaking.
With the move to Idaho and his skill set growing, Quarton started attending knife shows around the country. “I went to one show put on by the Knifemakers’ Guild in Kansas City and I was absolutely astounded at the work showcased at that event.” He followed that with a trip to a “Hammer In” held in Dubois, Wyoming where he met Bill Moran, a pioneering knifemaker who is best known for reintroducing patternwelded steel (often called Damascus) back into modern knife making.
Until this point, Quarton was using a cut-out method where the knife blade is a stock removal and then a grinder is used to shape the steel into the desired finished piece. But after meeting Moran and participating in a workshop where he got to experience Moran’s style of knifemaking, Quarton went back to Idaho and set up his first forge.
In the early 1980s, Quarton, keen to continue to learn more about different knifemaking styles, applied for an Idaho Arts Council grant and won. With the money from the grant, he was able to go live with a Japanese swordsmith in Colorado for several months. “It was a wild experience, a full immersion experience,” says Quarton. “He took me through the entire process – from making and cutting down charcoal to building forges to finally forging in the traditional Japanese sword style.” A style that Quarton continues to pursue today.
After his time in Colorado, Quarton’s knifemaking skills were noticed at a national level when he won Best in Show at the 1984 New York City Custom Knife Show. “I was honestly just a kid who flew into New York with a suitcase full of knives,” laughs Quarton. But with a national win under his belt and wealthy clientele back in Idaho who sought him out for collectible knives, Quarton was making a name for himself.
Continued page 80
“It was kind of a wild time,” says Quarton. “I had clients who would want really technically difficult designs or requests to use materials like Mastodon tusk or fossil walrus ivory for the knife handles.” He was even commissioned by Sylvester Stallone to make a custom knife.
Then one day, a customer walked into his shop and asked Quarton to make something called a “slick” which is used in timber framing and woodworking. “I didn’t really want to make it, but figured it was easy enough,” says Quarton. “We ended up taking it to the Timber Framers Guild Conference and that inadvertently kicked off an entirely new line of business.”
It turns out that Barr Quarton is just as skilled in making hand-forged tools as he is in knifemaking. From that original slick to chisels, draw knives, gouges, and chair-building tools, Barr Specialty Tools has grown to become a much sought-after brand in the woodworking industry.
Now, after 30 years of building Barr Specialty Tools in McCall as his primary business, Quarton is passing the torch to his son, Jess, so he can go back to his true passion… knifemaking. “I still love the forging,” says Quarton. “I mean, who wouldn’t?” With Barr Specialty Tools relocating to Boise, Quarton’s shop in McCall is once again his
own domain. “I am excited to get back into the Damascus style with a new forge that will give me more heat and open up some new possibilities.”
Just as long as it has function. “Some of the younger knifemakers do beautiful work, but it is all bling,” says Quarton. “For me, a blade has to perform well.”
Which is why you’ll find Quarton working on functional blades like his new line of chef knives or a custom hunting knife that will last for generations. And in keeping with his dedication to function, Quarton has also stepped into some custom lighting projects that keep his skills sharp and challenge his creativity. “I am always after something artistic, not something that looks manufactured,” says Quarton.
Which is one of the biggest challenges with forging…the imperfections. “I am honestly not sure if I have ever crafted a truly perfect, unblemished blade,” says Quarton. “Forging is a really crazy mix of heavy duty and delicate tasks,” he says. “There’s a finesse to it. It really is a skill, a craft.”
As Quarton continues to pursue his life-long love of all things sharp, he says his ultimate commission would be three swords: Katana , Wakizashi, and Tanto. “If I can forge one good traditional Japanese sword before I die, that would be the ultimate accomplishment,” says Quarton.
In the meantime, you can find Quarton in his shop, crafting a continuous stream of one-of-a-kind pieces of functional artwork…all with a sharp edge.
Find Barr Quarton’s work on his website at barrcustomknives.com
106 S Mission St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-5709 tatesrents.com
Western States Equipment Company & Cat Rental Service 10 Davis Creek Ln. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 986-686-7703 westernstatescat.com/?city=Donnelly Westside Electric Company McCall, Idaho 83638 208-484-5193
INSURANCE, ATTORNEYS AND BUSINESS SERVICES
Amazon Hub Delivery Donnelly, Idaho 83615 New Meadows, Idaho 83654 810-210-0319 amazon.com/hubdelivery AmeriTitle 507 E Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-6363 ameri-title.com
AW Custom Content McCall, Idaho 83638 awhit208@gmail.com custom-content.net
Benton Insurance 283 Main St. Donnelly, Idaho 83615 208-325-3253 farmersagent.com/dbenton
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
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 Nonprofit Center 5257 W Fairview Ave., Ste. 260 Boise, Idaho 83706 208-424-2229 idahononprofits.org
Idaho Sled Dog Challenge PO Box 1022 McCall, Idaho 83638 907-360-7604 idahosleddogchallenge.com
Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce 5465 E Terra Linda Way Nampa, Idaho 83687 208-917-9977 Idahoveterans.org
Ignite Idaho Family Resource Center 106 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-994-5537 igniteidahofrc.org
Kelly’s Whitewater Park 330 Kelly’s Pkwy. Cascade, Idaho 83611 kellyswhitewaterpark.com
McCall Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 605 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7631 visitmccall.org
McCall Area Snowmobile Club McCall, Idaho 83638 snowmobilemccall.net
McCall Arts and Humanities Council 208-634-7136 mccallarts.org
McCall-Donnelly Education Foundation 208-634-6333 mdef.org
McCall Farmers Market 2nd St. and Lenora St. McCall, Idaho 83638 farmersmarketmccall.com
McCall Fire Protection District 201 Deinhard Ln. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-634-7070 mccallfire.com
Bluebird days have an uncanny ability to remind us of summertime in the McCall area. See what’s in store once the snow melts…
THRILLING WHITEWATER
Idaho is well-known as the Whitewater State and there is certainly no shortage of rapids to satisfy thrill-seekers in the McCall area. From the laid back Cabarton Stretch to thrilling multi-day trips on the Main Salmon through the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, we have the whitewater you are looking for!
MAKE A SPLASH AT THE LAKE
TAKE A HIKE
Hiking is hands down one of the most popular activities in McCall. There is a huge variety of trails to explore around the area. Only have an hour? No problem, we have a trail for that. Want to turn a hike into a day-long adventure? We have that covered, too. And the scenery is epic no matter which trail you take.
Jump in, dive in, or wade in! The West Central Mountains of Idaho are teeming with lakes… more than 300 of them. Our largest lakes, Payette Lake and Lake Cascade, offer swimming, sailing, waterskiing, wakesurfing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Rentals are available for just about any activity you have in mind.
Photo courtesy Samantha Sais Photography
PhotocourtesyJonContiVisuals
ON A ROLL
The McCall area has been designated as a Silver Ride Center by the International Mountain Biking Association. Enjoy lift serviced mountain biking at Brundage Mountain Resort and Tamarack Resort or take advantage of the shuttle service at Jug Mountain Ranch. Looking for a calmer cruise around town? Ride the network of designated bike paths that can get you from one end of town to the other for a leisurely, scenic ride.
courtesyJonContiVisuals
DINING
The patio is open! One of our favorite things about warm sunny days in McCall is dining al fresco and sampling the delicious fare of our local restaurants, bistros, and pubs. Just about every eatery has a place to take advantage of the sunshine. Our local Farmers Markets are also open each summer and provide a great place to find fresh local produce, meat and baked goods.
HIT THE LINKS
Take on the challenge of our five stunning courses. McCall Municipal Course provides 27 holes in an affable atmosphere for every level of golfer. Jug Mountain Ranch offers gorgeous panoramic views of Jughandle Mountain, the Ranch’s natural wetlands, old growth forests and the rolling hills of the East Valley. The prestigious Whitetail Club and Resort offers an inspiring mountain masterpiece, while MeadowCreek Resort in Meadows Valley brings brilliant play and ample friendliness. And we are thrilled to have Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort restored and ready to play for the 2025 season!
Alpine Village Company 600 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-336-2200 alpinevillagemccall.com
Adam Alexander Real Estate
380 W State St. Eagle, Idaho 83616 208-608-8118 adam-alexander.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
PhotocourtesySamanthaSaisPhotography
Cory Corbet, Realtor ®
McCall Real Estate Company
301 E Lake St. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-630-3283 corbetproperty.com
Angie Crow – Lpt Realty New Meadows, Idaho 83654 208-789-3315
angiecrowhomes.com
Shelly DeMoss, Realtor ® Crawford Olson Real Estate
403 E Park St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-315-1390 crawfordolson.com/shelly-demoss Engel & Völkers 501 Pine St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-630-4469 mccall.evrealestate.com
Teia Golden – Windermere Real Estate Professionals in McCall
321 N 3rd St. McCall, Idaho 83638 208-271-6334 buyandsellmccall.com
Cara Hipwell, RE/MAX Executives
McCall, Idaho 83638
208-204-9554
viewidahohomesforsale.com
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
The Streak
Written by McKenzie Kraemer | Photos by The Streak
“We’re going streaking!” How can you not think of that perfect one-liner from the movie Old School when you hear the words “The Streak?” And while you may think this is a group of women channeling their best Will Ferrell impressions each winter, The Streak does not, in fact, have anything to do with running naked down the streets of McCall.
Instead, this growing community tradition is all about bringing women together through fitness, camaraderie, and a shared passion for supporting local youth. The proceeds generated from this 40-day fitness challenge fund scholarships for local high school graduates.” And while The Streak is now more than 400 participants strong, it came from a humble beginning.
Sidney Bateman, co-founder of the McCall Streak says the idea came from her friend Melissa Daniels. “Melissa had done something similar with a small group of friends while living in Argentina,” says Bateman. “It was a really casual thing - just a group of friends who loved to enjoy a nice meal out.” Because of the expense of dining out, they decided to challenge one another to a fitness challenge. Anyone who stayed in and completed the challenge was treated to a meal by those who didn’t. “It was all an absolutely fabulous, gluttonous affair,” laughs Bateman.
When Daniels returned to McCall, she approached Bateman about doing something similar. And, of course, the answer was a resounding “Yes!” That first year, The Streak was a modest affair, with just a dozen women participating. The goal was forty straight days of fitness including 30 minutes of purposeful movement each day and 100 crunches, 50 pushups, and five minutes of plank each week. “We did it, and the reward that year was a sushi party,” Bateman says. “It was pretty small-scale, but it was fun.”
Over the next few years, The Streak started to attract more and more local women. “It is honestly kind of amazing what word of mouth can do,” says Bateman. And as the event grew, the incentives had to adapt. In year three, the end reward evolved from a dinner out to a gathering where drink tickets were provided at an end of Streak celebration. “It was fun,” says Bateman, “but we felt like we really needed to amp up our incentive to stay in The Streak and do something more motivating, more purposeful with the money.”
“That year we had several women ask what we could do to make a difference with a bit of excess money we had,” says Bateman, “and we gave it to one of our local rock star high
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from weather damage and maintain its pristine condition.
school graduates, Bethany Danner.” Danner was on an athletic scholarship and The Streak was able to offer an additional $700 scholarship to help with room and board. “And that was really a turning point,” says Bateman.
After the first scholarship was given, The Streak took on a different feel. “We went from a fun, informal gathering of friends wanting to find a great excuse to go out to eat together to a much more motivated, formalized fundraiser,” says Bateman. The group worked to find new ways to raise more money during “Streak Season” with potlucks and swag sales, in addition to the option to buy back into the challenge if you missed a day of activity and “fouled out.”
How can YOU Streak?
The Streak runs annually from November 13th through December 22nd. You don’t have to live in the McCall area to participate, just commit to the challenge!
For 40 days, do 30 minutes of purposeful movement (walking, yoga, swimming, anything goes!). Then complete 50 push-ups, 100 crunches, and five minutes of plank each week. Do it all at once or break it up into daily chunks.
To buy-in, the cost is $25 (or just $20 if you register early). Once you sign up, get your streak on! Miss a day? No problem! You can buy back into the challenge for another $10.
All the money raised goes to local scholarships and finishers are invited to a celebration held annually in January.
The program’s reach also expanded beyond the local community, with women joining from as far away as Boston and the UK…and one random guy named Todd in Seattle who accidentally got included on a Streak email chain. “A lot of people who have second homes here or who have some connection to the McCall area want to be a part of it,” Bateman explains. “They may not be able to participate in person, but they’ll still donate to support the cause and complete The Streak on their own.”
It felt like The Streak was on a solid growth trajectory…until the pandemic hit the pause button. “We had to skip a year or two, and that really threw a wrench in our momentum,” Bateman admits. “But we’ve since gotten back on track, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage the community and grow the program.”
One of the ways that The Streak has expanded is their “Don’t Be a D!$%” initiative, which supports local boys with scholarships in addition to the original Streak scholarships for girls. “We realized that a lot of the Streak participants have sons, and we wanted to find a way to support them too,” Bateman says. “So, we created a separate application process for the boys’ scholarships, which is funded in part by The Streak and in part from the sales of the ‘Don’t Be a D!$%’ stickers and swag around town at places like May Hardware.”
In 2024, its tenth year, The Streak was able to give $15,000 out in scholarships, five to girls and three to boys. Looking to the future, The Streak organizers have even grander plans. “I’d love to see us do a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ event, where the men in the community could compete to raise money for the scholarships,” Bateman says. “Maybe we could have them do a ‘Streak’ of their own. It would be a great way to get the whole community involved and raise even more money for our local kids.”
Because at its core, the Streak is about more than just fitness and fundraising. “It’s honestly not about the money,” Bateman says. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging, of being part of something bigger than ourselves.” And that’s what makes the Streak so special.
Mountain Living Specialist
Let me help you find your special Mountain property!
Cheri Lawrence, Realtor®
(208)250-2430
mountainlivingmccall@gmail.com
mountain living mccall.com
The Friends of the Library are pleased to say that there are now two great locations in McCall to acquire your used books! Come browse our selections and leave a donation at:
The Pump House 1001 State Street - across from St. Lukes Hospital Winter Hours: 12pm to 3pm Thurs. - Sat. or
The Friends’ Book Nook
218 East Park St, McCall
Same house as the McCall Public Library
Your book donations are Gratefully Accepted - but only at the Pump House
Market Diner
• Local Craft Beer
• Unique Candies and Chocolates
• Specialty Drinks
• Healthy Snacks & Deli Items
• Breakfast Served All Day
• Ethanol-Free 91 Fuel Available
• Winter Hours: 6am-9pm Mon-Fri; 7am-8pm Sat & Sun
• Fresh, delicious tacos, burritos, bowls, & quesadillas available Mon-Fri
• Ice Cream Smoothies
• Drive Thru
• Online & Call-In Ordering
• Breakfast served until 6pm
• Winter Hours: 11am-6pm Mon-Fri;
Jennifer Jones Campbell, Realtor ® / BOND CAMPBELL (BC Builders)
150 W Roseberry Suite 1A Donnelly, Idaho 83615 dirtroadstolakehomes.com
Jug Mountain Ranch
13834 Farm to Market Rd. McCall, Idaho 83638
208-634-5072
jugmountainranch.com
Cheri Lawrence Real Estate Century 21 PO Box 2586 McCall, Idaho 83638 208-250-2430
mountainlivingmccall.com
Amherst Madison 592 N Benjamin Ln. Boise, Idaho 83704 208-391-2391
amherst-madison.com
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
This is a FREE public transportation service for the City of McCall. Anyone is welcome to ride.
Green LINE
BLUE LINE
Buses run daily 7:00am–7:00pm GOLD LINE
This is a FREE public transportation service between McCall & Cascade. Anyone is welcome to ride. Buses run Monday–Friday 6:00am–7:25pm LEARN MORE AT: mountaincommunitytransit.com 208-634-0003 Please
Your connection to downtown McCall, Payette Lake, Hotels, Recreation, Shopping, & Restaurants.
Buses run Memorial Day–Labor Day Friday-Saturday • 11:00am–9:00pm
This is a FREE public trasportation service between New Meadows & McCall. Anyone is welcome to ride.
In recent years, the word “growth” has taken on a fairly negative meaning when it comes to mountain towns, like ours, that are hubs for recreation.
Rapid growth can put stress on systems and communities, but in our next issue, we’ll take a look at one area where growth seems to be a blessing. The area’s local mountain bike scene is blossoming with new trails, partnerships and teams creating healthy and meaningful community connections.
With three bike parks, two major public trail systems and endless backcountry rides within striking distance, McCall is making a splash in the mountain biking world and engaging our local youth in incredible ways.
You can learn more about McCall’s mountain bike movement— and the local people making it happen—in the summer 2025 issue of Visit McCall Magazine.
