Where are we?
McCall is located in the West Central Mountains of Idaho on scenic Highway 55. 100 miles North of the state capitol, Boise, and 167 miles South of the nation's farthest inland seaport, Lewiston. Situated along the shores of Payette Lake and the banks of the Payette River in Valley County, McCall is the gateway to outdoor recreation. If you are looking for a place to sail your boat, water-ski, fish, hike, play tennis, downhill or cross country ski, snowmobile, etc. This is the place for you!
The altitude here is 5,021 feet and the resident population is about 2500. Slopes vary from flat river and lake bottomlands to rolling foothills and steep mountain slopes. Although all aspects are represented, most slopes face east and west. Elevations range from about 4,800 to 7,500 feet.
Prevailing winds, averaging 3-4 knots, are influenced by the valley and surrounding mountain ridges. During the summer, winds are gentle and generally from the southwest. In winter, winds shift and are primarily from the northwest, bringing storms and powder snow. Fall and spring are transitional periods.
The McCall area is characterized by mild summers and cold, snowy winters. Perfect for all types of outdoor recreation. The mountains, lakes, altitude and latitude influence the climate of McCall. Because of the mountains, the town is spared most of the cold blasts from Canada, yet warm Pacific winds sweep in to provide the upland continental climate that is characteristic of the area.
The average annual snowfall in McCall is 174 inches. At McCall's altitude of 5,000 feet accumulation is typically less than 48 inches due to repeated settling and thawing. Brundage Mountain Ski Resort carries an average snowfall base of 96 inches at the summit altitude of 7,600 feet, and an average of 72 inches at the lodge level of 6,000 feet. Winter sports in the area generally begin in mid-November and continue through April.
Economic Overview of McCall
The primary economic activities in this area are logging, tourism, and recreational services. The US Forest Service is a major employer in Valley Counties. The Forest Service maintains a large fire fighting training and "smokejumper" base in McCall. Considerable federal funds have been spent in the last few years to expand and improve the McCall Smokejumper station. As a result, the McCall airport has been greatly improved in recent years. Planes carrying fire retardant fly hundreds of missions from the McCall airport. Tours are offered during the summer months.
Mining has seen resurgence in this area. This has been especially noticeable in the Warren area.
McCall, Cascade, Donnelly, New Meadows, and Lake Fork see their populations increase every summer as vacationers and those who own summer homes flock to the area. In addition to summer recreational activities, winter attracts great numbers of snowmobilers and downhill and cross-country skiers to this area.
Extensive improvements at the Brundage Mountain Ski Resort, including upgrading the lodge and ski lift capability, have increased its popularity. The renovation of Shore Lodge and the building of a new Best Western Hotel in McCall have greatly increased the area's ability to accommodate overnight guests.
Tamarack Resort Lake Cascade, a proposed 4-season resort, has started development on private land and are awaiting a decision from the State of Idaho regarding their development of State owned land for a ski area and restaurant facilities.