2023 Trip 7: Northwest U.S.: History and Adventure: Sept. 20

Cascade, ID Sept. 20

Today wraps up our time in the northern and western part of Idaho, north of Boise. We are in Cascade, Idaho, and yes, it was once the site of a Boise Cascade paper mill which closed in 2001. Cascade’s population is 1000 people, is at an elevation of 4800 feet, and is surrounded by the Boise National Forest. There is a forest ranger district office right next to the hotel, and in our chat with him this morning, he was insistent that the area needs no more residents to move up here. Tell everyone we meet all of Idaho is covered by potato farms he said.

The Payette River flows through the town and the dam here in Cascade creates Lake Cascade, the fourth largest lake in Idaho. The dam was built after World War II for irrigation purposes, and a little bit of hydropower. This area is part of a recreational portion of the state, with two state parks, and the tourist hotspot of McCall Idaho. McCall is the big city with a population of 4200.

Hotel NoBo had the best continental breakfast of any of the free breakfasts provided by hotels so far. Combined with a pleasant hot tub experience, and a very spacious room, this would be a great place to come back to.

The day started with a walk along the Strand. This is a gravel path along the river highlighting several features such as an osprey nest and river rapids. McCall was our next stop, particularly Ponderosa State Park. The state park is positioned in seven mile long Payette Lake on a peninsula. The lake was created by glacial action into the basalt rock layers, with the town of McCall located on the end moraine that created the backed up lake.

As happens to us frequently, while gazing at the lake from a scenic overlook, we talked to several different groups of adults also enjoying the view. Two of the groups had a Minnesota connection somewhere in the members of the party. We shared travel experiences and comments about the area. The northern Idaho residents that were in these groups reiterated the forest ranger’s comments: discourage any more people from moving up here and driving up home prices.

We had one final stop of the day in Donnelly, Idaho, population 260. It is located halfway between McCall and Cascade. On Wednesday afternoons they have a farmers’ market. We are not likely to purchase much at a farmers market since we can’t carry tons of fresh fruit and produce as we travel around. However, there was one booth by a local cattle rancher, selling their hamburgers and hotdogs from Angus cattle that they raise. The male partner was originally from Amboy Minnesota by Mankato. The female partner was from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, not far from Ambler. We convinced them to cook two hotdogs, burnt the way Chris likes them. Very tasty. Plus, there was free music from two musicians serenading the buyers and sellers.

Dinner tonight was at the Lakefront Inn, the same location as last night’s very tasty meal. The restaurant is situated on the lake and provides a nice view while dining.

Ed and Chris, Cascade Idaho September 20