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Valley County: Cascade and Donnelly

Valley County, in the heart of Idaho, is a landscape that’s easy on the eye – majestic mountains, brilliant blue skies clear of city haze and there are plenty of things to do. In fact the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service ranked Valley County as the 15th Best Rural Area in America to Retire in August 2009, based on a quality of retirement life at an affordable price.

Cascade

Trappers and miners helped establish many of the early communities in the West, and the same is true in Valley County. However, it was the Thunder Mountain mining boom in the 1890’s and subsequent railroad that created the landscape we recognize today. By 1913 the railroad was complete from Smith’s Ferry to McCall, but had bypassed three existing towns: Crawford, Thunder City and Van Wyck. W.D. Billie Patterson realized a new town was needed with easy access to the railroad, so he platted a six-block town site and inspired by the cascading water that rushed through the canyon, named it Cascade.

Today, Cascade is a mountain recreation paradise, as well as a cozy town with shops, restaurants, grand hotel and convention center. “Cascade is the best kept secret around,” said Richard Carter, Mayor of Cascade. “We’re working towards letting people know about the area. People who discover us are immediate fans.”

Attracting more fans is the goal behind two projects. The first is a 2.5-mile greenbelt pathway being completed to encourage walking and biking through the city core; and the second is Kelly’s Whitewater Park which opened May 2010. Kayakers, at all levels, including beginners, can  enjoy the park. Additionally a 2,700-square-foot welcome center/museum/meeting facility is located at the site.

“We want your business here,” said Carter. “And we’ll help you any way we can.”

Business District

When the Boise Cascade sawmill closed in 2001, Katrin and Ashley Thompson wanted to do something to stimulate the local economy and create jobs.  Five years later the Ashley Inn opened with 67 uniquely decorated rooms, a full-service convention facility, and indoor pool.

“We host many events—from small church retreats to large government groups,” said Ashley Inn catering manager Kym Nilsen. “People from all over the world have stayed with us.”

In a small town, owning a business can be a challenge, but people choose to live in Cascade for the lifestyle and natural beauty of the area. “Having lived in a city and then moving here – seeing the migration of the birds, the four seasons, the nature that surrounds you is so special,” said Nilsen. “What we have to offer is so unique – we have three lakes and businesses that rent equipment, outfitters to take you down the river, golf courses, elk-feeding sleigh rides, skiing, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling.”

A short drive away, the local pharmacy founded in 1917 has been a mainstay of the community.  It was a small 1,200-square-foot “cubby hole,” according to Bill Wheeler, who along with his wife bought the business in 1971 and named it Wheeler Pharmacy. Through the years, gifts, clothing and other sundries were added until the business expanded to its present size of 7,200 square feet.

“We have a loyal following and a loyal group of people who work for us,” said Wheeler. “One employee has been with us 26 years.”

It’s that kind of small town community spirit and loyalty that attracted the Wheelers to Cascade – along with the mountains. “Cities have a lot offer but the thing that was missing was the mountains – it’s kind of hard to explain,” said Wheeler. “We get to enjoy the small town life and I can be skiing in less than an hour. I can be on a lake in 15 minutes. We moved here from Chicago and we’re very happy with our decision.”


View McCall-Donnelly in a larger map

Cascade/Donnelly Quick Facts

  • Cascade Population: 1,050
  • Cascade Elevation: 4,800' 
  • Donnelly Population: 142 
  • Donnelly Elevation: 4,865' 
  • High Temperature: December 22.7 ºF, July 79.8 ºF
  • Valley County encompasses 3,773 square miles

Valley County Largest Employers:

  • U.S. Forest Service 
  • McCall-Donnelly Schools 
  • Brundage Resort
  • McCall Memorial Hospital 

Donnelly

As you leave Cascade and head north you’ll see Tamarack trees, one of only a few conifers whose needles turn gold and fall off each fall; and catch glimpses of Lake Cascade that stretches the entire 15 miles from Cascade to Donnelly.

Donnelly developed much the same way as Cascade. The railroad was finished in 1913 and completely missed the thriving town of Roseberry. As Donnelly, a new town strategically located by the railroad track grew, the Roseberry population declined. Thanks to recent conservation efforts the town of Roseberry is experiencing a revival.

Today, Donnelly is a thriving community with restaurants, antique shops, and a new library all nestled between Lake Cascade and the Boise National Forest.  The completion of the Donnelly Depot Center in 2005 was a boon for the city and helped attract business to the area. Built with grant funds, the complex has five spaces, each 1,500 square feet with offices in the front and industrial space in the back.

“The Depot Center has been a great cash generator for the city,” said Judy Linman, City Clerk.  “We’ve used the funds generated from that entity to make city improvements and use as match dollars for grants.”

Among the projects are a revitalized downtown – a process that started with a strategic plan that took nearly a year to write.  The first phase included a center turn-lane which was completed in 2009. Other plans include tree wells, city sidewalks and other beautification projects.

“We’ve been able to steer some of the development towards our long-term plan for the downtown corridor,” said Linman. “We want a pedestrian friendly city – it will definitely help businesses.”

Business District

Kristal Kangas-Hanes and Susan Dorris, owners of Flight of Fancy Bakery in Donnelly, acknowledge business can be tricky in a small town. “We have to be efficient and watch the business on a week-by-week basis and be willing to respond to the changes,” said Kangas-Hanes. 

Both women confirm that the number one item on their business plan is to “stay self-employed.” With that in mind, they have changed the offerings in the bakery many times over the years.  What was once a fruit tart, tiramisu and coffee crowd, changed to construction workers in need of a sandwich to grab and go. Being able to respond quickly to a changing market has kept the bakery flourishing.  “We haven’t made a single tiramisu this year,” said Dorris.

“We work hard when we have to and take time when we have it,” said Dorris. And with the beauty of Donnelly literally out their front door, the activities are endless.  “Last night I came up with 20 major outdoor activities within our community,” said Kangas-Hanes. “Sailing, skiing, hiking, mountain biking….I could go on and on.”