Idaho Vacation: Ponderosa State Park



Getting Ready for a Bike Ride in
Ponderosa State Park

 Tall stately Ponderosa Pine trees and gorgeous views of Payette Lake, what could be better? Well, maybe paved camping pads, electric and water hookups, great hiking and bike trails, wildlife viewing from your camp spot.  Ponderosa State Park is one of many great places to spend an Idaho vacation. 

On our recent visit to this 1500+ acre park we were treated to near perfect weather.  Ponderosa State Park occupies most of the 1000 acre peninsula that juts into beautiful Payette Lake.  The park is just a mile or so north east of McCall, itself a welcoming destination.



Fishing and Boating Activities
Set Off by Beautiful  Blue
Waters of Payette Lake



Small Sandy Beach at Payette Lake
Note the Green Reflection of the Water
as Contrasted to the Deep Blue of
Other Photographs



Ponderosa State Park has many amenities to make all visits enjoyable.  From Ranger guided educational hikes, evening campfire programs, great camping facilities, boat launches, sandy beaches, miles of biking and hiking trails, great views of Payette Lake, wildlife viewing, and much more.  This is the headquarters for complete vacations for everyone in the family.  Winter activities include nordic or cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Lodging facilities include cabin rentals, as well as many camping units, most with  electric and water hookups.  There is a waste dump station on-site.  Camp areas vary from tent sites with no water or electric service to back in spaces to 80 feet long pull through driveways.


Father and Son Enjoying One of the
Paved Paths

 The park environment varies from moist marshes, to dense forests to arid sagebrush.  Osprey Point, offers a breathtaking view of Payette Lake and is one of the highest points in the park.  Osprey Point is accessible by road except the last 100 or so feet.  Because of the varied topography, a large diversity of wildlife is present in the park.  We saw deer in the campground every day we were there. 

Many of the miles of the hiking and bike trails are paved.  Benches are strategically placed to view the lake and water sports. 



Couple Enjoying a Shady Bench
Overlooking Payette Lake

 The North Beach Unit, located at the north end of Payette Lake, has large sandy beaches, and picnic areas.  A popular scenic drive completely encircles the lake giving varied and scenic views of the lake, summer home areas, and the surrounding mountains. 

Many activities an conveniences are available in the town of McCall just a mile or so from the park. 


Almost All Camp Units  Have Shade



More information about Ponderosa State Park including driving directions, activities, facilities, and much more is available here.  Information about McCall is found here and here and here.  McCall is 108 miles north of Boise on US-55 and 163 miles south of Lewiston on US-95/US-55.

It really doesn't matter if you enjoy indoor or outdoor or water or land activities, Ponderosa State Park and the McCall area has something for everyone and for every age.   Make this a destination for your Idaho vacation. 



One of the Many Ponderosa State
Park Deer



Other blog entries that feature subjects in the greater McCall area are at the following locations:

http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/01/idaho-vacation-mccall-winter-carnival.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/07/idaho-vacation-kellys-whitewater-park.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/07/idaho-vacation-roseberry-historical.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/02/idaho-vacation-mccall-pancake-and.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/2011/02/idaho-vacation-snow-tubing.html
http://idahotravelvacation.blogspot.com/search/label/Yellow%20Pine

Idaho Vacation: Kelly's Whitewater Park

 





Entrance to Kelly's WhiteWater Park

   Kelly's Whitewater Park on the Payette River in Cascade is Idaho's only whitewater park.  Make it a stop on your Idaho vacation. 

White water enthusiast? No problem, Kelly's Whitewater Park has 5 water features to give you hours of practice and enjoyment in a pristine environment with water flow regulated by the Cascade Dam located just a mile upriver.

More of a spectator? No problem, Kelly's Whitewater Park has both indoor and outdoor seating with a great overview of the water features.  The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the walking path from the spacious visitors center to upstream features invite you  to walk. 



Part of Landscaped Grounds at Kelly's
Whitewater Park



Beautiful Grounds and Views
at Kelly's Whitewater Park





Part of Exhibit Gallery at Kelly's
Whitewater Park



Kelly's Whitewater Park was just a dream in 2008 when Mayor Dick Carter and Hans Borbonus discussed ways to enhance commerce and opportunities in Cascade.  With 3.4 acres donated by Hans Borbonus and private funding generously provided by Mark and Kristina Pickard, the park became a reality in June of 2010 and continues to make rapid progress.  More enhancements are planned for this work in progress.

Kelly's Whitewater Park is named for Kelly Brennan, late sister of Kristina Pickard 







Plaque Honoring Kelly Brennen, Namesake of Kelly's
Whitewater Park





The large visitors center features an art gallery of mostly local photographs of the area.  Videos of whitewater activities are shown on large video monitors.  Spacious seating allows viewing of the river action in air conditioned comfort.  An information center and store are located in an adjacent building.  The grounds have lots of space to sit on the grass and watch the river action.



  

 



Kyaker Practicing in One of the Man-

Made Rapids, Kelly's Whitewater Park



The park is located just 72 miles north of Boise on US-55.  Turn in at mile marker114.44.  This is just south of the railroad tracks on the south edge of Cascade.  There are many other recreational activities available in the Cascade area. 



Almost Buried in Water at Kelly's
Whitewater Park

 

Additional information about the park is found here.  Cascade information is here and here. Information for other area towns include Donnelly and McCall.



Kyaker Riding the Wave at Kelly's Whitewater Park



Practicing a Roll at Kelly's Whitewater Park



Idaho Vacation: Roseberry Historical Townsite

 Railroads are unpredictable.  Roseberry was settled expecting the railroad to come through the town, the railroad choose a different route.  Visit the historic Roseberry townsite and enjoy a step back in history on your Idaho Vacation. 
 

Roseberry General Store



The historic Roseberry townsite is located just a mile east of present day Donnlley.  Settled in 1905 by Finnish immigrants, Roseberry became the largest town in Valley County by 1911.  At its zenith, Roseberry boasted saw mills, flour mills, a brass band, a beautiful 5-sided hotel, and even their own baseball team. 



Front Window for the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Roseberry



Methodist-Episcopal Church in Roseberry



Roseberry is located in a beautiful settting, large green meadows with mountains on every side.  Agriculture was practiced in the valley meadows and was supported by timber from the mountains.  Life was promising until 1914 when the railroad  decided to lay their tracks 1 1/2 miles to the west.  The town of Donnelly was developed to be near the railroad.



Finnish Pioneer Cabin in Roseberry



This railroad’s decision was a death sentence for Roseberry.  Slowly the town started to decline and fade away.  The Roseberry general store stayed open until 1939.  The building was used for various other purposes until it was purchased by Frank Eld in 1969.  This was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Roseberry.

Frank Eld started restoring the store and the town, one building at a time.  In 1971 Frank and his mother Ella Eld started the Valley County Museum.  In 1973 the Methodist-Episcopal church, which had been moved from Roseberry to Donnelly, was moved back to within 7 feet of its original Roseberry location. 



Valley County Museum, Roseberry

 Today Roseberry boasts some 20 historic buildings moved here from all over the valley.  Buildings include Finnish cabins, a Finnish blacksmith shop, bandshell, the old McCall City Hall, a one-room school house and more.  There is also a collection of old farm machinery collected from around the valley.  In 2009, a Finnish barn dating back to 1912 was rebuilt and is now the largest building in Roseberry. 



Pioneer Cabin, Roseberry



Today the Valley County Museum and General Store are the center pieces to visit.  The General Store sits in its original 1905 location and is open for business.  The store reflects the 1905 period but has modern conveniences such as European gifts, Byers Choice Carolers, Byers houses, Roseberry branded wine, old fashioned  toys and candy. Vintage signs, thermometers, and other hard to find items adorn the shelves. 

Summer activities include music festivals and other events. 


Barringer House, Roseberry



Buggy and Other Equipment, Roseberry



Antique Grain Drill, Roseberry



Roseberry townsite is located a mile east of Donnelly on Roseberry Road.  Donnelly is about 12 miles south of McCall and about two hours north of Boise on US-55.  Additional information about Roseberry and a schedule of events can be found here.  The store and other buildings are open May - September.  Phone numbers are 208-325-5000 or 208-315-1080.  The store and museum are closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Clearly, this is a work of love for Frank Eld.  Make this a stop while traveling on your Idaho vacation.

Idaho Vacation: Lawson's Emu-Z-Um, The Most Surprising Place in Owyhee County

If you think the name Emu-Z-Um is strange, just stroll around the museum Jack and Belva Lawson have put together.  I promise it will take your breath away.  This place has just been added to my list of "Must See" places while on your Idaho vacation.  There is a lot to do and see.



Sign at turnoff on ID-78 for Emu-Z-Um



Emu-Z-Um takes its name from the emus that once had run of the ranch Jack and Belva call home.  Say the name faster and it sounds better.   At this huge collection of items of yesteryear, one can really turn back the clock and take a good look at how things were at the turn of the century.  I judge that the collections represent the time frame of about 1860's to the 1940's. 



Outside of "TradingPost" at Emu-Z-Um



I expected to see old farming equipment, mining equipment, boots and saddles, barbed wire displays, and more representing the turn of the century period.  I was not disappointed, they have all that.  What I didn't expect was the huge variety of other items on display. 



Part of the Antique Tool Array, Emu-Z-Um



We were met at the parking area by Jack and given a brief overview of what to expect.  Jack started us down the row of buildings representing a rebuilt frontier town, complete with store fronts and appropriate contents.  Jack and Belva provide personalized tours of most exhibits to keep one from getting lost and missing some exhibits.  We did not feel rushed on our tour and questions were answered whenever asked. 



Reconstructed Main Street Stores,
Emu-Z-Um





Antique Washing Machine, Emu-Z-Um



Granny's Attaic, Emu-Z-Um




Antique Mining Display, Emu-Z-Um

The exhibits are housed in a dozen or so buildings scattered around the farmstead.  It is obvious that this is a work of love by the Lawson's.  Jack and Belva have lived in the area their entire lives and  as Jack explained, "Back a few years, we had to come up with our own entertainment.  I went to farm sales and bought boxes and piles of stuff for just a couple dollars.  We just kept collecting."  Belva takes credit for much of the creative display arrangements, including hand painted tiles or simulated planking in many of the buildings.  These personalized touches add a great visual impact to the displays. 



Old Time Soda Fountain With Hand
Painted Tile, Emu-Z-Um

 Probably the biggest surprise for me was an old time soda fountain room.  These types of unexpected displays are what really sets this museum  apart from what is expected and what is generally found.  The Christmas building was also unexpected.  I did not expect a well stocked Christmas display in rural Owyhee county.  A few years back the Lawson's acquired the contents of the Silver City museum and all those items are on display. 



Part of Bottle Collection Numbering in
Excess of 7,000, Emu-Z-Um

 Did I mention that there are over 7,000 bottles displayed in one building?  They also have a nice collection of glassware turned purple by the sun.  These manganese containing bottles have not been made since 1915.  In what the Lawson's call the old house (their prior residence), is housed a nice display of trophy animals.  In the kitchen are salt and pepper shaker collections, and various other period items.  The house is full of displays. 



Stagecoach at Emu-Z-Um



Hopefully, the photos will give a sampling of the collections.  There is no way to actually describe all the diversity in words.  This is truly one of those "you have to see it to believe it" places.  There are nice shade trees on the property with picnic tables for lunch.  Restrooms are available.  We found the Lawson's to be great hosts.  This is a museum the entire family will enjoy, make it an Idaho vacation.



Old Time Moonshiners Still
Emu-Z-Um



The museum is located about 7 miles west of Grandview on ID-78.  From Boise or Twin Falls take the Grandview exit 95 from I-84, travel to Grandview then west on ID-78.  The turnoff for the museum is between mile marker 52 and 53.  Follow this road in a northerly direction about one mile and turn left down a lane to the museum.  The lane is lined on both sides with old farm machinery. 

From Nampa, take ID-45 south, cross the Snake River and proceed on ID-78 towards Murphy and Grandview.  The turnoff for the museum is 23 miles east of Murphy.  The museum turnoff road is between mile marker 52 and 53.  Follow above directions from the turnoff. 


Fire Truck Formerly from Wendell
Emu-Z-Um



Museum hours are weekends and holidays 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Monday - Friday by appointment.  Winter hours are by appointment on all days.  Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children 6-12.  More information is here.  Phone 208-834-2397, email museum@emuzum.com.  The Lawson's recommend a phone call prior to making the trip to ensure the museum will be open. 

Idaho Vacation: Atlanta, An Idaho Mining Town



Building in Atlanta



Take a step back in time, Atlanta, an 1860’s vibrant mining town, is not a ghost town but almost so.  This is as close as one can get to a real living outdoor town museum.  There is much to do and see in and around Atlanta, make it part of your plans for an Idaho vacation. 



Atlanta Artist Finishing a Bear in a Barrel Sculpture



Atlanta, supposedly named after the famous Civil War battle of Atlanta, Georgia, was settled after gold and silver were found in the area in 1863-64.  John Stanley discovered gold in the Yuba River, just a few miles downstream from Atlanta.  Later in 1864, John Simmons discovered the Atlanta lode, bearing both gold and silver. 



Abondened Cabin, Atlanta

 Atlanta is located near the headwaters of the Middle Fork of the Boise River and sits at an elevation of 5383 feet.  It is located approximately 80 miles east of Boise.  There is one road in and out of Atlanta but several forks down river allow an approach from different directions.  All roads leading to Atlanta are closed seasonally. 

The roads are the biggest problem in getting access to Atlanta.  They are all dirt and gravel and generally washboardy rough.  I would not recommend taking large travel trailers or motorhomes on this drive unless you are planning a relatively long stay. 



Abondened Mine and Equipment, Atlanta

 Active significant commercial mining has not taken place in the Atlanta basin for over 50 years but recent efforts may change that as mining permits have been filed and are being evaluated for environmental impact.  Recreational and small scale mining, especially in the rivers and streams continues every year. 



Library and Likely Former Schoolhouse
in Atlanta

 Atlanta overlooks the Middle Fork of the Boise River and beautiful Graylock mountain to the north.  There are numerous buildings that date back to turn  of the century  or earlier construction. 



Graylock Mountain as Sun is Setting, Atlanta

 Forest Service campgrounds near Atlanta and downriver provide beautiful settings for outdoor recreation adventures.  We camped at the Riverside Campground and had a wonderful site adjacent to the Middle Fork.  An Osprey nest in a tall dead tree in the campground had three young chicks.  There are also numerous hot springs near Atlanta.  The area is popular for hiking, backpacking, hunting (in season), fishing and various other forms of outdoor activity.   This area was made for back-country outdoor activities.


Camping at Riverside Campground, Atlanta

 Abandoned cabins, mine machinery, and a city power plant bear testimony of the thriving community of yesteryear.   Surprisingly, recent building activity is evident as is modern street signs.  One has the feeling that the individuals living in Atlanta are fiercely independent, not existing for corporate convenience.  This is a refreshing place to visit.



Middle Fork of Boise River Downstream From Atlanta

 I’ll describe three approaches to Atlanta, all of which are washboardy dirt roads.  Don’t be in a hurry while traveling these routes.  Your reward is beautiful scenery frequented by wildlife and much of it along the beautiful Middle Fork of the Boise River.  The first approach leaves Boise and exits I-84 at Gowen Road/Idaho City (exit 57).  Travel towards Idaho City on ID-21 about 13  miles to the intersection with NF-268, turn right and follow this road about 67 miles to Atlanta.  The road is paved until arriving at Arrowrock Reservoir.

Around the reservoir, the road climbs quite high above the reservoir and is narrow and crooked.  Use caution on this stretch!  Before arriving in Atlanta, the road changes to NF-377.  This route follows the Middle Fork all the way from Arrowrock Reservoir. 

The second approach starts the same as described above but continue on ID-21 past Idaho City another 22 or so miles to the Crooked River road NF-384.  Turn onto NF-348 and follow this road to the North Fork of the Boise River road.  Continue straight on NF-327 (Swanholm Creek Road) to the Middle Fork Road (NF-377), turn left and proceed as above to Atlanta.  According to internet maps, this route is about 10 miles longer, has more paved road, and is slightly faster to travel.  In addition you avoid the narrow, high, and very crooked road above Arrowrock Reservoir.

The third route is completely different except for the last 3-4 miles.  Starting from Mountain Home, take I-84 exit 90 and travel NE towards Fairfield on US-20 approximately 30 miles.  Turn left onto Louse Creek Road (FR-181) and travel generally north towards Pine and Featherville.  In Featherville, take FR-156 to Rocky Bar (another mining almost ghost town) then turn onto FR-126 towards James Creek and the Middle Fork Road.  Turn right onto the Middle fork Road and continue to Atlanta.  This route takes you across sagebrush flats, the Bennet foothills, and by Anderson Ranch Reservoir. 

The trip into Atlanta and back can be made in one day but I recommend at least two days so the drive and area can be fully enjoyed.  When we were last there in 2010, there were no commercial lodging facilities.  Be prepared with your own facilities.  In many ways, the drive is a pain but the scenery and living history lessons available in and around Atlanta are worth the effort. 

More information on Atlanta can be found here and here.  Boise National Forest campground information is here for Powerplant, here for Riverside, and here for Queen's River, the three closest campgrounds to Atlanta. 
Make this an Idaho vacation that will last in memory for a long long time.