Donnelly may be a small town, but its location puts it right in the middle of some of Valley County’s best scenery and recreation. Sitting along the northern end of Lake Cascade and just minutes from Tamarack Resort, Donnelly offers something that appeals to people looking for a quieter mountain lifestyle without giving up access to the things that make this area special.
One of the things people like about Donnelly is its small-town feel. You can head into town for coffee, lunch or a little shopping, then be on the lake or headed toward the mountains in just minutes. The Donnelly Chamber calls the community a “Crossroads to Recreation,” with Tamarack and Lake Cascade to the west, Historic Roseberry to the east, and Brundage Mountain and Jug Mountain Ranch to the north.
A Little Local Shopping
Donnelly has developed a fun collection of small businesses that are worth exploring. One of our favorites to highlight this weekend is Western Larch Interiors, located on North Main Street. The shop specializes in home furnishings, décor and interior design, with a mix of new, used and consignment pieces. It's the kind of place where you can walk in looking for one thing and leave with something you didn't know you needed.
This weekend, Western Larch Interiors is holding a Tent Sale, making it a particularly good time to stop by and see what's available. For anyone furnishing a mountain home, cabin or vacation rental, local shops like this are part of what makes shopping in Donnelly fun — you're more likely to find something unique than something you'll see in every store in town.
Of course, much of the attraction of Donnelly is what surrounds it. Lake Cascade offers boating, fishing, paddleboarding and other water activities, while the surrounding mountains provide hiking, biking, ATV riding and winter recreation. Tamarack Resort adds another layer of year-round activities, including skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, mountain biking, ziplining and other adventures during the warmer months.
For a quieter afternoon, you can stay closer to town. Donnelly has pathways for walking, running and biking, tennis and pickleball courts, and a boat dock and swim area. Or take a short drive to Historic Roseberry and explore the area's history and historic buildings.
Make a Day of It
That's really the appeal of Donnelly. You don't necessarily have to plan an elaborate outing. Grab a coffee, wander through a few local shops, have lunch, spend some time outside. For people who want mountain scenery, outdoor recreation and a genuine small-town atmosphere, Donnelly offers a different experience from McCall — and that's exactly what many people love about it. It's close enough to enjoy the amenities and recreation throughout the Valley, while still feeling like its own community.