Idaho mountain country
Valley County, Idaho Homes for Sale
Cabins, lake homes and mountain property in McCall, Donnelly, Cascade and beyond.
Shop Valley County real estate
Valley County is where much of the Treasure Valley goes to play. Head north from Boise on the Payette River Scenic Byway (Highway 55) and you reach a high mountain valley of lakes, forests and small towns: McCall on Payette Lake, Donnelly and Tamarack Resort around Lake Cascade, and Cascade at the lake’s south end.
Patrice knows this area personally. She designed and built her own cabin and spends as many weekends as she can in Valley County. Whether you want a full-time mountain home, a family cabin, a ski-season getaway or land to build on, she can help you understand the market and the details that come with mountain property.
Why people love Valley County
- Payette Lake, Lake Cascade and countless alpine lakes and rivers
- Skiing at Brundage Mountain, Tamarack Resort and the Little Ski Hill
- Year-round recreation: boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling and Nordic skiing
- Cabins, lakefront homes, resort properties and acreage
- A scenic drive from Boise along the Payette River Scenic Byway
- Small-town communities with a strong local spirit
Buying mountain property in Valley County
Mountain and recreational property comes with its own checklist. Patrice’s construction background helps clients look past the views to the things that matter:
- Access and snow: who plows the road in winter, and is it a public or private road?
- Water and septic: well production and septic condition and permits for rural properties.
- Building and snow loads: roofs, decks and outbuildings built for mountain winters.
- Utilities: power, propane, internet and cell coverage, which vary widely by location.
- Insurance: wildfire risk and availability of coverage for forested properties.
- Rentals: short-term rental permits and HOA rules if you plan to rent your cabin.
Second homes and getaways
Many Valley County buyers live in the Treasure Valley and want a weekend place within a few hours’ drive. Patrice can help you compare towns, lake access, ski access and resort amenities, and plan financing for a second home.
Popular areas in Valley County
- McCall
- Donnelly
- Tamarack Resort
- Cascade
- Lake Fork
- Warm Lake
- Yellow Pine
- Smiths Ferry
Valley County real estate FAQ
How far is Valley County from Boise?
McCall is roughly 2.5 hours north of Boise via Highway 55, with Cascade and Donnelly a bit closer. Drive times vary with weather and summer traffic.
Can I rent out a cabin in Valley County?
Many owners do, but Short-term rental rules differ between the City of McCall and unincorporated Valley County and can change, so confirm current permit requirements before you buy.
What should I check before buying mountain property?
Winter road access and plowing, well and septic, snow-load ratings, utilities and internet, wildfire insurance, and any HOA or rental rules. Patrice can walk you through each one.
Do you work in both the Treasure Valley and Valley County?
Yes. Patrice helps clients buy and sell in Boise and the Treasure Valley as well as in McCall, Donnelly, Cascade and the rest of Valley County.
Nearby communities
Thinking about Valley County?
Patrice can walk you through neighborhoods, new construction options and what homes are really selling for in Valley County.