Intermountain Region Viewing Area
LOCATION and PHOTOS
View of Bear Basin from Bear Basin Road. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
Common Camas with Arrowleaf Balsamroot and White Mule’s Ear Wyethia. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
Common Camas with Tall Mountain Shooting Star in the meadow. Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service.
Bear Basin Road
Forest: Payette National Forest
District: McCall Ranger District
Description: Just a few miles north of the city of McCall, Bear Basin provides an opportunity for many people to enjoy wildflower viewing at its best. The sub alpine meadow is dominated by colorful flowering plants in an array of blues, pinks, yellows and whites. June and early July provide visitors the best opportunities for wildflower viewing. A multitude of flowers can be seen: white mule’s ears (Wyethia helianthoides), common camas(Camassia quamash), tall mountain shooting star (Dodecatheon jeffreyi), arrowleaf balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata), mountain swamp onion (Allium madidum), western bistort (Polygonum bistortoides), and many others. The drive takes you through the middle of the meadow which is surrounded by subalpine fir and other conifers.
Safety First: The road is well maintained, but receives a lot of traffic and mountain biking. Be sure that you safely park when stopping to view wildflowers along the way and stay mindful that other drivers are on the road.
Directions: From McCall, Idaho head north on Highway 55 for approximately 2 miles; turn right on to Bear Basin Road #451 and continue along the dirt road for about 1 mile to the meadow. Numerous pull-offs allow room for parking and enjoying the flowers.
Ownership and Management: USDA Forest Service, Payette National Forest.
Closest Town: McCall, Idaho.
For More Information: For more information, contact the McCall Ranger District, 102 West Lake Street, McCall, Idaho 83630 or call (208) 634-0400.