A 5-Day Summer Vacation in McCall, Idaho
When we imagine the perfect place to spend a summer vacation, McCall, Idaho definitely holds a place on the list. Located on the shores of a stunning glacial lake, this quaint small resort town offers a wealth of amenities and outdoor pursuits.
A week here is spent soaking in the outdoor beauty that surrounds you. Explore local hiking and biking trails, swim or boat in the cold, clear, pristine waters of Payette Lake, and enjoy a good meal at a local restaurant.
From downtown McCall, you can walk to Payette Lake, a grocery store, shops, restaurants, two breweries, and even a state park.
McCall is a great weekend getaway from Boise but is just as worthy as a full-fledged destination trip as well.
McCall’s natural beauty is the focus here, and all the activities in this trip report bring out the best of McCall. We’ve included all the details to enjoy five fabulous days in McCall, Idaho.
McCall, Idaho At A Glance
Boise, ID, is the closest airport to McCall and about a 2.5 hour drive.
Summer weather is fantastic. You’ll enjoy cool evenings in the 40’s and warm afternoons in the 80’s during the months of July and August. June is typically still pretty cool with highs near 70.
McCall is surrounded by mountains and sits just above 5000’ in elevation.
Downtown McCall sits at the shore of Payette Lake, a beautiful natural lake encompassing over 5000 acres. The water is super clear and refreshingly cold on a hot summer’s day.
Population of McCall, ID: 3844
Things To Do In McCall, Idaho- A 5 Day Itinerary
Here’s what we did during our summer trip to McCall.
Trip Overview. Map courtesy of openstreetmaps.org. Annotated by Simply Awesome Trips.
Day 1-You’ve Arrived in McCall!
Welcome to McCall! Check-in to your lodging, stock up at the grocery store, rent bikes for your visit, and get ready for an awesome week.
Stock Up at the Grocery Store- Stock up on supplies at the newly remodeled Albertsons located downtown at 132 E. Lake St. It’s a terrific grocery store with overall good prices, take-home prepared meals, and everything else you need.
Rent Bikes- If you are staying close to downtown, bikes are a convenient method of transportation to restaurants, the beach, and downtown shops. You could even bike to the grocery and state park (more suited for older kids due to some on-road biking). McCall Sports Exchange is located downtown and rents bikes by the day or the week. First come first served—no reservations. 802 N. 3rd St.
Day 1 Dinner- Salmon River Brewing
Salmon River Brewing- Celebrate your arrival at Salmon River Brewing, housed in McCall’s old train depot downtown near Legacy Park. Good beer and pub food including a kids menu. It also has a nice outdoor patio with lake views. 411 Railroad Ave.
McCall Brewing Company is also a great stop for good beer and food. If it’s not too hot, you can dine on their rooftop patio. Sandwiches, wraps, and kids menu. 807 N. 3rd St.
Downtown McCall. Map courtesy of Openstreetmaps.org. Annotated.
Day 2 Morning - North Valley Biking Trail
North Valley Biking Trail— Most of the North Valley Rail Trail follows the route of the old Union Pacific RR Line, which was retired in 1979, when the McCall sawmill ceased operations. The scenic trail makes for a great beginner ride for families and kids.
The North Valley Biking Trail takes you by the town’s skate park, airport, the McCall Smoke Jumper Base, and through flat rolling pastures. The route described here is almost 11 miles total out and back, but you can go as far as you’d like and return at any time. From downtown, the trail starts out paved but eventually becomes an easy dirt trail.
It is very scenic and an easy flat pedal. It has some shade but would be more comfortable riding in the morning on a hot summer day. It's a mix of two-track and single track and easily done on a hybrid bike, but the dirt trail is too sandy for a cruiser bike.
North Valley Bike Trail- Where To Start: Start on the paved greenbelt path behind the City of McCall Police Office on Park Street in downtown McCall and ride its entirety to where the paved path ends at the stop sign with the intersection of Mission Street.
Renting Bikes: McCall Sports and Hometown Sports
North Valley Rail Trailhead in downtown McCall. Map courtesy of OpenStreetMaps.org. Annotated.
North Valley Rail Trail
North Valley Rail Trail Directions- From the stop sign on Mission St, go left (south) along Mission Street. You’ll be on the road for about 100 yards (it’s not a very busy road), then ride on a bike lane along the road for about 100 yards, then back onto a paved greenbelt (paralleling Mission Street and River Ranch subdivision) until reaching a small parking area with a sign to turn right (through the gate) for the North Valley Biking Trail.
From here, you will follow the dirt trail south towards Heinrich Lane. (In the future, the trail will eventually extend beyond this point.)
It's about 1.5 miles from downtown to this parking area, and then another 3.5 miles on the North Valley Trail to Heinrich Lane where the trail ends.
To avoid the on-the-road biking, you could alternatively pack the bikes and park at the gated entrance on Mission Street.
Another option is to ride the paved section of the North Valley Rail Trail from downtown to its intersection at Mission St. and cross the street to visit Riverfront Park. You can see the bridge in the distance and this is a fun destination for photos and a quick splash in the river.
Day 2 Lunch- My Father’s Place
Once you’ve returned from a great morning of biking, it’s time for lunch! You’ll see a line at My Father’s Place walk-up takeout window during the summer. Great shakes and burgers. The kids meal comes with ice cream. Always a pleaser! A local’s favorite. 901 N. 3rd St.
Day 2 Afternoon- Ponderosa State Park
Ponderosa State Park is located just minutes from downtown McCall and sits on the shore of Payette Lake. Pack a picnic and swimsuits and plan on a nice hike (or bike ride) and a dip in the very cold water of Payette Lake.
Be sure to stop at the Visitor Center to get your bearings and learn about the park. Talk to the park ranger to find the right hike for you. They have plenty with varying levels and different types of scenery. Consider hiking the 1 mile Ridgeline Trail across a lava rock field to Osprey Point for great views of the lake. Or, hike the 3.4 mile (one way) Huckleberry Trail (also a mountain bike trail.)
View a Hiking Trails Map.
If you are visiting on a Saturday, the kids can attend a Junior Ranger Program at 10am.
Note: This isn’t grizzly country, but McCall is home to black bears and mountain lions. Also, remember to bring mosquito spray!
Day 3 Morning- Brundage Mountain Resort
Chairlift and/or Mountain Biking at Brundage Mountain Resort- Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic chairlift ride up Brundage Mountain, explore for the summit for a bit, and then come back down on the lift.
Once atop the mountain, walk about 200 yards to the right to reach the Lookout Tower. You’ll have views of Payette Lake, McCall, and on clear days you can see to Oregon.
The kiddos will also enjoy exploring the original Brundage Mountain Lookout Cabin found at the summit. You can take the lift, hike, or even bike back down.
Brundage Mountain is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 am-5 pm during the summer plus “Bonus Days” during holiday periods. Reserve lift ride tickets online, at least 24 hours in advance, and save a few dollars.
Mountain Biking At Brundage Resort- You can also take the scenic chairlift up and bike down the 6 mile Elk Mountain Trail as well as other trails of varying difficulty. Families with good bikers should be able to manage the fun, scenic Elk Trail. If you want to see what it’s like, view Kerry Dunn’s video of biking the Elk Trail.
Mountain bike rentals and equipment are available at the resort.
P.S. You might want to come back to McCall during the winter season. Lots of snow and the skiing here is pretty great too!
Directions: Brundage Mountain Resort is located about 20 minutes north of downtown McCall. Take ID 55 N. for approximately 5 miles and turn right on Brundage Rd. Follow signs to the resort. It is well marked.
View from the top of Brundage Mountain Resort
Day 3 Lunch- Smoky’s Bar & Grill
You can grab lunch or a snack at the resort’s Smoky’s Bar & Grill which is reasonably priced for the setting. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from their patio. They offer a kids menu and a Sunday brunch as well.
Tip: Be sure to check out the resort’s gift shop. They have some good swag!
Day 3 Afternoon- McCall Fish Hatchery
McCall Fish Hatchery- On the way back from Brundage Mountain Resort, swing by the McCall Fish Hatchery for a quick 30 minute self-guided tour. You’ll learn a lot about salmon migration and see the work they are doing to restore the population. Follow the numbered signs to progress through your tour. Super interesting! Open 8-4 mid-June to mid-September. Admission is free.
Per McCall Chamber of Commerce: “The McCall Fish Hatchery raises about a million young chinook salmon annually, which are released into the South Fork of the Salmon River east of Cascade. The fish from the hatchery migrate to the Pacific Ocean and return as adults weighing about 15 pounds and up. You can see the young fish being raised in the hatchery’s raceways, which are located inside and outside enabling visitors to see the young fish during any weather.”
Directions: The McCall Fish Hatchery is located within the city limits of McCall - approximately 1/4 mile south of Highway 55 at 300 Mather Road.
Day 3 Afternoon- Playground and Swim at Brown Park
Playground and Swim at Brown Park. If your kids still have the wiggles or want to cool off in the lake, head to Browns Park to play and swim. This park is generally much less crowded than Legacy Park and is just a short walk or bike ride away on the lake path from Legacy Park.
Day 4 Morning- Charlie’s Garden
You’ll begin the day with a quiet retreat to Charlie’s Garden on your way to Backwoods Adventures where you’ll rent paddle boards/kayaks. After paddling on the Payette River, spend the rest of the day at North Beach to lounge and swim.
Charlie’s Garden- This lovely spot is on your way to paddle boarding/kayaking on the Payette River and is worth a quick 30 minute stroll through it’s winding paths for a relaxing moment of reflection and a good photo shoot. Water features and a variety of plants and flowers will greet you at every turn along with cozy alcoves with benches to soak it all in.
“Tucked in between the hustle of Payette Lake and the bustle of Warren Wagon Road, many visitors have no idea this beautiful garden retreat even exists. High-altitude gardening is a true art form, and this quiet, tranquil spot shows that it’s possible to grow exquisite gardenscapes even a mile above sea level. Created by the famous landscape designer and plantsman, Charlie Davidson, it is maintained by his heirs and offers a colorful refuge from summer crowds.” - McCall Chamber of Commerce
Tip: Finding Charlie’s Garden can be a bit tricky. From the intersection of Highway 55, head north on Warren Wagon Road. At approximately 3.7 miles, look for a blue sign on the right side of the road that says Laughing Ladies Lane. It’s the driveway just BEFORE Laughing Ladies Lane. Set your odometer and slow down when you get close.
Day 4 Morning- Paddleboarding on the Payette River
Paddle Boarding/Kayak Payette River- Paddle board or kayak on Payette River with Backwoods Adventures. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) to explore the scenic Upper North Fork of the Payette River.
This gentle tributary is a designated "Non-Motorized Zone", so it’s a good opportunity to spot wildlife and enjoy some “zen” time on this quiet section of the river.
No reservations- first come first served.
Directions: From downtown, turn right on Warren Wagon Rd. Go approximately 6.5 miles to the North Beach Boat Ramp on the right.
Payette River
Day 4 Afternoon- Swim at North Beach
Swim At North Beach- You will likely want to return several times (like we did!) to this beautiful beach while vacationing in McCall. If you go later in the afternoon, it is not as crowded. Keep in mind that the water temperature will take your breath away- in a good way!
Directions: If driving from downtown, take Warren Wagon Road past Backwoods Adventures and turn right on East Side Road which becomes a gravel road. Cross the bridge over the river and look for a sign on the right indicating “Beach Access.” Park in the large parking lot and take the boardwalk to the beach. Note that there is a $5 parking fee.
Day 5- Hike To Boulder Lake
Hike to Boulder Lake- Strap on your hiking boots and pack a picnic for an excellent day hike to a cool alpine lake. After the hike, reward yourself with a scoop (or two) of huckleberry ice cream at Ice Cream Alley in downtown McCall. This locally owned ice cream shop has been a summer staple in downtown McCall for nearly 40 years. 310 E. Lake Street.
Boulder Lake
The hike to Boulder Lake is a moderate 4 mile total out and back to Boulder Lake (you can make this a 6+ mile loop hike as well). Elevation gain is about 700’. Some rate this as an easy hike, but we thought it was a moderately difficult hike for our low elevation family. It also had some creek crossings that were doable but required parental assistance. The effort was more than worth it though.
Pack a picnic, plenty of water, towels, and water shoes and plan to stay a while. Hammocks would be awesome too. It’s so beautiful and peaceful here. Wear your swimsuits and take the polar plunge!
It’s a mostly shaded hike, and it is simply beautiful along the way up to the alpine lake at the top. This is a popular hike, but we hiked it on a warm, sunny weekday on July 4th week and only encountered a few fishermen at the top and two hikers going down.
Directions: From downtown McCall, take 3rd St/ID-55 south about 2 miles to a left on Elo Road which eventually veers left onto Boulder Lake Road. (You will see a sign for Boulder Lake/Louis Lake). Follow Boulder Lake Rd to its end, and the trailhead near the Boulder Meadows Reservoir.
Note: Boulder Lake Road is a five-mile drive on a mostly gravel road but is passable in any type of car. It’s a 30 minute drive from downtown McCall.
Finding The Trailhead to Boulder Lake: It wasn’t immediately clear where the trailhead is located. After parking, take the trail furthest from the white “Woolly Wisdom” sign and porta potties. You’ll walk about 50 yards on this wide forest road before reaching the trailhead sign and the reservoir. Note: The reservoir is NOT Boulder Lake.
Boulder Lake Trailhead
Day 5 Afternoon- Ice Cream Alley
You’ve earned it! Stop at Ice Cream Alley on your way back from your hike to Boulder Lake. This locally owned ice cream shop has been a summer staple in downtown McCall for nearly 40 years. 310 E. Lake Street. Open Memorial Day- Labor Day.
Day 5 Dinner- It’s your last night!
Revisit a favorite or try one of the restaurants listed below.
McCall, ID Restaurants
McCall has a good variety of restaurants in town. All of the restaurants listed here come highly recommended. Of these, we ate at Ice Cream Alley, Stacy’s Cakes, McCall Brewing Co. and the Grill at Brundage Resort. All were terrific. McCall’s Chamber of Commerce has a current list of restaurants here.
McCall Brewing Company- A great stop for good beer and food. If it’s not too hot, you can dine on their rooftop patio. Sandwiches, wraps, and kids menu. 807 N. 3rd St.
Salmon River Brewing- Celebrate your arrival at Salmon River Brewing, housed in McCall’s old train depot downtown near Legacy Park. Good beer and pub food including a kids menu. It also has a nice outdoor patio with lake views. 411 Railroad Ave.
Ice Cream Alley- This locally owned ice cream shop has been a summer staple in downtown McCall for nearly 40 years. 310 E. Lake Street. Open Memorial Day- Labor Day.
My Father’s Place- You’ll see a line here at the walk-up takeout window during the summer. Great shakes and burgers. The kids meal comes with ice cream. Always a pleaser! 901 N. 3rd St.
Lardo’s Grill and Saloon- A western-themed local institution known for its burgers. Our local friends really like the burger here. It’s located about a 25 minute walk from Hotel McCall. 600 W. Lake St.
Stacy’s Cakes- Famous for their gingersnap cookies (baked fresh every day- we loved them!) Also a good place for a coffee and baked goods. 136 E. Lake St. Opens at 8am.
Rupert’s at Hotel McCall and Cutwater at Shore Lodge offer high-end dining with amazing water views. A bit pricey but worth it.
HomeTown Pizza and Crusty’s Pizza will satisfy your pizza cravings. HomeTown Pizza has been around for decades and is well loved by the locals. Crusty’s Pizza delights with its thin crust pizza, excellent beer menu, and live music offerings.
Mountain Java or Fogglifter Cafe- If you need a coffee fix in McCall, these two places should satisfy. Both have excellent downtown locations.
Smoky’s Bar & Grill located north of town at Brundage Mountain Resort is reasonably priced for the setting. Enjoy the beautiful scenery from their patio. They offer a kids menu as well. It is open from 11:30am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday. Sunday brunch buffet is offered from 10am-2pm.
More Things To Do in McCall, ID
Farmer’s Market
A local farmer’s market is held on the corner of Pine St. and Railroad Ave. every Wednesday and Saturday from 10-2pm from June-October.
Whitewater Rafting
Need an adrenaline rush? Salmon River Rafting offers daily trips departing from downtown McCall. They provide the transportation to the river for an adventure-packed eight hours and 20 miles of fun. Relax and enjoy the scenery while your guide navigates the river. Included in your trip is a gourmet, riverside lunch.
Burgdof Hot Springs
Located 32 miles north of McCall, Burgdof Hot Springs maintains a 100 degree year-round temperature fed by natural hot spring water at the rate of 150 gallons per minute.
Gold Fork Hot Springs
Located 21 miles south of McCall, Gold Fork Hot Springs are located just south of Donnelly off Gold Fork Road and features 6 geothermal pools ranging in temperatures. There is a sand pool with waterfall for the kids. Cash only.
Payette Lake Boat Rentals
Explore Payette Lake on your own by renting a pontoon boat all day starting at $400 from Cheap Thrills Rental. Other types of boats and waverunners are also available for rent.
More Hikes In McCall, ID
If time allows, these hikes also look scenic and family friendly.
Snowslide Lake (Lick Creek Road Area)
Hike the first 1.5 miles of this hike to reach Snowslide Lake.
Duck Lake Trail
Hike past the remnants of a B-23 Dragon Bomber Crash Site (Loon Creek Trail to Duck Lake Trail). We want to do this one when we return!
For more ideas, check out “Five Easy to Access Kid Friendly Hikes in McCall” from Stueby’s Outdoor Journal or Visit Idaho’s 5 Dreamy Hikes Near McCall
Additional Mountain Biking
For more kid-friendly mountain bike rides, check out Stueby’s Outdoor Journal blog post “Five Fabulous Kid and Family-Friendly Bike Rides in Cascade and McCall.” His website also has McCall area mountain bike trail maps and descriptions for purchase.
Rainy Day Activities
The Roxy Movie Theater
A 35 minute drive south on ID-55 will bring you to the small town of Cascade and the historic Roxy Theater. This restored theater shows current and recently run movies for $6-$8. Check their website for current showtimes. 114 S. Main St. Cascade, ID.
Manchester Ice and Event Center
Manchester Ice and Event Center offers daily public skating sessions in their indoor rink. Located in downtown McCall.
Tip: The McCall Chamber of Commerce is an excellent resource for all things McCall (events, visitor guides, maps, etc.).
Where To Stay In McCall, Idaho
McCall has a variety of homes, condos, and cabins to rent. You can stay right in the heart of town or near it, in the woods, on the lake, on a river, or on a golf course. It’s a resort town so you will have plenty of options. A lakefront vacation rental on the west shore of Payette Lake would be a dream. An expensive dream but it would be like having your own family summer camp.
We recommend staying close enough to town so that you can bike or walk from your rental home. Close to town in McCall also means close to Payette Lake and its beaches, restaurants and shops, as well as Ponderosa State Park.
This is our personal list of places that we have stayed in previously, have been recommended by friends we trust, or we have bookmarked as possibilities for future visits. Unless otherwise indicated, all of these properties are within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and town trails. Some of these links are affiliate links, please see our Disclosures.
Recommended Hotels
Hotel McCall- Perfect location near Payette Lake and walkable to all shops and restaurants in downtown McCall. This boutique hotel offers a variety of room sizes and suites as well as an indoor swimming pool and onsite restaurant. Free continental breakfast. Avg. $170 night with a 2 night minimum.
Shore Lodge- Feel like being pampered? This downtown luxury hotel with spa and restaurant sits on the shore of Payette Lake. Recently rated the 3rd “Best Resort in the West” by Conde Naste Traveler. $259-$339 night.
The Scandia Inn- I’ve been intrigued by this renovated boutique motel with its cozy, sleek, minimalist Scandinavian design. Lots of excellent reviews and a good location.
Best Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites- This lodge-style Best Western has everything you need- a cozy lobby, large rooms, a pool and hot tub, and a hot breakfast.
The Evergreen Hotel was the former Holiday Inn and has been nicely remodeled. The hotel does not offer a free breakfast, but it is conveniently located to restaurants downtown.
Recommended Vacation Rentals in McCall
Beautiful Lakefront House near North Beach with Private Dock. VRBO 1694058. 4 bedroom, 3 bath. Sleeps 8. You had me at “private dock.” The house is a bit rustic but the outdoor living space more than makes up for it.
Modern Updated Cabin w/HotTub, Decks & Outdoor Fire pit- Near Town and the Lake! - VRBO 887476. Modern updated cabin located downtown; 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Deck and fire pit. Walkable to restaurants and the lake. $200 night.
Lakefront 2 bedroom condo with seasonal pool, beach & dock slip. VRBO 1846828. King in Master and queen bed and a twin over full bunk bed in the 2nd bedroom. Walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants. Avg $142 a night.
Stylish, lake view condo with fireplace & amazing location - walk to lake & town. VRBO 3238375. 2 bedroom, 1 bath. Sleeps 6. 2nd floor condo. Walk everywhere. Bunk beds for the kiddos is always a plus!
**New! Beautiful Fully Remodeled 3,000 sf Historic Home Downtown McCall w HotTub. VRBO 1219227. 4 bedroom, 3 bath. Sleeps 12. This would be perfect for a multi-family vacation. Plenty of room, a hot tub, and a kid’s room with ping pong and foosball. Fun!
Happy Trails! Enjoy your summer days in McCall, ID! I guarantee you’ll want to return!
More Simply Awesome Trips
Welcome to our series “A Simply Awesome Day in...” where we share a full day’s excerpt from one of our family vacation destinations. Today, we offer a fun day from our 7 day Southwest Utah Itinerary. Day 4 details a sunrise hike in Bryce Canyon, followed by a scenic drive and some more short, kid-friendly hikes.