McCall, ID Road Trips

McCall is a resort community in the mountains of central Idaho, located approximately halfway between Moscow, Idaho to the north and Boise to the south. McCall is located on the southern shore of Payette Lake. The region around McCall is home to many ski resorts, including Tamarack and Brundage.

The mountain lake scenery in McCall is gorgeous. Hike the peninsula in Ponderosa State Park to get some good views of the mountains.

There are many outdoor activities to do here: Go mountain biking or hiking all around the lake. There are easy-to-find trails in Ponderosa State Park, located on the peninsula in the middle of the lake. Go skiing. McCall is suitable for alpine, Nordic, and backcountry skiing. Ask about Tamarack or Brundage resorts. Go kayaking or rafting. Payette River has world-class whitewater, but it also has sections suitable for beginners. Rent a boat on the lake (including motorized ones). McCall hosts an annual Winter Carnival, which takes place from the end of January to the beginning of February. The carnival features an ice sculpture contest. This event is very popular in the Northwest, bringing about 60,000 people to McCall each year.

There are several restaurants located on or near the corner of 3rd Street and East Lake Street, many with lakeside seating. In the alley across the street from these two restaurants is the renowned Ice Cream Alley, which serves a large variety of ice cream. On North 3rd Street (south of the lake, the same road as Highway 55), there is also the McCall Pancake House, which serves large pancakes, including some unusual flavor combinations. Many restaurants here serve food using huckleberries as ingredients, as they are very plentiful in the area.

The Salmon River Brewery is located near the lake, off of the corner of 3rd and Lake Street.

McCall is full of lodges, cabins, and hotels. Camping at Ponderosa State Park is also a popular option here.

Although McCall does have a small private airport, the best way to get to McCall is by driving. From Boise, it takes between two and three hours by car on Highway 55. Though the highway is a winding mountain road, it is well-kept. Caution is advised, as rock slides can happen. Highway 55 turns into the main road as it runs through downtown.

In the city itself, walking is an acceptable way to get around. Being a resort town, however, most activities are outside the city center. Renting a bike would be a feasible choice for transport to some of the hiking trails nearby, although for many trails, driving is likely the best option.