Totally NOT Boise: McCall, ID

Everything You Need to Know
About McCall, Idaho

YOUR GUIDE TO MCCALL, ID

Totally Boise is Here to Describe All Things McCall


Where to Go

Mountains of McCall

Payette Lake

Payette Lake is like the coolest spot in McCall – the lake is the centerpiece to McCall and hugged by epic mountains. You boat, paddleboard, soak up the sun on one of the sandy beaches, and take a dip in the summer. And when winter rolls in, it's all about ice and snow fun. With its awesome vibes and endless fun, Payette Lake is the ultimate year-round hangout for visitors and locals alike.


Downtown McCall

Downtown McCall is a cozy lakeside hangout. You'll find local shops, cute cafes, and that awesome small-town vibe that just makes you smile. Whether you're checking out the art scene, chowing down on local grub, or just meandering around, downtown McCall is all about good times and laid-back charm.

Brundage Mountain Resort

Brundage Mountain Resort in McCall, Idaho, is paradise for outdoor junkies, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding during the winter months. When the snow melts, it transforms into a playground for mountain bikers and hikers, with thrilling trails and breathtaking views accessible via chairlifts. With its laid-back mountain vibe, Brundage is not just a winter wonderland but a year-round destination for adventure seekers.

Ponderosa State Park

Ponderosa State Park in McCall, is a nature's playground, tucked away on a peninsula in the middle of Payette Lake. It's a hiker's dream with awesome trails through tall pine forests and along Payette Lake's shores. You can picnic, swim, spot wildlife, and even camp out – it's a laid-back, outdoorsy paradise for anyone looking to have an outdoorsy getaway in McCall.

What to Do

Hike the trails

Hiking steals the show as one of McCall's all-time favorite activities. You'll find a massive assortment of trails to check out, whether you want a quick, easy stroll or a strenuous mountain climb. And the views? They're jaw-dropping, no matter which path you choose to trek.

Hop on a bike

McCall is a cycling haven. With its rugged mountain terrain and scenic lakeside routes, there's a ride for every type of cyclist. What’s your jam? Snow biking, road biking, mountain biking, or flat tire biking? McCall has the terrain and trails to keep your pedals moving all year long!

Fishing, hunting, and birding

Fishing, hunting, and birding in McCall offer outdoorsmen a trifecta of experiences. The region's pristine lakes and rivers make it a hotspot for fishing, whether you're casting a line for trout, salmon, or other local catches. Hunters can explore the vast wilderness and forests for game like deer and elk, while birdwatchers are treated to a variety of avian species against the backdrop of scenic landscapes, making McCall a wildlife paradise year-round.

Enjoy the winter with snow sports

In McCall, snow sports are the highlight of the year. The Brundage Mountain Resort offers some of the best downhill skiing and snowboarding in the region, with powdery slopes and stunning vistas. If you prefer a more serene experience, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the surrounding national forests and parks, providing a peaceful way to explore the winter landscape. McCall also offers several snowmobiling trails, sledding and tubing hills, and ice skating options.

Fun in the sun with watersports

McCall is the perfect palace to spend the hot summer months! Cruise around on boats, catch some wind while sailing, or rev it up on jet skis out on Payette Lake. Want something a bit more chill? Grab a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake your own way. And if you're up for some wild splashes, don't miss out on the epic white-water rafting trips on the Salmon River.

Golfing

How could you not enjoy a round of golf when your backdrop includes stunning mountain views?! McCall has five nearby golf courses, McCall Golf Club, Whitetail Golf Club, Jug Mountain Ranch, Cascade Golf Course, and Meadow Creek Golf Resort. Make sure to enjoy the fresh mountain air on each backswing!


Hot Springs

McCall is surrounded by some seriously relaxing hot springs. Check out one of these four hot springs during your trip to McCall: Gold fork Hot Spring, Burgdorf Hot Springs, Mundo Hot Springs, and Trail Creek Hot Springs. These hot springs are the perfect way to rejuvenate and soak up the natural wonders of the McCall area.

Where to Eat

Lunch & Dinner

  • My Father’s Place
  • Lago Chapala Mexican Restaurant
  • Pueblo Lindo
  • Frenchie’s
  • Growler’s Pizza Grill
  • Ragazza di Lago
  • The Cutwater on Payette Lake
  • KB’s McCall
  • Hometown Pizza & Pub
  • Bistro 45
  • Banyans on the Green
  • Salmon River Brewery
  • Shore Lodge
  • McCall Brewing Company
  • Mile High Marina
drinks in mccall

Coffee Shops

  • Mountain Java
  • Wild River Java
  • North Fork Coffee Roasters
  • Dawson & Taylor Coffee
  • Old Town Cafe
  • McCall Coffee Roasters
  • Payette’s Porch Coffee Shop

Breakfast & Brunch

  • Cafe 6 three 4
  • Fogglifter Cafe
  • Brunchette on the Lake
  • Payette Dream Coffee House & Diner

Ice Cream, Drinkeries & Treats

  • Squatch Sweets
  • Ice Cream Alley
  • Stacey Cakes

McCall Events

McCall Winter Carnival

The McCall Winter Carnival is an annual winter extravaganza that turns McCall, Idaho, into a magical wonderland. During the carnival, the town comes alive with enchanting ice sculptures that line the streets, and there are thrilling events like parades, snow sculptures, and live music performances. Visitors and locals alike come together to celebrate the beauty of winter in McCall, making it a must-visit event for those seeking a dose of snowy fun and community spirit.

McCall Winter Carnival

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees in McCall is a holiday tradition that fills the town with festive cheer. During the event, local organizations and businesses decorate Christmas trees, which are displayed throughout McCall, creating a magical winter wonderland for all to enjoy. Visitors can stroll through the beautifully decorated trees, participate in holiday activities, and embrace the spirit of the season.

4th of July

The 4th of July celebration in McCall is an explosion of patriotism and summer fun. With a lively parade, several stunning fireworks shows over Payette Lake, and various community events, it's a fantastic time to come together and celebrate America's independence in this beautiful mountain town.

Where to Stay

Hotels and Lodging

McCall offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every preference and budget. There are cozy lakeside cabins and several charming downtown lodges. There are also plenty of rental properties and vacation homes to choose from.

Hotels & Lodging

RV Parks

Gas up the RV and load up the family because McCall has multiple beautiful RV parks to choose from!

McCall RV Resort Black Bear RV Park

Camping

There is nothing like camping at Ponderosa State Park in McCall. Pitch your tent, park your RV, and enjoy the view and access to Payette Lake. You've got epic hiking trails, lakeside chill spots, and even some wildlife sightings to add some extra fun to your camping experience.

Ponderosa State Park

More Totally NOT Boise

We totally LOVE Boise, but we love our neighboring cities too! There are so many activities, places, and businesses that deserve their spot in the limelight, and we are here to share them with you. Check out:

Eagle, ID Stanley, ID

Share With a Friend

SHARE THE LOVE

Community Awareness

When you partner with Totally Boise, you partner with Boise's most community engaging local influencer.

Download the Media Kit

Tell Your Story

Tell your unique story to thousands of loyal Boise area followers.

Read About Other Stories

Support Local Boise Area Business

View Totally Boise Recommended Companies

Shop Quality. Shop Local

Add Your Business Totally Boise

Have a Boise area business and want to reach more people? Learn how to utilize the Totally Boise Network as an asset to your business.

GET STARTED

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Stay in the know about all things Boise.

Copyright 2023 by Totally Boise | Privacy Statement | Terms of Use