Our McCall guidebook

Ac
Our McCall guidebook

Food scene

Vegan/Vegetarian Food Options Vegan and veggie specific restaurants are hard to come by in McCall!  Most places will have something to suit though: Bistro 45 (lunch & dinner):  Below the Salmon River Brewery a block away from the condo.  Paninis and appetizers with a wine bar.  The courtyard has a bocce court and there's occasionally live music, including the Sunday piano bar. It's light fare, but is a great place to relax outdoors beneath the huge trees.  McCall  Sushi Bar (dinner):  veggie rolls, salads, bowls and some other veggie/vegan options too.  Has a deck that overlooks the lake (go at off hours to get deck seat
the Salmon River Brewery has great views and delicious food (their Thai beef salad! and their jalapeno-mac and cheese are delicious), but it tends to always be packed and so not as romantic.
53 locals recommend
Salmon River Brewery
411 Railroad Ave
53 locals recommend
the Salmon River Brewery has great views and delicious food (their Thai beef salad! and their jalapeno-mac and cheese are delicious), but it tends to always be packed and so not as romantic.
Ruperts in the Hotel McCall, has a fine dining menu with predominantly meat dishes and a small comfortable bar.  Chef Gary Kucy is nationally recognized and the food is delicious.  Make a reservation. Hours are 4pm-close, subjective to volume during the slow times of year.
27 locals recommend
Rupert's at the Hotel McCall
1101 N 3rd St
27 locals recommend
Ruperts in the Hotel McCall, has a fine dining menu with predominantly meat dishes and a small comfortable bar.  Chef Gary Kucy is nationally recognized and the food is delicious.  Make a reservation. Hours are 4pm-close, subjective to volume during the slow times of year.  
Bistro 45 behind the Hotel McCall in the courtyard.  It's a wine bar that serves small plates. Cozy little place inside with outdoor seating and a bocce ball court for the warmer times of the year.
23 locals recommend
Bistro 45
1101 N 3rd St
23 locals recommend
Bistro 45 behind the Hotel McCall in the courtyard.  It's a wine bar that serves small plates. Cozy little place inside with outdoor seating and a bocce ball court for the warmer times of the year.
teamers on West Lake Street is just around the corner.  Small cozy setting with delicious steak and trout. Make a reservation. They are cash only.
17 locals recommend
Steamers Steak & Seafood
308 E Lake St
17 locals recommend
teamers on West Lake Street is just around the corner.  Small cozy setting with delicious steak and trout. Make a reservation. They are cash only.
The Sushi Bar is surprisingly great if you like sushi.  It has an outside deck with lake views and a very nice ambience no matter where you sit.
37 locals recommend
The Sushi Bar
414 Railroad Ave
37 locals recommend
The Sushi Bar is surprisingly great if you like sushi.  It has an outside deck with lake views and a very nice ambience no matter where you sit.  
Pueblo Lindo is a drive or bike ride north, past the Rotary Park headed out of town on the right hand side.  Truly authentic tasting Mexican, with incredibly delicious vegetarian options.  I've loved all the ones I've tried, including chile poblano, spinach enchilada and veggie quesadilla.  Incredible flan.
16 locals recommend
Pueblo Lindo
1007 W Lake St
16 locals recommend
Pueblo Lindo is a drive or bike ride north, past the Rotary Park headed out of town on the right hand side.  Truly authentic tasting Mexican, with incredibly delicious vegetarian options.  I've loved all the ones I've tried, including chile poblano, spinach enchilada and veggie quesadilla.  Incredible flan.
The Cutwater in the Shore Lodge on the lake a mile or so down West Lake Street.  They serve breakfast lunch and dinner and have an excellent brunch; the views aren't to be missed.
10 locals recommend
The Cutwater on Payette Lake
501 W Lake St
10 locals recommend
The Cutwater in the Shore Lodge on the lake a mile or so down West Lake Street.  They serve breakfast lunch and dinner and have an excellent brunch; the views aren't to be missed. 
KB's McCall
616 N 3rd St
My Fathers' Place has an incredible nut burger and their beef burgers are fabulous too, as are their banana milkshakes.
34 locals recommend
My Father's Place
901 N 3rd St
34 locals recommend
My Fathers' Place has an incredible nut burger and their beef burgers are fabulous too, as are their banana milkshakes.
A local gem. Daily blue plate specials sellout fast! Their shrimp is some of the best you will find.
8 locals recommend
Frenchies
319 N 3rd St
8 locals recommend
A local gem. Daily blue plate specials sellout fast! Their shrimp is some of the best you will find.

Around town

The Manchester Ice Center is conveniently close and offers ice skating, and bumper cars, as well as figure skating events and hockey games.   http://www.manchestericecenter.com/public-skating/
17 locals recommend
Manchester Ice & Event Center
200 E Lake St
17 locals recommend
The Manchester Ice Center is conveniently close and offers ice skating, and bumper cars, as well as figure skating events and hockey games.   http://www.manchestericecenter.com/public-skating/
McCall Lake Cruises, 203 East Lake Street There is a boat cruise on Payette Lake.  There are tables and chairs inside on the main deck if the weather is cool or rainy.  It's worth getting there early to choose your seat.  The boat has a bar on board and serves drinks. The sunset (6pm) cruise offers an additional half hour of cruise time for no extra cost and there’s occasionally live music.
McCall Lake Cruises
203 E Lake St
McCall Lake Cruises, 203 East Lake Street There is a boat cruise on Payette Lake.  There are tables and chairs inside on the main deck if the weather is cool or rainy.  It's worth getting there early to choose your seat.  The boat has a bar on board and serves drinks. The sunset (6pm) cruise offers an additional half hour of cruise time for no extra cost and there’s occasionally live music.

Boating, Paddle boarding, Kayaking and Canoeing

Paddleboarding Here's a quick plug for one of our favorite activities near town:  Paddle boarding the Meanders, located off Warren Wagon Road on the north end of the lake.  Either make a reservation in advance for SUP rental on site (information is found in the link).  Or, rent an SUP in town if you have a truck or roof rack.  Hometown Sports is right behind our condo building.  If you rent in town, go out Warren Wagon Road and take a right on East Side Drive.  Park just after crossing the bridge and put in here.  There will be a lot less traffic on the river from this spot.  Head north on the river (paddle under the bridge) to avoid most of the crowds.  The North Beach Unit of Ponderosa State Park is off Eastside drive, it’s a wide, sandy beach and a great place to hang out for the afternoon. Boating  McCall Lake Cruises, 203 East Lake Street There is a boat cruise on Payette Lake.  There are tables and chairs inside on the main deck if the weather is cool or rainy.  It's worth getting there early to choose your seat.  The boat has a bar on board and serves drinks. The sunset (6pm) cruise offers an additional half hour of cruise time for no extra cost and there’s occasionally live music. Cheap Thrills Rentals and Mile High Marina are good places to rent boats and Jet skis.  Rentals book fast, so plan in advance!
24 locals recommend
Payette Lake
24 locals recommend
Paddleboarding Here's a quick plug for one of our favorite activities near town:  Paddle boarding the Meanders, located off Warren Wagon Road on the north end of the lake.  Either make a reservation in advance for SUP rental on site (information is found in the link).  Or, rent an SUP in town if you have a truck or roof rack.  Hometown Sports is right behind our condo building.  If you rent in town, go out Warren Wagon Road and take a right on East Side Drive.  Park just after crossing the bridge and put in here.  There will be a lot less traffic on the river from this spot.  Head north on the river (paddle under the bridge) to avoid most of the crowds.  The North Beach Unit of Ponderosa State Park is off Eastside drive, it’s a wide, sandy beach and a great place to hang out for the afternoon. Boating  McCall Lake Cruises, 203 East Lake Street There is a boat cruise on Payette Lake.  There are tables and chairs inside on the main deck if the weather is cool or rainy.  It's worth getting there early to choose your seat.  The boat has a bar on board and serves drinks. The sunset (6pm) cruise offers an additional half hour of cruise time for no extra cost and there’s occasionally live music. Cheap Thrills Rentals and Mile High Marina are good places to rent boats and Jet skis.  Rentals book fast, so plan in advance!
Boats and Jet Ski's
10 locals recommend
Cheap Thrills Rentals
303 N 3rd St
10 locals recommend
Boats and Jet Ski's
North Beach Boat Ramp Hwy 55 North through McCall (at Lardo’s) turn right on Warren Wagon Rd. Approximately 6.5 miles to the North Beach Boat Ramp. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE RESERVATIONS. PLEASE VISIT US IN PERSON AT OUR LOCATION WHEN YOU ARE READY TO HIT THE WATER! PLEASE PLAN TO BRING CASH. OUR REMOTE LOCATION MAKES CARD TRANSACTIONS VERY DIFFICULT.
7 locals recommend
Backwoods Adventures Canoe & Kayak Rental
Warren Wagon Road
7 locals recommend
North Beach Boat Ramp Hwy 55 North through McCall (at Lardo’s) turn right on Warren Wagon Rd. Approximately 6.5 miles to the North Beach Boat Ramp. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE RESERVATIONS. PLEASE VISIT US IN PERSON AT OUR LOCATION WHEN YOU ARE READY TO HIT THE WATER! PLEASE PLAN TO BRING CASH. OUR REMOTE LOCATION MAKES CARD TRANSACTIONS VERY DIFFICULT.
Ponderosa State Park Hikes: There are 6 total trails with varying degrees of length and difficulty, and some are suitable for mountain bikes. Route information is found on the Ponderosa State Park website and at the Visitor Center.  http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/ponderosa
84 locals recommend
Ponderosa State Park
1920 Davis Ave
84 locals recommend
Ponderosa State Park Hikes: There are 6 total trails with varying degrees of length and difficulty, and some are suitable for mountain bikes. Route information is found on the Ponderosa State Park website and at the Visitor Center.  http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/ponderosa

Trailer parking

Here's a link to the city's parking map, which includes spots for trailer parking. https://mccall.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6d8886b0b2744881a7507e65065ad068
67 locals recommend
McCall
67 locals recommend

Hiking

Louie Lake (3 miles RT, easy): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, McCall District, Boulder Creek Area. Drive 1.9 miles south of the traffic light at the McCall airport on Idaho Highway 55, turn left (east) on Elo Road and go 3 miles to the bridge. At the bridge, turn east on a paved road, go 1 mile to the end of the pavement and then drive on the dirt road (403) to Boulder Meadows Reservoir at 5.1 miles. There is a parking lot at the undeveloped campsites at 5 miles (just below the Boulder Meadows Reservoir) on the right/southwest. From Boulder Meadows Reservoir, the trail first crosses Boulder Creek on logs, then climbs 300 feet south to intersect the Louie Lake Jeep Trail at .5 mile. Walk left up the jeep trail. It goes up through pumpkin sized boulders and pine forest to Louie Lake at 1.5 miles. It's an easy, gradually sloped trail and you get to see two dark blue lakes and plenty of granite cliffs! Several more trails can be found in the area.
Louie Lake Trail Head
Boulder Lake Road
Louie Lake (3 miles RT, easy): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, McCall District, Boulder Creek Area. Drive 1.9 miles south of the traffic light at the McCall airport on Idaho Highway 55, turn left (east) on Elo Road and go 3 miles to the bridge. At the bridge, turn east on a paved road, go 1 mile to the end of the pavement and then drive on the dirt road (403) to Boulder Meadows Reservoir at 5.1 miles. There is a parking lot at the undeveloped campsites at 5 miles (just below the Boulder Meadows Reservoir) on the right/southwest. From Boulder Meadows Reservoir, the trail first crosses Boulder Creek on logs, then climbs 300 feet south to intersect the Louie Lake Jeep Trail at .5 mile. Walk left up the jeep trail. It goes up through pumpkin sized boulders and pine forest to Louie Lake at 1.5 miles. It's an easy, gradually sloped trail and you get to see two dark blue lakes and plenty of granite cliffs! Several more trails can be found in the area.
Josephine Lake (2 mile RT, easy, 2 hours): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, McCall District, Warren Wagon Road Area. Drive north of McCall on the paved Warren Wagon Road past Upper Payette Lake at 15.5 miles and Secesh Summit at 22.3 miles to the Josephine Lake Road at 25 miles. Turn left (north) on the four-wheel drive road and drive 3.5 miles to its end if you have a four wheel drive vehicle or if the road is dry. Otherwise, it is best to park and walk the road. Give yourself extra time and water in case you do park at the bottom. The trail starts 100 yards before the end of the primitive rocky road. It's a path that leads southwest uphill and angles left along the forest edge. At .2 mile is a pond in a meadow under cliffs. To see a waterfall on the outlet, take a path 25 yards before the pond. At .5 mile, the trail reaches Josephine Lake. Josephine lake and the drive to the trail are magic, given the opportunity to see the Secesh Summit, which in the summers is drenched in wildflowers like bear grass. In the fall-time, the colors turn vibrant, the mountains are magnificent and you experience 7,400 feet! The blue green lake is backed by slanting cliffs. Even if you don't hike, this is a beautiful drive.
Josephine Lake
Josephine Lake (2 mile RT, easy, 2 hours): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, McCall District, Warren Wagon Road Area. Drive north of McCall on the paved Warren Wagon Road past Upper Payette Lake at 15.5 miles and Secesh Summit at 22.3 miles to the Josephine Lake Road at 25 miles. Turn left (north) on the four-wheel drive road and drive 3.5 miles to its end if you have a four wheel drive vehicle or if the road is dry. Otherwise, it is best to park and walk the road. Give yourself extra time and water in case you do park at the bottom. The trail starts 100 yards before the end of the primitive rocky road. It's a path that leads southwest uphill and angles left along the forest edge. At .2 mile is a pond in a meadow under cliffs. To see a waterfall on the outlet, take a path 25 yards before the pond. At .5 mile, the trail reaches Josephine Lake. Josephine lake and the drive to the trail are magic, given the opportunity to see the Secesh Summit, which in the summers is drenched in wildflowers like bear grass. In the fall-time, the colors turn vibrant, the mountains are magnificent and you experience 7,400 feet! The blue green lake is backed by slanting cliffs. Even if you don't hike, this is a beautiful drive.
Blue Lake (2 miles RT, easy, 2.5 hours): This hike is in the Boise National Forest, Cascade District in the West Mountain Area (south of McCall). Drive south of McCall on Idaho Highway 55 until you reach the 4 way intersection at Cabarton Road about 33 miles from McCall. Turn right and drive 2.1 miles to the end of the pavement (which is .8 miles beyond a bridge over the Middle Fork of the Payette River). Turn left (south) on the gravel Snowbank Mountain Road (#446) and go 8.7 more miles to Potters Pond. There is a developed trail head with parking and toilet. The trail begins on the south side of the Snowbank Mountain Road across from Potters Pond and heads south downhill over meadows and across two streams to the lake at 1 mile. This lake is only 2.5 hours drive from Boise and is an incredible rugged looking wilderness area. The lake has granite islands, granite knolls and cliffs. It is incredibly colorful in the fall, with the ground cover (huckleberries) turning bright red and grasses a straw color. It is a very easy hike, and the West Mountain Area has tons of views of Cascade Lake and pine forests so it's a lovely drive.
Blue Lake Trail Head
Blue Lake Trail
Blue Lake (2 miles RT, easy, 2.5 hours): This hike is in the Boise National Forest, Cascade District in the West Mountain Area (south of McCall). Drive south of McCall on Idaho Highway 55 until you reach the 4 way intersection at Cabarton Road about 33 miles from McCall. Turn right and drive 2.1 miles to the end of the pavement (which is .8 miles beyond a bridge over the Middle Fork of the Payette River). Turn left (south) on the gravel Snowbank Mountain Road (#446) and go 8.7 more miles to Potters Pond. There is a developed trail head with parking and toilet. The trail begins on the south side of the Snowbank Mountain Road across from Potters Pond and heads south downhill over meadows and across two streams to the lake at 1 mile. This lake is only 2.5 hours drive from Boise and is an incredible rugged looking wilderness area. The lake has granite islands, granite knolls and cliffs. It is incredibly colorful in the fall, with the ground cover (huckleberries) turning bright red and grasses a straw color. It is a very easy hike, and the West Mountain Area has tons of views of Cascade Lake and pine forests so it's a lovely drive.
Box Lake (6.4 miles RT, moderate-strenuous, 6.5 hours): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, McCall District, Lick Creek Road Area.  Take Lick Creek Rd. near Ponderosa Park out of town about 15 miles. There is a toilet and better parking .2 miles before the trail head at a primitive campground known as Black Lee. From the Lick Creek Road the trail switchbacks up 800 feet in the first mile through a lodgepole/fir forest. At 1.5 miles it reaches a meadow and crosses a creek to another meadow. The trail crosses back over the creek at 1.7 miles and comes out to a brushy hillside. At 2 miles, it returns to the west side of the stream. Much of the area around Box Lake burned in the Blackwell Fire in 1994, so you have vast views of mountains along the way. At 2.2 miles, the trail climbs a meadow of bunch grass then passes granite pillars. At 2.5 miles there is a .2 mile long wet meadow. At 2.7 miles, you see Box Lake below. You can continue down another half mile to the beach and picnic spot or take a stunning photo of the lake and turn around. This is not only a physically challenging and somewhat remote hike, but the lake itself is really photogenic and the scenery is a great representation of the back country wilderness in northern Idaho.
Box Lake Trailhead
Box Lake (6.4 miles RT, moderate-strenuous, 6.5 hours): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, McCall District, Lick Creek Road Area.  Take Lick Creek Rd. near Ponderosa Park out of town about 15 miles. There is a toilet and better parking .2 miles before the trail head at a primitive campground known as Black Lee. From the Lick Creek Road the trail switchbacks up 800 feet in the first mile through a lodgepole/fir forest. At 1.5 miles it reaches a meadow and crosses a creek to another meadow. The trail crosses back over the creek at 1.7 miles and comes out to a brushy hillside. At 2 miles, it returns to the west side of the stream. Much of the area around Box Lake burned in the Blackwell Fire in 1994, so you have vast views of mountains along the way. At 2.2 miles, the trail climbs a meadow of bunch grass then passes granite pillars. At 2.5 miles there is a .2 mile long wet meadow. At 2.7 miles, you see Box Lake below. You can continue down another half mile to the beach and picnic spot or take a stunning photo of the lake and turn around. This is not only a physically challenging and somewhat remote hike, but the lake itself is really photogenic and the scenery is a great representation of the back country wilderness in northern Idaho.
Upper Hazard Lake (4 miles RT, easy, 3.5 hours): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, New Meadows District, Hazard Lake Area. Drive 5 miles northwest of McCall on Highway 55 and turn right onto the Brundage Mountain-Goose Lake Road. Drive 4 miles on pavement and then on gravel to the Hazard Lake Campground at 22.4 miles and park in the day use parking beside the main road. From the day use parking area hike along the campground road for .1 mile to the back of the loop where there is a sign for the trail. Follow the trail south along the edge of a big meadow, from which it leads through a fir forest to a second meadow at 1.2 miles. The trail goes through the meadow instead of above it. When the trail levels in a clearing, the lake shines through the trees ahead. A side path leads to the shore at 2 miles. The lake's background is a fissured ridge of granite slabs that resembles a grizzly even to the hump on its shoulders. The area burned in the 1994 Corral Fire, but there are plenty of new pine trees along the way. This is an exceptional drive to the trail head at high elevations with a chance to see McCall's ski resort (Brundage Mountain) as well as the tops of the gorgeous mountains that dot the landscape.
Upper Hazard Lake
Upper Hazard Lake (4 miles RT, easy, 3.5 hours): This hike is in the Payette National Forest, New Meadows District, Hazard Lake Area. Drive 5 miles northwest of McCall on Highway 55 and turn right onto the Brundage Mountain-Goose Lake Road. Drive 4 miles on pavement and then on gravel to the Hazard Lake Campground at 22.4 miles and park in the day use parking beside the main road. From the day use parking area hike along the campground road for .1 mile to the back of the loop where there is a sign for the trail. Follow the trail south along the edge of a big meadow, from which it leads through a fir forest to a second meadow at 1.2 miles. The trail goes through the meadow instead of above it. When the trail levels in a clearing, the lake shines through the trees ahead. A side path leads to the shore at 2 miles. The lake's background is a fissured ridge of granite slabs that resembles a grizzly even to the hump on its shoulders. The area burned in the 1994 Corral Fire, but there are plenty of new pine trees along the way. This is an exceptional drive to the trail head at high elevations with a chance to see McCall's ski resort (Brundage Mountain) as well as the tops of the gorgeous mountains that dot the landscape.
Excellent Spring Hiking Trail. Rapid River Trail #177 is located in the Wild and Scenic Rapid River Corridor, one of the first rivers in Idaho to gain this designation, on the northern edge of the Payette National Forest. The absence of roads and other development has helped keep this river one of the clearest and cleanest in the area. Chances are good you will encounter poison ivy on this trail, which is a waxy, three leaved plant with leaves like inverted tear drops. The 14 mile trail follows the Rapid River from Lick Creek Lookout on the south end to the border of the Nez Perce Forest on the north end. Keep an eye out for rare Pacific Yew trees.
Rapid Rivers Trail Head
33 Rapid River Road
Excellent Spring Hiking Trail. Rapid River Trail #177 is located in the Wild and Scenic Rapid River Corridor, one of the first rivers in Idaho to gain this designation, on the northern edge of the Payette National Forest. The absence of roads and other development has helped keep this river one of the clearest and cleanest in the area. Chances are good you will encounter poison ivy on this trail, which is a waxy, three leaved plant with leaves like inverted tear drops. The 14 mile trail follows the Rapid River from Lick Creek Lookout on the south end to the border of the Nez Perce Forest on the north end. Keep an eye out for rare Pacific Yew trees.

Hot Springs

Gold Fork Hot Springs - 1026 Gold Fork Road outside of Donnelly www.goldforkhotsprings.com Beautiful forest setting near a river with luxuriously hot water. Several pools, including ones with sand. It's definitely worth a stop on your way up from or back to Boise. It's just east of the town of Donnelly (south of McCall).  It’s open 11-9 everyday except Tuesday, and is $10 for adults, cash only. There is a sign marking the turnoff for the Hot Springs from Highway 55.
73 locals recommend
Gold Fork Hot Springs
1026 Gold Fork Rd
73 locals recommend
Gold Fork Hot Springs - 1026 Gold Fork Road outside of Donnelly www.goldforkhotsprings.com Beautiful forest setting near a river with luxuriously hot water. Several pools, including ones with sand. It's definitely worth a stop on your way up from or back to Boise. It's just east of the town of Donnelly (south of McCall).  It’s open 11-9 everyday except Tuesday, and is $10 for adults, cash only. There is a sign marking the turnoff for the Hot Springs from Highway 55.

Burgdorf Hot Springs - 404 French Creek (USFS #246) outside of McCall www.burgdorfhotsprings.com A rustic old mining town setting off of scenic Warren Wagon Road, this hot springs is more an opportunity to relax in the Secesh mountains, see an old mining town, view wildlife along the way and be in a very rugged Idaho mountain setting.  $10 adults, cash only.  Warren Wagon Road isn’t plowed in the winter past the residential area.  Rent a snowmobile!
27 locals recommend
Burgdorf Hot Springs
404 French Creek
27 locals recommend
Burgdorf Hot Springs - 404 French Creek (USFS #246) outside of McCall www.burgdorfhotsprings.com A rustic old mining town setting off of scenic Warren Wagon Road, this hot springs is more an opportunity to relax in the Secesh mountains, see an old mining town, view wildlife along the way and be in a very rugged Idaho mountain setting.  $10 adults, cash only.  Warren Wagon Road isn’t plowed in the winter past the residential area.  Rent a snowmobile! 
16 locals recommend
Zims Hot Springs
2995 Zims Rd
16 locals recommend
Trail Creek https://goo.gl/maps/BXJ9h51Zu8kgUKd96 Also, here are some websites for you guys to explore that have good information about the surrounding hot springs in the area. https://www.vacasa.com/discover/2017/08/5-must-visit-hot-springs-in-mccall-idaho/ http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/idaho/10-hot-springs-id/
Trail Creek Hot Springs
Trail Creek https://goo.gl/maps/BXJ9h51Zu8kgUKd96 Also, here are some websites for you guys to explore that have good information about the surrounding hot springs in the area. https://www.vacasa.com/discover/2017/08/5-must-visit-hot-springs-in-mccall-idaho/ http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/idaho/10-hot-springs-id/
miles 16 and Trail Creek. Mile 16 Hot Springs http://www.idahohotsprings.com/hot_springs/west-central-idaho.htm
South Fork Salmon River
miles 16 and Trail Creek. Mile 16 Hot Springs http://www.idahohotsprings.com/hot_springs/west-central-idaho.htm

Mountain Biking

The Bear Basin system has a lot to offer.  Loop several trails together and you can spend hours on it, none of it is too technical and the climbing isn't that steep in most places.  There are 4 different access/parking points to start.  If you're driving, directions to the main parking area are described in the link. If you're riding, it will take about 30 minutes to get to the trails.  Take highway 55 (West Lake Street) north out of town past a great Mexican restaurant (Pueblo Lindo) to the start of a single track trail along the highway.  The trail ends at a gravel road where you turn right and climb up the road about 3/4 of mile.  When you see the Payette National Forest sign, start looking for a trail on the left (don't go past the sign).  The trail will eventually split, go left to stay on the trail and it will go past a couple campsites then hook into Sleepy Hollow on the Bear Basin System.  Take a sharp left onto Sleepy Hollow and you'll end up at the main junction for the trails.  (If you miss the trail that branches to the left, you'll end up on another gravel road, take a left on the road.  You'll ride past the same campsites on the road and end up at the main trail junction, passing Sleepy Hollow and Blue Ridge trails as you ride). The Payette Rim Trail is found in the same area as the Bear Basin trails and the two can be linked together by jeep roads.  Ignore online trail descriptions and directions; the trailhead and the trail were redone and there's no accurate information, which makes it a much loved locals ride.  It's also a lot of fun with plenty of little jumps off boulders and some great views of Payette Lake.  Follow the same directions as Bear Basin (by car or bike), but when you get to the Payette National Forest sign continue straight a little further until you come to the Corrals.  Look for an old fenced area and a trailhead on the left, park here.  Continue to bike on the main road (FS 451) looking for a well traveled trail on your right.  Take this trail a little ways to a boulder with a rock cairn and turn left (If you miss it, you'll end up on a gravel road, turn around).  From here you'll find a few trails that branch off the main one, all of it's fun riding.
18 locals recommend
Bear Basin Trailhead
Old Brundage Mountain Road
18 locals recommend
The Bear Basin system has a lot to offer.  Loop several trails together and you can spend hours on it, none of it is too technical and the climbing isn't that steep in most places.  There are 4 different access/parking points to start.  If you're driving, directions to the main parking area are described in the link. If you're riding, it will take about 30 minutes to get to the trails.  Take highway 55 (West Lake Street) north out of town past a great Mexican restaurant (Pueblo Lindo) to the start of a single track trail along the highway.  The trail ends at a gravel road where you turn right and climb up the road about 3/4 of mile.  When you see the Payette National Forest sign, start looking for a trail on the left (don't go past the sign).  The trail will eventually split, go left to stay on the trail and it will go past a couple campsites then hook into Sleepy Hollow on the Bear Basin System.  Take a sharp left onto Sleepy Hollow and you'll end up at the main junction for the trails.  (If you miss the trail that branches to the left, you'll end up on another gravel road, take a left on the road.  You'll ride past the same campsites on the road and end up at the main trail junction, passing Sleepy Hollow and Blue Ridge trails as you ride). The Payette Rim Trail is found in the same area as the Bear Basin trails and the two can be linked together by jeep roads.  Ignore online trail descriptions and directions; the trailhead and the trail were redone and there's no accurate information, which makes it a much loved locals ride.  It's also a lot of fun with plenty of little jumps off boulders and some great views of Payette Lake.  Follow the same directions as Bear Basin (by car or bike), but when you get to the Payette National Forest sign continue straight a little further until you come to the Corrals.  Look for an old fenced area and a trailhead on the left, park here.  Continue to bike on the main road (FS 451) looking for a well traveled trail on your right.  Take this trail a little ways to a boulder with a rock cairn and turn left (If you miss it, you'll end up on a gravel road, turn around).  From here you'll find a few trails that branch off the main one, all of it's fun riding.
Loon Lake:  a much advertised trail and a main attraction for mountain biking around McCall.  It's a fun, challenging ride that takes you through a beautiful area.  You can even stash your bikes and hunt for a B-23 Bomber that crashed in the winter of 1943.  The bomber is an amazing sight, as is the story of the crews' survival.  When you get to the Lake, look for an unmarked trail on the left and follow it, try to avoid some marshy areas to stay dry while you hunt for signs of a trail.  It will take 30 minutes or so to get to the crash site.  Looking for the bomber is for the adventurous only!  If you choose to ride Loon Lake, you should stop at Burgdorf Hot Springs for a soak.  The springs are in the center of an old mining town.  Burgdorf is a National Historic Site and many of the original structures are still standing.  Loon Lake and Burgdorf are an all day outing.
Loon Lake
Loon Lake:  a much advertised trail and a main attraction for mountain biking around McCall.  It's a fun, challenging ride that takes you through a beautiful area.  You can even stash your bikes and hunt for a B-23 Bomber that crashed in the winter of 1943.  The bomber is an amazing sight, as is the story of the crews' survival.  When you get to the Lake, look for an unmarked trail on the left and follow it, try to avoid some marshy areas to stay dry while you hunt for signs of a trail.  It will take 30 minutes or so to get to the crash site.  Looking for the bomber is for the adventurous only!  If you choose to ride Loon Lake, you should stop at Burgdorf Hot Springs for a soak.  The springs are in the center of an old mining town.  Burgdorf is a National Historic Site and many of the original structures are still standing.  Loon Lake and Burgdorf are an all day outing.   
Jug Handle is a residential development south of McCall off Farm to Market Road.  The Biking is similar to Bear Basin, but more challenging.  There are steeper climbs and descents and more technical bits of trail with rock features, it's a lot of fun.  There's a weekend shuttle from the clubhouse if you don't want to climb and you can enjoy a drink or meal there after your ride.  Take a photo of the trail map and use GPS on your phone; there are some unmarked trails and roads that can take you deep into nowhere! http://jugmountainranch.com/mountain-biking/
Jughandle Mountain
Jug Handle is a residential development south of McCall off Farm to Market Road.  The Biking is similar to Bear Basin, but more challenging.  There are steeper climbs and descents and more technical bits of trail with rock features, it's a lot of fun.  There's a weekend shuttle from the clubhouse if you don't want to climb and you can enjoy a drink or meal there after your ride.  Take a photo of the trail map and use GPS on your phone; there are some unmarked trails and roads that can take you deep into nowhere! http://jugmountainranch.com/mountain-biking/
if you're looking for something lift serviced, both Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort have extensive downhill trail systems with lifts running during the summer months. Visit their website for the most current lift service information and times.  Brundage is the more technical of the two.
84 locals recommend
Brundage Mountain Idaho Ski Resort
3890 Goose Lake Rd
84 locals recommend
if you're looking for something lift serviced, both Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort have extensive downhill trail systems with lifts running during the summer months. Visit their website for the most current lift service information and times.  Brundage is the more technical of the two.
if you're looking for something lift serviced, both Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort have extensive downhill trail systems with lifts running during the summer months. Visit their website for the most current lift service information and times.  Brundage is the more technical of the two.
73 locals recommend
TAMARACK RESORT
311 Village Dr
73 locals recommend
if you're looking for something lift serviced, both Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort have extensive downhill trail systems with lifts running during the summer months. Visit their website for the most current lift service information and times.  Brundage is the more technical of the two.
Ponderosa State Park's Huckleberry Bay Trail isn't the best riding, but it does have great views and access to the lake.  If you ride from the condo, you can be on it in 10 or 15 minutes (ride East along the lake to McCall Ave, turn left.  Turn left at the stop sign and continue straight through another stop to be on the main entrance road to Ponderosa).  There's no day use fee for bikers, just continue past the entrance gates and stay on the main road until it makes a hard left, you stay straight onto singletrack.  You'll see the trail branch to the left, go left and you'll be on the Huckleberry Bay Trail.  It's relatively flat until it's not, but the steepest climbing is short.  After climbing up, you'll come to a gravel road.  Cross it to begin your descent immediately, or turn right on the road and climb a little more to Osprey Point and the Narrows Overlook, a great viewpoint to see Payette Lake and the surrounding mountains.  Continue the same direction on the one way road, it loops around and meets back up with the trail crossing.  The trail will eventually give way to a wide gravel path and then a paved path with a few beaches along the lake.  Just continue to take every right branch that you can and the paved trail will take you back to the main entrance road.  (FYI the trail can be ridden in either direction).  If you haven't jumped in the lake yet, you can turn right on either Agate or Diamond Streets to find Davis Beach, a locals hangout.
84 locals recommend
Ponderosa State Park
1920 Davis Ave
84 locals recommend
Ponderosa State Park's Huckleberry Bay Trail isn't the best riding, but it does have great views and access to the lake.  If you ride from the condo, you can be on it in 10 or 15 minutes (ride East along the lake to McCall Ave, turn left.  Turn left at the stop sign and continue straight through another stop to be on the main entrance road to Ponderosa).  There's no day use fee for bikers, just continue past the entrance gates and stay on the main road until it makes a hard left, you stay straight onto singletrack.  You'll see the trail branch to the left, go left and you'll be on the Huckleberry Bay Trail.  It's relatively flat until it's not, but the steepest climbing is short.  After climbing up, you'll come to a gravel road.  Cross it to begin your descent immediately, or turn right on the road and climb a little more to Osprey Point and the Narrows Overlook, a great viewpoint to see Payette Lake and the surrounding mountains.  Continue the same direction on the one way road, it loops around and meets back up with the trail crossing.  The trail will eventually give way to a wide gravel path and then a paved path with a few beaches along the lake.  Just continue to take every right branch that you can and the paved trail will take you back to the main entrance road.  (FYI the trail can be ridden in either direction).  If you haven't jumped in the lake yet, you can turn right on either Agate or Diamond Streets to find Davis Beach, a locals hangout.