How to Plan the Perfect Trip to McCall, Idaho

Many states conjure up specific images when you hear their names. For example, my mind wanders to redwoods when I hear California and mountains when I think of my home state of Virginia. Before I traveled to Idaho, the first thing that came to mind was potatoes, but a visit to the state did an excellent job of altering my opinion. I'm not sure if it was while I was soaking in hot springs during a snowstorm or skiing for the first time that I fell in love with McCall, Idaho.

The state holds a special allure that keeps calling people back, and that's what happened to longtime resident Lisa Whisnant. When driving through the state, McCall was simply a stopping point to grab a sweet treat and enjoy the beauty of Payette Lake. "McCall was always on my radar," she says. "I thought, maybe someday I could come and live here." A few years later, the opportunity arose to become a whitewater rafting guide with Canyons River Company in McCall. She jumped at the chance and has invested in the community for the past four decades.

Chris Weber, a local fishing guide, has only been in McCall for a few years, but the draw was the same for him. What began as fishing trips ended with a permanent move to the area. "It's a world-class fishing destination surrounded by beautiful mountains," he says. "It's better than anything in the picture books." Although you may not be looking to relocate, the vast amount of outdoor activities — think snowmobiling in the winter and hiking in the summer — may encourage you to visit and stay, even if only for a little while."

Here's everything you need to know about planning a trip to McCall.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Hotel McCall: Guests have been visiting Hotel McCall since 1904, and its convenient location in the middle of the action makes it the ideal spot for your visit. Its 22 rooms range from two-queen suites to coveted lakefront condos, including ADA-accessible and pet-friendly options. Relax at the spa, plunge into the indoor pool, and dine at the on-site fusion restaurant. 

Tamarack Resort: Whether you're traveling with others or visiting solo, Tamarack Resort has accommodations to fit groups of varying sizes. "Tamarack is constantly building new hotels, and with its ski resort atmosphere, they have really good lodging," says Weber. I stayed in a ski-in, ski-out room, but you could also opt for a privately owned chalet.

Burgdorf Hot Springs: If you want to unplug in the wilderness, add Burgdorf Hot Springs to your itinerary. Keep cozy in a room outfitted with a woodstove (firewood included), or sweat it out in the summer as cabins lack electricity. Although it's rustic, Weber says staying at Burgdorf is something many of his fishing clients rave about.

Shore Lodge: If you are looking to spend some time on the water, Shore Lodge on Payette Lake is your spot. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, golf the 18-hole course, or roam on a complimentary bike. "It's always fun to go to the Shore Lodge in the summer and sit by the water and have lunch," says Whisnant. Winter is also an active time, as guests can soak in the hot tubs or borrow snowshoes and explore.

Best Things to Do

Ski on powder-filled mountains: One of the largest draws in McCall is skiing. "If you like houses covered in two feet of snow and fresh powder to ski on, McCall [offers] a good lifestyle," says Weber. Glide down one of the 58 pillowy-soft trails at Tamarack Resort and stop at the slopeside Bumps & Brews for a regional beer. Enjoy other snow-centric activities like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Brundage Mountain Resort, a favorite of Bella Kitchen owner and longtime resident Lisa Wood. "In the winter, we ski at Brundage as often as possible," she says.

Book a guided fishing expedition: Ice fishing was one of my most memorable experiences in rural Idaho. Visitors flock to McCall to brave the cold while luring fish to their lines. "The first time I came to Idaho, we fished for perch in Lake Cascade," says Weber. According to him, the best fishing of the year happens in May and June, when the fish are itching to bite. He adds, "It's as good as it gets, and you really can't do anything wrong."

Snowmobile to soak in hot springs: One of the best ways to experience the full beauty of the snow is by booking a guided snowmobile tour with CM Backcountry Rentals & Adventures. Snow gear ensures you stay heated while whizzing through Idaho's stunning landscape. Stop for comfort food at the Secesh Stage Stop, where the walls flutter with dollar bills. Then, soak in the naturally heated Burgdorf Hot Springs, surrounded by panoramic views of the snowy hills.

Forage for mushrooms: Unofficially named the official food of McCall, mushrooms are abundant when warm days pair with cool nights. "Spring is a great time for mushroom hunting," advises Wood. "This fall, the mushrooms were plentiful, and we could just wander around our neighborhood to find some beautiful boletus mushrooms." Local chefs such as Gary Kucy, who curates the menu at Rupert's at Hotel McCall, often include locally sourced mushrooms in seasonal dishes. 

Best Shopping

Gallery Fifty-Five: Part emporium, part exhibit, Gallery Fifty-Five is a cooperative space where you can purchase souvenirs or stock your gift closet. "Gallery Fifty-Five is a great place to see all the creative talent our area has to offer," says Wood. Here, local artists display everything from handcrafted jewelry to paintings. 

McPaws Thrift Store: Whether you need to get your pet fix — adoptable animals are in store — or pick up pre-owned snow gear, McPaws Thrift Store is the place to go. "I love that the shop supports animals in need or looking for a home," says Whisnant. It's located downtown and was one of my favorite shopping stops in McCall. 

Bella Kitchen: Opened in 2002 by Wood and her husband, Bella Kitchen is an ideal spot for stocking your kitchen or picking up a wine opener. If you enjoy lovely stationery, they have Rifle Paper Co. goods for sale.

McCall Sports: Shop the new and pre-loved sections at McCall Sports to find the perfect recreational gear. "They sell lots of secondhand skis and bikes," says Weber. "It's one of the coolest stores I've ever been to."

Backcountry Boutique: "I love Backcountry Boutique for great clothing and gifts," explains Wood. Head to this store to grab a pair of alpaca socks for snowmobiling or chat with locals. This locally owned shop also has a toy nook for the younger set. 

Best Restaurants

Flight of Fancy: You may want a quick breakfast in nearby Donnelly when heading to or from Tamarack Resort. "Donnelly has a cute little bakery called Flight of Fancy," says Whisnant. The grab-and-go menu includes everything from satiating breakfast sandwiches to sweet treats, but you can, of course, stay a while as this eatery resides inside a charming house. If you want to try a bakery in McCall proper, Whisnant suggests Stacey Cakes.

Salmon River Brewery: When planning where to eat in McCall, you'd be remiss if you didn't stop by the local brewery — recommended by all three of our local experts. "We visit Salmon River Brewery regularly for great pub food," says Wood. My husband and I stumbled upon it while walking downtown, and I concur that fabulous comfort food and tasty brews await inside its rustic atmosphere.

Blue Moon Yurt: Only open seasonally by reservation, the idyllic Blue Moon Yurt invites visitors to snowshoe in the woods to dinner. Whisnant often daydreamed about opening a business to have a steady job in the winter while creating a sense of community. "The food scene came out of river guiding," she says. Whisnant and her crew of river guides prepare the meals over open coals and serve dinner inside the yurt.

Ragazza Di Bufalo: Twenty minutes south of McCall in Donnelly is Ragazza Di Bufalo, Weber's first restaurant choice, especially when he has cause to celebrate. "It's about $100 a couple, but it's fantastic Italian cuisine," he says. "When you walk in, you feel like you're in a high-end restaurant." The bison lasagna includes local meat from Shoemaker Bison Ranch, or you can savor smoked salmon pasta or braised bison short ribs to satiate your appetite after a long day on the slopes.

Best Time to Visit

There's no wrong time to visit McCall, so center your vacation around your preferred activities. If you shy away from the cold, a winter itinerary filled with exhilarating snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing may not be your ideal trip. But rest assured, a host of activities await warm-weather lovers. 

Spend a few days white-water rafting, golfing, boating on the lake, or hiking to stunning vistas in the summer. McCall beckons outdoor lovers in every season. "It's a winter wonderland, but it's also a place where people come for the summer," says Whisnant. According to her, McCall has always "been this place that has supported recreation." So, no matter when you go, be prepared to immerse yourself in nature.

How to Get There

As Whisnant says, "It's Boise's backyard," so flying into Boise (BOI) and renting a car is the easiest way to travel to McCall. Although the drive is around 2.5 hours, watching the bustling city streets give way to mountains dotted with evergreens makes the journey worthwhile. Several major car rental companies, including Budget and Enterprise, have stations inside the airport, simplifying the process.

How to Get Around

Renting a car means you'll have an easy way to navigate the area, though there are other choices. Renting a snowmobile or motorboat is also a fun way to get to know the area. If you stay at Hotel McCall, you can explore on foot. "You can walk everywhere," Whisnant says of the downtown area. In the winter, you can rent snowshoes at Gravity Sports to ensure you can safely move in the ice and snow.