Overview
McCall is in Idaho.
2 things to do
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about McCall
Brundage Mountain
Boasting over 300 inches of snow a year, Brundage is reputed to have some of the best snow in Idaho. The mountain has 1,500 acres of lift-served terrain in addition to 19,000 of backcountry terrain served by SnoCats. Beg…
Tamarack Resort
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 93°F; winter lows dip to about 25°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Dec. (climate data from nearby Boise)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MYL McCall Municipal Airport, McCall — 2 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 93 mi away (major hub). Directions
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.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Brundage Mountain
- Afternoon Tamarack Resort
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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.
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Understand
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.
Get in
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.
Get around
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.
See
The mountain lake scenery in McCall is gorgeous. Hike the peninsula in Ponderosa State Park to get some good views of the mountains.
Do
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.
Do Brundage Mountain
Boasting over 300 inches of snow a year, Brundage is reputed to have some of the best snow in Idaho. The mountain has 1,500 acres of lift-served terrain in addition to 19,000 of backcountry terrain served by SnoCats. Beginner or expert, Brundage offers plenty of choices with a variety of terrain ranging from wide, groomed trails to plunging steeps and powder fields. Unlike the crowded larger resorts, powder lasts for days on the slopes at Brundage. In the summer, Brundage offers scenic chair lift rides, concerts, a music festival, and lift-served mountain biking.
- 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.
Eat
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.
Drink
The Salmon River Brewery is located near the lake, off of the corner of 3rd and Lake Street.
Sleep
McCall is full of lodges, cabins, and hotels. Camping at Ponderosa State Park is also a popular option here.
Nearby
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My experience
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