Recreation

McCall, Idaho is a ski and summer destination resort community known for its recreational opportunities and many Idaho residents consider McCall to be Idaho’s playground.

McCall is merely a two-hour drive north of Boise, Idaho and the drive up Hwy 55 along the Payette River is a pleasure in itself. McCall began as a timber producing town but is now home to Brundage Mountain and Tamarack Resort, the Activity Barn snow tubing park, Ponderosa State Park, and the U. S. Forest Service Smokejumper Base.

McCall holds an annual Winter Carnival which began in 1924, with outstanding snow sculptures and amusing activities of all kinds.

You can even ice skate or watch championship hockey at the Manchester Ice and Event Centre.  McCall is and has been the home of a number of Olympic skiers. In winter, the ski resorts and seemingly endless snowmobiling trails are McCall’s main draw.

In summer, people come to play on Payette Lake. Payette Lake offers excellent boating, several sandy beaches and spectacular mountain scenery. North Beach is a popular spot for water skiing and sunbathing. Mile High Marina rents pontoon boats, ski boats and jet skis. McCall Parks and Recreation maintains several beautiful parks right on Payette Lake. Ponderosa State Park on the large peninsula jutting out into the lake offers excellent camping, boating and hiking opportunities.  There are several public and private golf courses in the area, including the McCall Golf Course and Jug Mountain Ranch, that will challenge the most expert golfer.