McCall’s densely forested mountains and alpine lakes make it one of Idaho’s best base camps for outdoor adventure, and one of the most exciting ways to see it is by soaring through the canopy on a zipline.
Ziplining is the perfect way to get the adrenaline pumping in an incredibly safe setting, and it’s lots of fun for both adults and kids. The family behind DoneRight Management took a zipline tour ourselves last weekend, and we loved it so much we knew it had to make it onto the list of activities we recommend to our guests.
If you’re planning a trip to McCall, Donnelly, Cascade, Tamarack Resort, or anywhere else near Boise, be sure to browse our vacation rentals to find the perfect home base for your zipline adventure. A DoneRight rental puts you close to the mountains, the river, and everything in between.
Here’s where to go ziplining in McCall, and a full rundown of what to expect once you’re strapped in and ready to fly.
Photo Credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia
A zipline tour in McCall generally means soaring through the trees along a steel cable, strapped into a harness from platform to platform, with mountain and valley views throughout. Courses are typically built around ponderosa pine and fir, with lines strung between trees or towers and the occasional suspension bridge in between.
Most tours include a harness, a helmet, and a safety briefing before your first line, so no prior experience is necessary. Guides manage the group from platform to platform and keep an eye on speed, spacing, and form on every zip.
Tours usually have age, height, and weight minimums for safety, and closed-toe shoes are required. Many outfitters offer a few tour lengths, from a short, family-friendly taste of the treetops to a longer course with faster, higher lines for adrenaline seekers.
Photo Credit: Khoroshunova Olga
If you’re wondering where to go ziplining in McCall, our pick is Zip McCall Adventures. Our family took their tour last weekend and loved it from the first platform to the last line.
Zip McCall Adventures sits on 600 acres of managed state forest, with several ziplines, including one that stretches nearly 2,000 feet long, and a suspension bridge more than 100 feet in the air. Our family can vouch for how fun it is to fly from platform to platform for a couple of hours.
Two tree house platforms give you a place to catch your breath and take in the view before the next line. The course looks out over the Jughandle, Twin Sisters, and Boulder Mountains, so you get real mountain views the whole trip, not just a rushed ride between trees.
Zip McCall Adventures offers several tour options to choose from. Their Compact Tour is the perfect place to start for families with young kids or individuals who aren’t sure if ziplining is for them. Their longest tour, the Cannonball, includes 6 zip lines and takes around 2.5 hours, which is ideal for true adrenaline junkies.
There is no minimum age limit at Zip McCall, only weight and height limits. Kids must be above 80 pounds and 48 inches tall to take part, and they will be weighed and measured at check-in.
Although we’ve only experienced the ziplines at Zip McCall, another option in the area is Tamarack Resort, which is about 20 to 30 minutes from McCall near Donnelly.
The Tamarack course has six ziplines, and begins 6,700 feet above sea level. 3,500 feet of cable take you down to the valley floor while you take in views of Lake Cascade and the surrounding mountains.
Photo Credit: Monstar Studio
Ziplining season in McCall generally lines up with the warmer months, when trails are clear, and the mountain air is at its best for flying through the trees.
Most courses don’t operate at all during late fall and winter due to unfavorable weather conditions. Here’s what to expect the rest of the year:
Tours can book up fast during the busiest summer weekends, so reserve your spot in advance if you have a specific date in mind.
Ziplining is a great pick for your trip, but it’s just one of many ways to get outside in McCall, Idaho. A few other favorites to round out your visit and get the most of your mountain getaway:
For even more ideas, check out our full guide to things to do in McCall.
Ziplining is one of the most exciting ways to experience McCall’s mountains, and Zip McCall Adventures is the tour our own team recommends wholeheartedly. Pair it with a hike, a lake paddle, or one of our favorite summer activities for a full weekend in the great outdoors.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse our McCall vacation rentals and find a luxurious home base close to all your outdoor adventures.
