Things to Do in Spring in McCall, Idaho

The great outdoors and quaint small town experience during the shoulder season still offers plenty for you and your group to do while the snow melts and the spring thaw takes center stage. McCall is just 100 miles North of Boise in central Idaho along the picturesque Payette River that winds along Highway 55.

Thinning crowds leave plenty of room for outdoor activities in Ponderosa State Park nestled alongside Payette Lake still covered in a frosty layer or to head into the backcountry on your Nordic skis or snowshoes.

Whether it’s just a day trip or a few days getaway, let adventure begin. Reserve your McCall vacation rental cabin, Donnelly vacation rental home, or Tamarack vacation rental chalet with DoneRight Vacation Rentals and take advantage of any last minute booking discounts. Just as an FYI, if you book directly with us, we save tons on the reservation fees and that gives you more to spend on spring time fun up here.

Let’s dive into the best things to do on a spring trip to McCall, Idaho.

Conditions for spring skiing couldn’t be better right now at Brundage Mountain Resort or Tamarack Resort for skiers, so fuel up on a hearty breakfast at the Pancake House, grab your steaming coffee at the Java House across the street from Hotel McCall in downtown McCall and head to the slopes for outstanding springtime skiing. Although a great winter activity, spring skiing does not disappoint in this mountain town.

Check the conditions of the ski area before you head over but the crazy part around here is the intermittent snowfall that occurs even in mid-June. If you plan on being in McCall for a few days or a week, head down through Donnelly and over to Tamarack Ski Resort and experience the flavor of skiing and snowboarding on their mountain.

Since it isn’t as cold in the spring, this is a great time to bring your kids along to the slopes for some family-friendly fun!

Take to the backcountry on your sled and experience the thousands of acres of well groomed trails surrounding Payette Lake. Snowmobiling is a serious outdoor adventure and if you’ve never had the chance to try it for yourself, this is the best place to give it a shot!

If you need to rent a snowmobile, or as most know them as a sled, reach out to Cheap Thrills or CM Backcountry Rentals from Cody Monroe. Brundage Mountain also has sled rentals as well as guided tours if you want the experience of a seasoned guide to show you the wheres and hows to make the most of your excursion.

Snowmobiling when it’s a glorious warm sunny day is a welcomed change, and if you’ve never been on a sled, this makes the experience a little less brutal and certainly worth the fun.

Trails are stretched out across Central Idaho for anyone who enjoys Nordic Cross country skiing or snowshoeing across the denser, heavier snow this time of year.

There is plenty to explore with these Nordic centers. Choose from:

• Bear Basin
• Ponderosa State Park
• The Activity Barn
• Jug Mountain Ranch
• Jughandle Mountain
• Tamarack Resort

Be sure to check the grooming report at mccallnordic.com for the most current trail conditions. If you prefer something a little different, strap on snowshoes and hike off trail and make your own path.

Central Idaho has some of the best hot springs in the country that should be added to your bucket list while you are up here on your getaway.

Gold Fork Hot Springs just south of Donnelly is an absolute favorite for locals and visitors alike, with several pools varying in temperature to soak your bones in that offer a great place to relax and have fun unwinding.

Zim’s hot springs are just North of New Meadows has one large pool that lets your soak and melt the stress away.

And for those of you who have the ability to sled to Burgdorf Hot Springs located 33 miles North of Downtown McCall, this is a magical experience that brings the 1800’s into clear focus. Rustic and old, this is truly an amazing experience with cabin rentals available for overnight stays.

Check on their Facebook pages to see updates and availability before you head to any of the hot springs located around McCall, Donnelly, and New Meadows.

For the diehard thrill-seeking enthusiast that is willing to suit up and do what only the most experienced kayaker is skilled enough to do, then the white water rafting and kayak runs along the Payette River, Salmon River and Snake River are yours for the taking.

Seasonal runoff waters start to swell and for those individuals that can’t wait to get wet, then head up to McCall and Riggins where there are several spots to put in and launch.

McCall is the cozy small town that draws people from all over for that quaint mountain atmosphere. That’s what people really love about this slice of heaven here on earth. While nature and incredible lake views might have brought you here in the first place, you’ll see there’s a lot more to McCall Idaho than just that.

Starting with the great restaurants. There are several excellent places to eat, like:

• Ruperts located in Hotel McCall
• Pueblo Lindo Mexican Restaurant on the West edge of town
• The Sushi Place, Salmon River Brewery
• Shore Lodge
• 634 Restaurant
• Frenchies on Third

And several more places to eat just outside of town in Donnelly and New Meadows.

Nightlife is limited to restaurants, the few bars where you can play pool, or have a blast singing karaoke. Manchester Ice Skating Rink is always a great family time when you strap on the skates and veer off on the ice with kids in tow after dinner.