Boise to McCall Road Trip Lakes, Rivers & Mountain Magic

A summer evening at Payette Lake in McCall calm water, pine forests, and mountain sunsets make this alpine lake town a perfect road trip escape. Northwest of Boise, McCall offers a mix of serene lakeside relaxation and outdoor fun on the way into Idaho’s forested high country.

Trip Snapshot

• Distance/Duration: ~220 miles round-trip (Boise to McCall and back, not counting extra detours). That’s roughly 3 hours each way via HWY 55 (longer with traffic or stops). Add ~90 miles (1.5 hours each way) if doing the optional Riggins side trip.
• Best Time to Go: Summer for lake activities and warm weather (mid-70s to 80°F); late January/February for McCall’s famous Winter Carnival and snow sports. Spring and fall are quieter shoulder seasons (fall foliage in early October).
• Ideal For: Families, water recreation enthusiasts (swimming, boating, fishing), and anyone looking for a mix of scenic driving and small-town charm. This trip suits those who love lakes, rivers, and mountain landscapes without venturing too high in elevation.
• Route: Boise → Cascade (HWY 55, Payette River Scenic Byway) → McCall (on Payette Lake). Optional add-on: continue north from McCall to Riggins in the Salmon River Canyon, then return south to Boise via the same route (HWY 55).
• Top 3 Highlights: Driving alongside the wild Payette River (popular for whitewater rafting); enjoying the mountain-fringed shores of Payette Lake in McCall; optional trek into the Salmon River Canyon at Riggins, the gateway to Idaho’s “River of No Return.”

Route Overview

Head north from Boise on State Highway 55, which quickly leaves the city suburbs and enters the mountains. This road is designated the Payette River Scenic Byway, and for good reason soon you’ll be winding alongside the Payette River’s turbulent waters. The drive is full of curves as it traces the river through a canyon up to Cascade and McCall. Take your time and enjoy the views of forested hills and river rapids. (Pro Tip: South of Cascade, you’ll cross the historic Rainbow Bridge, an arch bridge from 1933 that’s an iconic photo spot on this route.)

About 75 miles from Boise (1.5–2 hours depending on traffic), you’ll reach Cascade, a small town on the shore of Lake Cascade. This reservoir lake is long and rimmed by forests and the West Mountain range on its western side. There’s a nice roadside park in Cascade where you can stretch your legs gaze out at the lake and you might see anglers or jet skis in summer. If you have extra time, the Lake Cascade State Park has multiple units around the lake for picnicking or camping. Cascade itself has a few cafes and stores if you need a snack or supplies.

Continuing north on HWY 55, it’s another 30 scenic miles to McCall. The road climbs over a small pass at Little Donner Summit then descends into the Payette Lake basin. As you arrive in McCall, you’ll notice the expansive blue lake appearing on your left. McCall is a beloved resort town situated right on Payette Lake, a glacier-carved lake about 5,300 acres in size. In summer, McCall buzzes with vacationers swimming, boating, and paddleboarding; in winter, it’s a snowy wonderland with a popular winter festival.

Park in McCall’s compact downtown and explore on foot. Legacy Park at the lakefront offers a beach and a grassy picnic area on a hot day, it’s perfect for a dip in the clear lake water or a rented kayak ride. Stroll down main street for boutique shops and eateries. A must-stop for a treat is Ice Cream Alley, a tiny walk-up ice cream stand in an alley by Payette Lake known for huge scoops and unique flavors (expect a line on summer afternoons!). If you’re looking for a short hike, consider the Ponderosa State Park peninsula that juts into Payette Lake on the east side of town there are easy trails and great viewpoints of the lake.

If you have time and crave more adventure, an optional side trip is to continue north about 50 miles to Riggins. Leaving McCall, you’ll head down Highway 55/US-95 through the pine forests, eventually dropping dramatically into the Salmon River Canyon. The contrast is striking you go from green mountains to arid, rugged canyon terrain where the Salmon River (“River of No Return”) cuts through steep rock walls. Riggins is a small town along the Salmon River famous for rafting and fishing. Even if you just drive a few miles into the canyon beyond Riggins, you’ll be treated to views of one of Idaho’s deepest river gorges. Turn around whenever you’re ready and head back the way you came, returning to McCall and then Boise via HWY 55 south.

On the drive back to Boise from McCall, note that Highway 55 is a two-lane mountain road. Traffic can be heavy on summer weekends (Friday northbound, Sunday southbound) as folks head to and from Boise for weekend getaways. Don’t be surprised by some congestion or slower RVs use turnouts to let cars pass if you’re poking along, and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially in the evening. The stretch through the canyon by the Payette (between Smith’s Ferry and Banks) is known for occasional rockfall, so drive attentively. If you’re not in a rush, consider stopping at Kelly’s Whitewater Park in Cascade on the way back or one of the many riverside picnic pullouts to savor the scenery one more time.

Top Stops & Experiences

• Payette River Scenic Byway: The journey is the destination here enjoy 110 miles of gorgeous driving from Boise to McCall along Highway 55. Highlights include Banks, where the North and South forks of the Payette meet (popular launch for rafters), and the dramatic canyon north of Banks where the river’s whitewater is right alongside the road. There are roadside pullouts to watch kayakers and rafters tackling rapids in summer.
• Lake Cascade: Take a break in Cascade to admire Lake Cascade, a large mountain reservoir. The town has a lakefront park and the Cascade Dam overlook. In summer, you might rent a boat or go fishing (the lake is known for trout and bass). The views of West Mountain across the water are photo-worthy, especially in early morning calm.
• McCall & Payette Lake: McCall is the crown jewel of this trip. Stroll Downtown McCall a charming area with shops, cafes, and that laid-back mountain vibe. Payette Lake is right there; don’t miss walking to Legacy Park Beach to dip your toes in or taking the scenic drive along Peninsula Road into Ponderosa State Park (great viewpoints at Osprey Point). If you’re visiting in winter, McCall’s Winter Carnival (late Jan/early Feb) features elaborate snow sculptures, parades, and fireworks a true winter wonderland experience.
• Goose Creek Falls Hike: Just outside McCall (near Brundage Mountain Road) is a popular short hike to Goose Creek Falls. It’s a moderate 3-mile round-trip trek through forest to a picturesque waterfall tumbling into a rocky creek. A nice option if you want to stretch your legs further the trailhead is about 10 miles northwest of McCall off HWY 55.
• Riggins & Salmon River Canyon (Optional): For those with extra time, the drive north to Riggins is a thrill. As you descend into Riggins, the road clings to canyon walls above the Salmon River, offering views of this wild river cutting through rock. In Riggins, you can visit a rafting outfitter or have a bite at a café frequented by river guides. This area is the gateway to the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Even if you don’t raft, just witnessing the Salmon River (nicknamed “The River of No Return”) and the depths of its canyon is memorable.

Where to Eat & Stay

• McCall Stay:Shore Lodge McCall’s premier lakeside resort, offering rustic-elegant rooms and an outdoor pool overlooking Payette Lake (Shore Lodge). It’s been an Idaho icon since 1948, complete with a spa and on-site fine dining. For a cozy B&B vibe, consider Scandia Inn near downtown or the historic Hotel McCall (boutique hotel right by the lake). McCall Eat: Salmon River Brewery A local favorite brewpub with craft beer, a rooftop deck, and tasty pub fare (salmonriverbrewery.com). It’s family-friendly and perfect after a day on the lake. For a quick lunch, try My Father’s Place, a no-frills burger joint known for delicious burgers and milkshakes (a McCall institution). Don’t forget to grab ice cream at Ice Cream Alley for dessert their huckleberry ice cream is an Idaho classic!
• Cascade Eat: If you’re peckish in Cascade, Grandma’s Homestead Restaurant offers homestyle comfort food (and ice cream), and Lakefront Bar & Grill has casual eats with a lake view. Cascade also has a drive-in and a bakery on Main Street for coffee and pastries to go.
• Riggins (Optional) Stay/Eat: If you decided to overnight in Riggins for more river time, check out Salmon Rapids Lodge, which overlooks the river (with a deck to enjoy the sound of rushing water). For food, Bert and Kate’s Cattlemen’s is a classic steak and seafood spot, or grab a riverside lunch at Seven Devils Café. Riggins is small, but you’ll find hearty portions and friendly folks fuel for your journey back.

Practical Tips

• Traffic Timing: HWY 55 can get congested on summer weekends. Locals know that driving north on Friday late afternoon/evening or south on Sunday afternoon means heavy traffic (sometimes causing stop-and-go near Horseshoe Bend or Cascade). If your schedule allows, try to travel at off-peak times leave early in the morning or on a weekday. If you do get stuck in a line of cars, take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery (or pull off at a picnic area to let the rush pass). Safety first the road is curvy with few passing lanes, so resist the urge to speed or pass except in designated zones.
• Road Conditions: In winter, Highway 55 is maintained but can be snowy and icy. There’s a particular stretch through a narrow canyon (around Lightning Creek near Smiths Ferry) known for rockslides and slick conditions. Check 511.idaho.gov for road updates in winter, and consider carrying tire chains if snow is in the forecast. If a major storm hits, the alternate route to McCall is longer (via Hwy 95 through New Meadows), but typically Hwy 55 is fine with cautious driving and plowing.
• Altitude & Climate: McCall sits at ~5,000 ft elevation, so even summer nights get cool (40s–50s °F). Pack layers a light jacket for evenings by the lake, and rain gear just in case mountain thunderstorms pop up. Conversely, parts of the drive (like Riggins) are much lower elevation and can be very hot in summer (90°F+). Have water in the car to stay hydrated.
• Wildlife & Nature: Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You might spot deer along the roadside, osprey and eagles near lakes and rivers, or even a bear or fox in the distance near forested areas. Dawn and dusk are active times drive cautiously then. If you stop at a viewpoint, do not feed any animals (like chipmunks) keep wildlife wild. Also, remember to practice Leave No Trace principles at parks and pullouts.
• Reservations & Rentals: McCall is a popular vacation spot, so if you plan to stay overnight, especially on summer weekends or Winter Carnival, book your lodging in advance. The same goes for renting boats or kayaks on Payette Lake reserve ahead on peak weekends. If you’re interested in rafting, outfitters in Riggins offer half-day trips on the Salmon River; schedule ahead to secure a spot.

Rentals & Logistics

This road trip is straightforward in terms of navigation just follow HWY 55 north all the way. A standard vehicle will do but ensure your brakes are in good shape for mountain driving and descending into Riggins if you go. Start with a full tank of gas in Boise. There are gas stations in Horseshoe Bend, Cascade, McCall, and Riggins, but they can be far apart. In summer, consider bringing a cooler with drinks and snacks you’ll find beautiful roadside pullouts by the river to enjoy a picnic.

For convenience, pick up a rental car in Boise (the airport or city locations have plenty). A smaller car is fine for two people, but if traveling with family or gear, an SUV gives you extra space. Many rentals come with unlimited mileage, so you can explore side roads without worry. Reserve the perfect vehicle to fit your group and gear maybe a convertible for summer breezes or a 4x4 if visiting in winter. Lastly, cell coverage drops in the canyon areas, so download maps offline and don’t rely on streaming music (load up that playlist!). With a little preparation, your lakes-and-rivers adventure from Boise will be smooth sailing or as we say in Idaho, “smooth rafting.” Enjoy the drive!