Travel
McCall is a small mountain town about two hours north of Boise. Here's how to get here, where to stay, and a few things worth knowing before you go.
Summer is McCall's busy season, so it's worth booking your room early.
Flying in
Boise Airport (BOI)
About 2¼ hours to McCall
The closest airport with airline service. Nonstops include Los Angeles, Burbank, Orange County, Ontario, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Chicago. Routes change, so check the airport's list when you book.
See nonstop flights from BoiseCharter into McCall
McCall Municipal Airport
McCall's airport has no airline service, but charters fly in. Gem Air runs daily summer flights connecting Boise and McCall, and McCall Aviation and Sawtooth Flying Service book private charters.
Gem AirOther airports
Lewiston (about 3¼ hours away), Spokane (about 4½ hours), and Salt Lake City (about 7 hours) are all much longer drives. For almost everyone, Boise is the easiest choice.
Getting to McCall
Rent a car
Recommended
The easiest way up, and the best way to get around once you're here. The rental car center is at Boise Airport, connected to the terminal by a covered walkway. Uber and Lyft do operate in McCall, but there are few drivers, so don't count on a quick ride.
Rental car companies at Boise AirportSalt Lake Express bus
About 3 hours
Runs from Boise Airport to McCall a couple of times a day, stopping at Ridley's Plaza on Deinhard Lane. Times change, so check the schedule when you book.
Schedules and ticketsSawtooth Transportation
(208) 869-6049
Van and shuttle service between Boise and McCall. Call ahead to book and get a price.
Visit websiteThe drive
From Boise, take Idaho 55 north through Horseshoe Bend, Banks, and Cascade. Much of it is a winding two-lane road along the Payette River, and summer weekends bring heavy traffic. Cell service drops out in the canyon, so download your maps before you leave.
Check road conditions on Idaho 511
Where to stay
The wedding is at Shore Lodge, so staying there is the easiest option. For more places, see Visit McCall's lodging list.
In McCall
Most of these are downtown on Third Street, within about two miles of Shore Lodge.
Brundage Bungalows
Down the street
Nine private mid-century cabins across from Payette Lake, a short walk along Lake Street from Shore Lodge.
Visit websiteHotel McCall
Downtown
A boutique hotel on the lake in the middle of downtown, open since 1904, with a pool and an on-site restaurant.
Visit websiteThe Evergreen Hotel
Downtown
A modern hotel with a pool and hot tub, a coffee shop, and a wine lounge. Formerly the Holiday Inn Express.
Visit websiteScandia Inn
Downtown
An inn with king suites and newly remodeled double queen rooms.
Visit websiteThird Street Inn
Downtown
An affordable hotel within walking distance of the lake, with an indoor pool and hot tub.
Visit websiteThe Nordic Inn
Downtown
A freshly remodeled motel in a central spot. Formerly the Rustic Inn.
Visit websiteBest Western Plus McCall Lodge & Suites
South Third Street
Indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and free breakfast. Pet friendly.
Visit websiteSuper 8 by Wyndham
South Third Street
A budget option with free breakfast.
Visit website
Homes and cabins
Good for families and groups who want to stay together.
McCall Vacations
The longest-running vacation rental company in Valley County, with homes, condos, and lakefront rentals.
Visit websiteDoneRight Vacation Rentals
Cabins and lake homes around McCall, Donnelly, and Cascade, including pet-friendly places and homes with hot tubs or docks.
Visit websiteAirbnb and Vrbo
Both list plenty of homes and cabins in McCall. Look near downtown or Lake Street to stay close to Shore Lodge.
Camping
Ponderosa State Park
Edge of town
Lakeview cabins and campsites on the peninsula. Idaho state parks open reservations nine months ahead, so for our weekend that's around late November 2026.
Idaho state park reservations
Nearby towns
If McCall is full, these are a short drive south on Idaho 55.
Tamarack Resort
Donnelly, about 20 minutes
A mountain resort with condos, cottages, chalets, and homes for rent.
Visit websiteBoulder Creek Inn & Suites
Donnelly, about 20 minutes
A small inn on the highway in Donnelly.
Visit websiteHotel NoBo
Cascade, about 40 minutes
A 67-room hotel in Cascade, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection.
Visit websiteThe Cascade Lake Inn
Cascade, about 40 minutes
A small motel with rooms, suites, and two- and three-bedroom units.
Visit website
Good to know
Weather
Late-August days are warm, usually in the upper 70s, but nights often drop into the 40s. Bring a warm layer for the evening.
Altitude
McCall sits just over 5,000 feet. If you're coming from sea level, drink plenty of water and take it easy the first day, especially before heading higher into the mountains.
Wildfire smoke
Late summer is fire season in Idaho, and in some years smoke drifts into the mountains. Check the air quality map in the days before you travel.
Idaho air quality mapTime zone
McCall and Boise are on Mountain Time, an hour ahead of California.