As a general rule of thumb, on shared trails, “wheels yield to heels.” That means motorcycles, ATVs and mountain bikes yield to hikers and horseback riders while hikers yield to horseback riders.
Some basic trail etiquette from our friends at the Forest Service:
Basic Trail Etiquette
-Be aware of other trail users.
-Stay to the right of the trail (except when passing).
-Slow down at corners.
-Always clean up after yourselves.
-Obey all the trail rules.
-Give a clear warning signal when passing: call out passing on your left.
-Always look ahead and behind when passing.
-Travel at reasonable speed.
-Keep pets on a leash.
-Move off the trail when letting others pass.
-Yield to other trail-users when entering and crossing trail.
-Do not disturb wildlife.
-Stay on the trail (respect the environment, do not venture off the trails).
-Do not litter.
-Do not drink or contaminate water sources (wash 100 feet away from any nearby water source).
-Use provided toilet facilities (if you are unable to find a facility, dig a hole 6 inches deep at least 200 feet from any open water).
-Do not make fires (use picnic areas and grills if provided).
-Respect wildlife. Your surroundings are home to many plants and animals: you are the visitor.
-Obey all posted signs. These indicate special restrictions that apply to the trail you are on.
#trailettiquette #trailsafety #outdooretiquette #hikingtips
We are honored to receive the 2026 Larraine Gardner Hawes Distinguished Community Service Award from the @mccallareachamber .
This recognition reflects the dedication, passion, and heart our McCall Parks & Recreation team brings to serving our community every day. We are incredibly proud of our staff for always going above and beyond to create meaningful programs, events, parks, and experiences for McCall.
Thank you to the McCall Chamber for this meaningful recognition — and thank you to our amazing community for your continued support. #cityofmccall #mccallparksandrec #mccallcommunity #mccallchamber #visitmccall
Right in the heart of downtown McCall, this lakeside gem is the go-to spot for sunny afternoons. With a sandy beach, shallow swim zone perfect for littles, and grassy areas made for sprawling out with a picnic, it’s easy to lose track of time here. The water’s just the right kind of refreshing, the view is pure Payette perfection. Plus, you’re only steps away from ice cream, coffee, or a post-swim burger.
#visitmccall #legacypark #fun
Before the ski traffic and the souvenir shops, before summer crowds strolled the lakefront snapping pictures with their phones, McCall was built on the hard work and grit of homegrown businesses. These were ventures rooted in practicality and pride – general stores, cafes, hardware shops, and lakeside camps that served the needs of a growing McCall community.
McCall looks a little different now, but its character still echoes the early days. The corner café, the dependable hardware store, the familiar storefronts along Lake Street – they’re the descendants of the visionaries who built something from nothing. And while the names may change and the buildings may shift, the heart of McCall remains rooted in the same values: hard work, hospitality, and a deep love for this place by the lake.
#visitmccall #mccallidaho #history
McCall is in full bloom right now, some of our favorite things lately have been hanging out by the beach, riding bikes and seeing more wildlife, and the lower crowds ☀️😍
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#mccallidaho #mountaintownliving #smallmountaintown #mccall #idahome
Here are 10 things you have to do when visiting McCall in the summer, plan your trip now!
1. Enjoy a Scoop at Ice Cream Alley (Opens May 25th)
2. Check out the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry (July 16th, 17th & 18th 2026)
3. Explore the waters of the Upper North Fork of the Payette River
4. Hike to the Narrows Overlook in Ponderosa State Park
5. Take a photo at the iconic Big Green Adirondack Chair, located at Gold Glove Park.
6. Have a beach day at Legacy Park
7. Pick Huckleberries
8. Catch Live Music Around Town
9. Explore the local Farmer's Markets
10. Take a Sunset Cruise Around Payette Lake (Tours start May 16th)
Dive in deeper to these summer itinerary ideas on our website at /mccall-summer-bucket-list/
#visitmccall #mccallidaho #summerfun
Explore the tranquil waters of the Upper North Fork of the Payette River, affectionately known as “The Meanders.” This gentle, non-motorized zone is ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife like moose, deer, and eagles. Rent equipment from local retailers like Backwoods Adventures, Home Town Sports, McCall Sports, and Gravity Sports or bring your own!
#visitmccall #mccallidaho #kayaking #paddleboarding
Morel mushrooms are basically the unofficial food of McCall. They are easy to identify, widespread and give us all a reason to get out of the house come spring. If you are headed out to find your own batch of Morels, we have a few tips to get you started.
FORAGING
Perfect Temperature: Look for days around 60°F and nights near 40°F to signal morel season.
Slopeside Skills: Start on sunny, south-facing slopes, then shift to north-facing areas as the season progresses.
Tree-Hugging: Check around trees, especially dead or dying ones, and along forest edges.
Soil Matters: Focus on well-drained, loamy soil, especially in burn or logging areas.
After Rain: Warm spring rain often brings morels out. Plan to hunt the next day.
CLEANING
The Basics: Trim dirty stems while picking to save time later. Wait to clean until you’re ready to cook.
Fresh Morels: Rinse in cold water, then lay in a single layer to dry.
Older Morels: Soak briefly in warm, salted water to remove debris, then dry in a single layer.
COOKING
Always fully cook morels. Their flavor is rich, so simple prep works best.
Sauté: Slice if large, leave small ones whole. Cook in a single layer until moisture evaporates, then add butter, garlic, shallot, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly and serve on bread, pasta, or eggs.
Roast: Heat oven to 350°F with a baking sheet inside. Toss morels with oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then spread in a single layer on the hot pan. Roast about 10 minutes until lightly crisp. Great for salads, crepes, or with cheese.
#visitmccall #mccallidaho #foraging #morels #mushrooms
Sometimes we just can’t wait to get back on the trail after a long winter. If you are itching to get out and explore, we rounded up a few options for early season adventures. As with any early season recreation, keep an eye on the weather and postpone your hike if trails are muddy.
Rapid River Trail – March
A great early spring hike as greenery and wildflowers return. The trail starts along a steep hillside before dropping to the river, so watch kids and pets early on. Hike as far as you like, with most turning around at the second bridge (about 4 miles). The trail continues to Potter’s Flat and beyond. From New Meadows, drive 30 miles south on US 95, turn left on Rapid River Road, and continue 3 miles to the trailhead.
Hazard Creek Falls – Late April
Perfect for spring runoff views, this hike leads to a rocky overlook about 3 miles in with great views of the falls. From New Meadows, drive 15.5 miles north on US 95, turn onto Hazard Creek Road, and follow it about 1.5 miles to the unsigned trailhead.
Cow Camp Trail – May
A quieter forest hike with 1,600 feet of elevation gain leading to Squirrel Creek, a peaceful spot to rest. The trail continues beyond for those wanting more distance. From New Meadows, head 12 miles north on US 95, then follow Smokey Boulder Road about 6+ miles to the trailhead near Boulder Creek.
Vulcan Hot Springs – Mid-May
A short hike through meadows and along a creek ending at a natural hot spring. The soaking pool mixes with cold water due to high temperatures. From Cascade, take Warm Lake Road and follow detours via Warm Lake Lodge to reach the trailhead parking area.
Goose Creek Falls (Last Chance) – June
The earliest and most scenic route to the falls, this trail winds through forest and creek crossings to a scenic overlook. From McCall, head north on Highway 55, turn onto Last Chance Road, and follow it to the campground where the trail begins.
#visitmccall #mccallidaho #hiking
A weekend made for moms 🌸
Start it off with the Muddy Mother’s Day 5K - just a week away!
Bring mom. Cheer her on. Run together. However you show up, it’s about being together.
📅 Saturday, May 9
⏰ 10 AM
🏃♀️ Mud optional, fun required
Then gather around the table for Mother’s Day Brunch at The Reserve 🥂
📅 Sunday, May 10 | 8AM-1PM
Spring mountain views, thoughtfully crafted dishes and bottomless mimosas.
🌷Tap the link in bio to register for the run, reserve your brunch table and see spa & lodging options!
💛Reservations for brunch are required
Meet Tricia Warren, the Swiss-army knife behind The Star-News. A lifelong Idahoan and longtime McCall local, she previously ran a rafting, fishing, and hunting outfitting business with her husband for 18 years before transitioning into print media, seeking behind-the-scenes work but ultimately doing a bit of everything.
At The Star-News, Tricia helps manage the nonstop cycle of producing a weekly paper. Alongside a small team of five, she juggles reporting, writing, editing, layout, and countless unseen tasks, from maintaining subscriber lists and coordinating deliveries to braving tough conditions to bring papers from Lewiston to McCall.
Despite the challenges, Tricia and her team remain committed to delivering a physical newspaper each week. In a digital world, they believe their work matters, keeping the community informed about local government, businesses, events, and personal milestones that define small-town life.
Tricia especially enjoys working on the sports section, highlighting local students and their achievements. Her work, and that of her team, helps keep McCall connected, ensuring these stories continue to be told.
#everydayhero #mccallidaho
Three breweries, one trail....infinite excuses to stay an extra night.
Idaho Craft Beer Month is winding down but the McCall's Ale Trail runs all year long!
Whether you're an IPA loyalist, a lager convert, or just someone who earned a cold one after a long day adventuring, there's a pint here with your name on it.
Plan your Ale Trail weekend at visitmccall.org/mccall-ale-trail/
#VisitMcCall #McCallAleTrail #VisitIdaho #IdahoCraftBeerMonth
