Experiencing a mountain-lake summer in McCall means a unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty around every corner.
Whether embarking on a scenic hike, casually lounging poolside with a refreshing drink in hand, or exploring the beauty of McCall, the possibilities for an action-packed summer with friends and family at Shore Lodge are endless.
As Rick Mooney, VP of Maintenance and Development, recalls his first memories of Shore Lodge were water skiing to North Beach after eating breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant. Or how Sally Middlekauff, lifelong Shore Lodge guest, remembers spending all her childhood and young adulthood basking in the sun on our private beach.
There's something nostalgic and carefree about spending the summer here that's almost indescribable unless you've experienced it yourself. For 76 years, countless families have created memories at Shore Lodge with annual traditions and memorable celebrations. Whether you're stopping by for a week-long family vacation, looking for a casual bite at The Bar, or celebrating a heartfelt celebration between two individuals, here's your summer guide to our mountain-lake paradise.
Nestled in the heart of the Gem State, Shore Lodge is a gateway to a world of outdoor adventure and breathtaking wonders.
Surrounded by a glacial-carved lake, the majestic Salmon River Mountains, and a quick drive from Ponderosa State Park and its scenic trails, the opportunities are endless.
Venture out into the untamed wilderness of McCall with an action-packed excursion by land, water, or air. No matter how you, your friends, or your family plan to spend their summer at Shore Lodge, your adventure in the Pacific Northwest awaits.
By Land
Only minutes away from Payette National Forest, encompassing 2.3 million acres of federally managed lands, there are countless pursuits one can embark on by foot.
Hike family-friendly trails or navigate through uneven terrain on an ATV for a thrilling backcountry experience. Here are the top recommendations from our Member Services Team.
Trailblazer
"Hiking offers the chance to disconnect from life's daily hustle and bustle and be among nature's grandeur.”
Embark on pursuits to find a roaring waterfall or tranquil lake or gather a McCall delicacy–delicious Huckleberries–along the trail while they're in season. The best part? You can choose the best hiking trail suited for you depending on your experience and your level of adventure. Goose Creek Falls in Payette National Forest is one of the top recommendations from our Member Services Team for anyone looking to venture out with the kids or trek trails at a more leisurely pace.
Coming in at just over three miles roundtrip, grab a quick to-go lunch from The Coffee Shop at Shore Lodge before lacing up your hiking boots to hike to Goose Creek Falls. With its picturesque landscape and spectacular views of a thundering waterfall, enjoy your lunch before making your trek back to the resort.
"If you're a seasoned hiker looking for a challenge, Louie Lake Trail has some spectacular views that make the long trek worth it."
With a consistent, steady uphill hike at 7,004 ft of elevation, Louie Lake Trail is for keen adventurers looking for an excursion into the great outdoors. The primary highlight of the trail is spotting some of the local McCall wildlife and reaching Louie Lake, a pristine lake surrounded by forested hills backdropped by the towering cliffs of Jughandle Mountain. You have the option to end your hike here and turn back, or if you're looking to extend your hiking adventure, you can continue along the trail following the bank of the lake, which involves another steep ascent.
Approximately two miles into your hike, you'll reach the summit and have views of towering Ponderosa Pines and jagged mountain peaks on the horizon. On your descent down, you'll pass through a wildflower field and rocky terrain before reaching Boulder Lake. Soak in the views, rehydrate, and refuel with your lunch before following the trail back to your initial starting point.
Before embarking on your excursion, print a map of the trail you wish to explore or download free hiking trail apps such as AllTrails to get the latest updates from recent hikers who ventured into McCall's great outdoors.
Trail Master
Families trekking out into the historic backcountry, hardcore riders searching for the next big thrill, or wanderers seeking to explore—nothing beats experiencing the backcountry sights of McCall with an ATV or UTV! Rev your engines and follow the off-beaten trail into the unknown.
Conveniently located in town, discover your ultimate off-grid adventure with CM Backcountry Rentals & Adventures. Choose from top-quality single-rider ATVs and or 2–6-seater UTVs available for half days, full days, or a full 24 hours for a quick thrill or full-day excursion. Venture out on your own for a solo trip or bring the entire family for a day in the backcountry with the trial maps provided. Navigate around the Brundage Mountain Area through numerous high mountain lakes, pass by Crystal Mountain, or book a UTV guided tour to have an expert take you to the secret hidden gems of McCall.
"Crystal Mountain is a unique destination to explore. There's a bunch of white, yellow, and pink quartz up there that you can view."
Cruising Through
If you want to venture out but stay within town, the complimentary Shore Lodge cruiser bikes are the perfect way to explore our charming town. With cruiser bikes available even for the little ones, bike alongside the main road into town and make your first stop at the Manchester Ice Rink & Events Center to beat the heat and glide through the ice.
Staying on theme to ensure you're staying cool, make your second stop at Ice Cream Alley; the must-do treat for nearly 40 years in McCall or Squatch Sweet that serves picture-perfect gourmet ice cream creations for a sweet treat.
Savor your sweet treat alongside Payette Lake before heading to the McCall Farmers Market Artisan Market, which features regionally grown produce, meats, arts, and crafts. Open every Wednesday and Saturday from June 12 until September 28 from 10am–2pm at 2nd St. and Lenora St., the McCall Farmers Market is the ideal place to venture out and grab a local souvenir to bring home. With live performances every Saturday from 10am to 1pm, it's a unique and vibrant shopping experience.
By Water
With 5,330 acres of glacial waters to explore, Payette Lake offers countless adventures waiting to be experienced.
Unless you want to beat the heat, a hot summer day in McCall is best spent on the lake. With so many options, here are the top recommendations provided by our Member Services Team.
For the Tranquil Experience
If you're on a romantic getaway for two or simply looking to take things at your own speed, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding are ideal ways to experience Payette Lake. Rent a stand-up paddle board or a single/tandem kayak and paddle along the shore to the downtown beach, Legacy Park, the ultimate hub for summer recreation.
Including a volleyball court, picnic tables for a romantic outdoor picnic, and an enclosed swimming area, make a date for you and your significant other. Alternatively, rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board from Backcountry Adventures at North Beach.
As one of the popular summer destinations in McCall, paddle through North Beach through the scenic Upper North Fork of the Payette River for a chance to witness McCall's wildlife, including moose, deer, elk, and osprey, as they glide alongside the tranquil waters.
"North Beach is one of the most scenic places to kayak or paddle board with the possibility of seeing some of the native McCall wildlife!"
For the Adventure–Driven
Payette Lake is 5,330 acres, meaning you can only explore so much through kayaking and paddle boarding. Get the full experience of a lakefront summer by renting a boat.
Shore Lodge offers captain-led boat tour rentals, allowing you and your family to relax and enjoy the dun and stunning mountain-lake views. Tour around the backside of Payette Lake or take a trip to North Beach, where you can boat your vessel and witness the sunset before returning to the Shore Lodge dock.
Or, if you're looking for a different boat experience with family and friends this season, Payette Pedal Party is Idaho's premier cycle boat company that accommodates up to 15 people for a two-hour tour of Payette Lake. You can pedal at your own pace or let the equipped motor do the work as you enjoy the snacks and drinks you brought onboard.
By Air
McCall's beauty is undisputed. With millions of acres of unspoiled wilderness, scenic mountain peaks, and various nature preserves, exploring all its hidden gems would be unfeasible, even with an entire summer.
But there's a way it's still attainable by flying a couple thousand feet above land. Less than a two-mile drive from Shore Lodge is McCall Aviation, which offers site-seeing tours from a bird's eye view. Dubbed the "Gateway to the Backcountry," McCall is a base to fly to backcountry mountain wildernesses, epic river canyons, and Idaho's most remote airstrips. Aviation enthusiasts have brought forth the popularity of recreational flying as a hobby, and with the exquisite environment surrounding Shore Lodge, aviators are taking flight to explore remote locations throughout the state. Take a trip to:
Surrounded by piercing mountain ridges, untamed wilderness, and brilliantly blue remote lakes, at a mere 15-minute flight away from McCall, Big Creek has been one of Idaho's premier backcountry airstrip destinations for nearly a century. Since its development in 1934, Big Creek has attracted the attention of countless outdoor enthusiasts who seek backcountry experiences. Once you land, a stacked itinerary of fishing, hunting, hiking, and more allows you to get lost in the natural beauty of the Gem State.
Soar over the Middle Fork Salmon River and land at Thomas Creek. Only half a mile west on the other side of the river sits Middle Fork Lodge. Land your aircraft and choose from one of their seven meticulously hand-built custom log cabins and awake to uncharted backcountry at your ready. Rugged and real, roam free and choose from soaking in soothing hot springs nearby, strapping up your saddle on a guided horseback riding excursion, and so much more.
Timless Traditions
"Summer in McCall in itself is a tradition."
Our charming town comes alive in the summer with the vibrant, carefree spirit of the season. And with it comes cherished annual traditions that locals and guests look forward to each year. One event that everyone marks on their calendar is the 4th of July! Immerse yourself in the town's patriotic spirit as you prepare to witness the dazzling fireworks display lighting up the sky. Enjoy the show from the comfort of your suite's outdoor balcony, or join the crowd on the sand, soaking in this beloved annual tradition.
The festivities continue with all things Huckleberry during the second weekend in August, with the annual Huckleberry Festival held in Donnelly, Idaho. From August 9 through August 11, watch the festive parade on the sidelines, sign up for the energetic Huck Trot 5k, or savor the delicious recipes of the vendors offering food that incorporates the renowned berries of the region.
"The Huckleberry Festival is a fun weekend where you can experience the love of huckleberry alongside friends and family."
Summer in McCall isn't only about excursions on the edge of the wild or the leisurely pursuits spent relaxing lakeside along Payette Lake.
Your culinary experiences of light, vibrant, and refreshing flavors are equally important for your seasonal getaway to Shore Lodge. We connected with our culinary team to discover the inspiration, fresh ingredients, and new seasonal menus for our dining venues.
Farm to Plate
As soon as you step into The Narrows Steakhouse, it's evident every detail has been meticulously considered – allowing you to experience unrivaled fare at the most beautiful restaurant in Idaho, according to OpenTable x PEOPLE Magazine's list of the Top 50 Beautiful Restaurants in America.
From the sophisticated ambiance, the selection of steak knives, and the refined table setting, The Narrows Steakhouse's singular focus is to distinctively serve the finest food in one of the most stunning environments in the country. And what better way to elevate the culinary experience of guests than sourcing high-quality meat from local vendors?
Sourcing high-quality ingredients is the philosophy we incorporate throughout all our venues to provide guests with a memorable culinary journey when dining at Shore Lodge. At The Narrows Steakhouse, we understand the importance of using only the finest, locally sourced meats to unlock a pinnacle of flavor with every bite. That’s why we proudly serve meat from Snake River Farms. Raised among the Snake River in Eastern Idaho, Snake River Farm beef results from crossbreeding high-quality cattle with the highest quality of beef one can find, a purebred Japanese Wagyu bull. Resulting in a beautifully marbled piece of meat that's flavorful, juicy, and tender to the bite and commonly known as the finest in American Wagyu Beef.
If we aren't sourcing beef directly from the Gem State, we turn to our neighboring state, Washington, and partner with Double R Ranch. Sitting on 80,000 acres near the Okanogan region, this premium grain-fed beef provides quality selections as there's care at every step of the beef's lifecycle. As their slogan states, 'Northwest Beef. Beyond Belief.' it's an exceptional selection of meat that goes from the farm to your plate.
Beyond the Food
Finding the inspiration to develop seasonal menus for various dining outlets could be a challenge every year, but not for the Shore Lodge culinary team. We spoke with Executive Chef Marcus Stewart to learn what drives him and his team to create these elaborate dishes you love.
"McCall has an incredibly culturally diverse pool of employees. We basically tap into some of the comfort food that our team has in either their home country or home region. And then we develop it into something that makes a dining experience exceptional at the resort."
Developed out of inspiration from a previous employee with Indian roots, the guest favorite Thai Green Curry at The Cutwater on Payette Lake was crafted to reflect the renowned aromatic dish in South Asia, but with a Pacific Northwest twist. Meanwhile, at The Narrows Steakhouse, the flavorful Pepper Jelly Glazed Pork Belly is another signature dish that evolved from the inspiration of some of our team's Southern roots (and charm).
"I think everything that happens in a kitchen is done with an open mind and through collaboration. Getting excited about creating new flavors together and seeing how you make that into something that translates into a fine dining experience."
It's a big brainstorming session in our kitchens on what we feel inspired by, what dish we'd like to adopt as our own and add a creative spin that our guests will enjoy and is equally as fun for our team to create.
Mediterranean Meets Idaho
With inspiration found all around in the Shore Lodge kitchen, this season at The Cutwater on Payette Lake, our culinary team takes you to embark on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean. Inspiration was taken from Italian kitchens to the coastal blue waters of Sardinia, the rich flavors of Italy, and the travels of our Executive Sous Chef through the serene islands of Greece to curate the new summer menu. It's a play on the Mediterranean meets Idaho.
New to the dinner menu is a fresh Pan Seared Halibut paired with earthy fingerling potatoes, confit fennel, saffron broth, and marinated artichokes, all finished with a flavorful rouille. In addition to our Pan Seared Halibut, we decided to take a twist on a classic favorite, the Bison Bolognese, with a vegan version. Featuring hearty mushrooms and lentil ragout to mimic the meat texture of traditional Bolognese, our Vegan Bolognese is prepared with an over-dried tomato orecchiette, topped off with herbed breadcrumbs. And what better way to complete our culinary journey through the Mediterranean than with an updated version of our Bison Bolognese? With the rich flavors of bison and wagyu ragu, this dish is paired with the pappardelle pasta, topped with grated parmesan and fluffy garlic bread.
Whether you're enjoying Happy Hour specials with friends at The Bar, indulging in casual Northwest Pacific fare at The Cutwater on Payette Lake, or celebrating a special occasion at our award-winning restaurant, The Narrows Steakhouse each of the venues at Shore Lodge tells its own story and weaves together flavors, tradition, and innovation.