We’ve put together a helpful guide to Boise’s Top 4 Vacation Getaways That you can do in one week or less.
Just a few hours North of the Boise area, In the mountainous region of Central and North Central idaho, lies a paradise for vacation enthusiasts seeking Family Time in the great outdoors.
Read on to explore our top 4 vacation getaways for family oriented things to do in the area of McCall to Riggins and north toward White Bird Idaho. Here you’ll find plenty of fresh pine breezes, stunning landscapes with rivers running through it, exciting excursions, wildlife sightings and so much more. All of that just a couple of hours drive north of Boise.
Avoid airport lines, delayed and canceled flights and hours of travel! Share Idaho’s breathtaking beauty and amazing places to visit with a focus on spending time in America’s Great Outdoors – all lined out for a perfect week long summer vacation just a few hours drive from Boise, Idaho.
- Stay 2 nights in McCall. (2 hour drive NORTH from Boise ID):
Stay 2 nights at the Shore Lodge, Tamarack Lodge, Yurt, or VRBO. Rent a boat or book the 2 hour tour boat for an afternoon or evening cruise on beautiful Payette Lake. Check out one of the many spas at either McCall or Tamarack, hike to a backcountry lake, rent an ATV and ride on one of many Public trails, enjoy the many shops, brew pubs and restaurants. Things to do in McCall Idaho - Stay 2 nights at MACKAY BAR on the Salmon River. (2 hour drive NORTH from McCall ID):
The Salmon River – better known as the “River of No Return” – winds its ways through two wilderness regions – one being the famous Frank Church Wilderness. Jet boats were grandfathered into the Wilderness Act When it was created. Departing McCall, you drive ¾ hour NORTH to Riggins, Idaho. Grab your fishing license from the local grocer, a bite to eat, and start your SCENIC drive across the bridge and carry on up the MAIN Salmon River Road 27 miles to Vinegar Creek Boat Ramp (1 hour). Mackay Bar Outfitters picks up (and drops off) all of their guests at Vinegar Creek Boat Ramp via Jet boat. From there you’ll be whisked away 26 miles up river to a truly unique getaway that offers amazing food, stylish lodging and all activities including fishing and jet boating, hikes and amazing wildlife to see. Be sure to check out their Trip Advisor Reviews. Schedule your overnight stay months in advance as trip dates fill up fast!
- Stay 2 nights in RIGGINS, ID on your way back out from Mackay Bar Ranch, stay at a local VRBO or motel in Riggins, ID. From there, you can take a day trip to Hells Canyon for one of the many daily jet boat tours and fishing offered by local outfitters: Killgore Adventures, Hammer Down Excursions or River Adventures. Hells Canyon is the deepest canyon in North America and embraces the Snake River as well as many historical landmarks (such as historical Kirkwood Ranch) and stories to be shared about early pioneers that settled in this rugged region. Here’s another idea: Rent a Polaris UTV at Killgore Adventures, a convenient stop on Hwy 95 as you’re driving North from Riggins. There are also plenty of fishing and rafting options available for put-in right there in Riggins. If you’re visiting in late July or August, after high mountain snow has melted, visit the Seven Devils Loop where a fire lookout at the very top offers magnificent views of 3 states (Idaho, Oregon and Washington) as well as hiking trails and camping opportunities. Layover in Riggins for a 2nd night before your journey home. Riggins offers several great places to relax afterwards with great burgers, steaks, pizzas, and beers!
- On your way back to Boise, stop at one of the many area hot springs such as: Zims (New Meadows), Burgdorf (McCall),Gold Fork (Donnelly), or Mundo Hot Springs (Cambridge Idaho)
