Spring in McCall

What do we do around here while the snow is melting off the mountain tops and the exposed trails are too muddy to play on and the lake too cold to get in?  Well, we patiently wait or we head to lower elevations to play!   Here are some of our favorite places to visit around here during the muddy spring season:

Riggins, Idaho

The small town of Riggins is a scenic short drive north of McCall (about 45 minutes) and is considered the whitewater capital of the world by many!  The town sits on the banks of the Salmon River and has all the amenities visitors need.  The area offers many unique outdoor and world class experiences from boating via jet boats, rafts or kayaks to hiking, hunting and fishing.  Springtime is green with wild flowers beginning to bloom and the river is flowing fast from mountain snow melt.  Riggins is also the western gateway to the designated Wild and Scenic section of the “River of No Return” where jet boaters are allowed to travel all the way to Salmon, Idaho if the flow is right (and the driver is experienced)!   Hiking the green foothills near Riggins is a treat in the spring (especially after a long winter up here)!  For trails in the area, visit the US Forest Service office located on the south side of town or visit IdahoTrails.com.

Kirkwood Ranch, Hells Canyon

Kirkwood Ranch sits on the Snake River in Hells Canyon just Northeast of McCall.  It is accessible via jet boat from the Snake River or via a old jeep road that starts off on the ridge just east of Lucile, Idaho along highway 55.  It’s a perfect route to take the family via UTV or ATV’s on and a wonderful spring day!

For more information, visit this page: >>> Lucile to Kirkwood <<<

Mud Creek, New Meadows

Mud Creek just west of New Meadows off Highway 95 provides earlier season access to miles of forest roads to explore with the UTV.  Grab a map and park any where near the highway.

Around Here

You can attempt to travel the forest roads via UTV but beware of snow patches!  Mountain biking and dirt biking slowly open up as the snow creeps up the mountain but stay off muddy trails and beware of fallen timber.  High elevation trails are typically not clear of snow until early summer and may take time to remove fallen trees.