Shore Lodge occupies a prime waterfront position on the southern shore of Payette Lake in McCall, a mountain resort town roughly 100 miles north of Boise via State Highway 55 through the Payette River canyon. The lodge sits on West Lake Street with immediate lake frontage, steps from McCall's small walkable downtown of galleries, outfitter shops, and casual restaurants. McCall-Donnelly Airport handles small aircraft four miles from the property; the nearest commercial service is Boise Airport, about two hours south.
Shore Lodge opened as a fishing retreat in 1948. After a fire destroyed the original structure in 1993, the rebuilt lodge adopted a Pacific Northwest–lodge idiom: massive exposed timber beams, floor-to-ceiling lake-view windows in the main great room, stone fireplaces, and log-hewn architectural details throughout. The atmosphere deliberately blends rugged Idaho mountain character with white-tablecloth hospitality — the result is après-ski casual in posture but full-service in execution, attracting both Boise weekenders and destination travelers from across the Pacific Northwest.
Standard rooms overlook the forested grounds and parking areas. Lake View rooms command direct Payette Lake panoramas and are worth the premium for any stay longer than one night. Cottages are detached one- and two-bedroom units with private decks, full kitchenettes, and gas fireplaces, well suited to families or groups. Suites in the main lodge feature king beds, fireplaces, and generous sitting areas with lake or mountain views. All accommodations include luxury linens, plush robes, and flat-screen televisions.
Narrows Restaurant is the flagship dining room, serving Pacific Northwest cuisine — Idaho rainbow trout, dry-aged Hells Canyon beef, and seasonal produce sourced from Treasure Valley farms — with a wall of windows overlooking the lake. The Terrace offers lighter fare and craft cocktails on a lakeside deck through the summer season. A full breakfast service is available daily.
The full-service spa delivers massage therapy, facials, hydrotherapy wraps, and couples treatments. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub sit at the lake's edge. A lakeside fitness center has cardio machines, free weights, and a yoga and stretching area. The private marina rents kayaks, paddleboards, stand-up boards, and powerboats by the hour or day; guided fishing trips on Payette Lake can be arranged through the concierge. In winter, the property is six miles from Brundage Mountain ski area, and the concierge arranges shuttle service, snowmobile tours, and snowshoe rentals. Concierge staff also handle restaurant bookings, McCall Winter Carnival logistics (late January), and in-town activity scheduling year-round.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Lake View Room
- Cottage
- Suite
Amenities
- Lake views
- Full spa
- Multiple restaurants
- Pool
- Marina access
- Fitness center
Location
501 W Lake Street, McCall, ID 83638
44.9100, -116.1050 View on map
Highlights
- Lakefront setting on Payette Lake with direct marina access and boat and kayak rentals
- Narrows Restaurant is one of Idaho's most acclaimed mountain-resort dining rooms, with lake panorama views
- Full-service spa with massage, facials, and hydrotherapy — rare for a property this size in rural Idaho
- Six miles from Brundage Mountain ski area; resort runs shuttle service in winter
- Detached lakeside cottages with private decks and full kitchenettes for family or group stays
Tips for visiting
- Lake View rooms and cottages book out months ahead for McCall Winter Carnival (late January) and Fourth of July week — reserve early or expect standard room availability only
- The Terrace is open summer evenings only; arrive by 6 pm on peak weekends to secure an outdoor table with a lake view
- Ask the concierge about guided fly-fishing on the North Fork of the Payette River — it is not listed on the main website but can be arranged through local outfitters the lodge works with
- Driving via Highway 55 through the Payette River gorge from Boise is spectacular in autumn; allow 2.5 hours if stopping at Cascade Reservoir along the way