Secluded In Idaho's Rockies, Brundage Mountain Shines In Summer
Western Idaho's Brundage Mountain is a perfect home base for folks seeking the remote peace of the picturesque Payette National Forest -- one of the largest in the state with two million acres of woodlands, lakes and desert grasslands.
Nestled among three other national forests, Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area and the largest wilderness area south of Alaska (Frank Church-River of No Return), Brundage Mountain is wonderfully remote. It sits near the sparsely populated Oregon border about two hours' drive north of Boise -- the closest urban center of any kind, by far.
Host town McCall (4,000 pop.) spreads around the south shore of Payette Lake. Summer visitors and part-time residents enjoy fishing and boating on its 5,000 acres, and hiking, biking and just hanging out in cabins and campgrounds along its 22-mile shoreline.
Located nine miles from McCall, Brundage Mountain's summer operations feature mountain biking, hiking, free disc golf, scenic chairlift rides and a variety of entertainment. Its 7,600-foot summit is draped with wildflowers.
The mountain has been expanding its MTB lift-served network in recent years. Now with more than 20 named trails and an emphasis on progression, the system covers nearly 40 total miles and takes advantage of 1,555 feet of vertical drop. The Bluebird Express runs Wednesdays through Sundays.
Two short black routes -- Zorro and Hidden Valley -- are surrounded by predominately blue runs. Technically "cross country trails," linking Rock Garden, Lakeview Vista and Growler gets riders nearly nine miles of single track from top to bottom. For mellow riders, six-mile Elk Trail criss-crosses to and fro down the entire front side.
On selected Fridays, Brundage runs a series of short track MTB races around the base area. With courses for beginners through experts, the evening competition goes off July 24, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8.
Two long cross-country routes exit the formal bike park system. Opened in 2023, the Brundage to Bear Basin tracks from the ski area for six miles and 1,800 vertical drop to the 15-mile National Forest system at the west edge of McCall.
The other, called Payette Lake Trail West Side, is the first phase of a round-the-lake MTB route. It peels off near the resort and heads north for six miles, dropping a net 1,100 feet before ending just north of the lake shore.
Around the base area, there's live music every week on the deck of Smokey's Bar and Grille -- plus a Friday musical series featuring local and regional bands. Yoga joins in with sip 'n' stretch sessions.
The mountain officially shuts down operations on Sept. 1, but back opens up for a Car Show on Sept. 13.
