Mackay, Idaho :: Recreation

Recreation

Mackay has something for just about every recreational enthusiast. From boating, hunting and fishing, to snowmobiling, mountain biking and hang gliding. Listed below are some of the most popular activities enjoyed in the Mackay area.

Fishing – Fly fish and ice fish the Lost River Valley's streams, Big Lost River, many lakes in Copper Basin, and the Mackay Reservoir. Native fish include several species of trout, char and grayling. Nonnative fish have been planted or stocked in the rivers and alpine lakes. They include brook trout, brown trout, golden trout, cutthroat trout, and rainbow trout.
Fishing requires a current fishing license. Licenses may be obtained at Sammy's Mini Mart (208) 588-3340 and the Western Store (208) 588-2671.
Boating – Water-ski, jet-ski and sail at the Mackay Reservoir, 5 miles north of Mackay. At the reservoir you’ll find boat ramps, a campground, dump station, running water and outhouses. Access to the Big Lost River* is available at the sportsman's access on Hwy. 93, below the dam. All fishing requires a current fishing license. Licenses may be obtained at Sammy's Mini Mart (208) 588-3340 and the Western Store (208) 588-2671.
Golfing – The area is home to two golf courses and a driving range. River Park Golf Course, a 9-hole course in located in town; Cotton Wood Links Golf Course, a 9-hole course is located south of Mackay; and there is a public driving range in town.
Hiking* – Two hundred fifty miles of trails transverse the mountain ranges of the Mackay/Lost River Valley area. In the Lost River Valley area, you’ll find 9 of the 11 highest mountains in Idaho. Recreational activities include backpacking, mountain biking, horseback riding, motorcycle and ATV riding. Special winter uses include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Interesting places to hike include: Mt. Borah, Hidden Mouth Cave and Craters of the Moon National Monument. Mt. Borah is the highest mountain in Idaho at 12,662 feet. Campsites are located at the base of the mountain (north of Mackay).
Check with the local ranger station for maps of hiking trails located throughout the Challis and Salmon National Forests. For more information, call (208) 588-2224.
BLM Heritage Website
Hunting* – Area hunters scout for deer, elk, bear, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain lion and fowl with camera or gun in the area's beautiful mountain wilderness!
Hunt only in season with a valid permit and/or Idaho hunting license. Licenses may be obtained at Sammy's Mini Mart (208) 588-3340 and the Western Store (208) 588-2671. Private upland bird hunting is available on Fullmer Hunting Preserve. For more information about the preserve, call (208) 588-3383.
Rodeos – From horses to motorcycles, "Rodeo" is Mackay's middle name. Come see all of Mackay's many rodeos including "Idaho's Wildest Rodeo," and A.B.A.T.E. – the "Biker Rodeo". This is real western entertainment for people of all ages. (See Event Calendar)
Snowmobiling* – There’s nothing like a winter day snowmobiling beautiful Copper Basin, Trail Creek, Antelope Road, and Pass Creek areas. These areas have ungroomed trails, wide-open spaces and steep inclines. Choose your preference!
Check with the local Ranger Station for maps of hiking trails throughout the Challis and Salmon National Forest. For more information, call (208) 588-2224.
Camping – Mackay has several local campgrounds, some within walking distance of downtown Mackay. Mackay Reservoir, 5 miles north of Mackay has a nearby campground, dump station, running water and outhouses.

The Lost River Ranger District has seven “fee” campgrounds. Currently the fees are $5.00 per unit per night, with one group campground available. The District campgrounds all have restrooms and water. If you prefer undeveloped campgrounds, there are countless places along the area’s trails, rivers and streams. However, there are generally no facilities at these sites.
Hang Gliding,Paragliding and Gliding – The Mackay area is becoming increasingly popular as a hang gliding, Paragliding and gliding destination. King Mountain (south of Mackay) was the chosen site for both the 1997 World Point Finals Championship for Hang Gliding and the 1997 National Paragliding Championships. The launch site for Hang gliding and Paragliding is located in nearby Moore, Idaho. The Mackay Airport is a excellent place to take off for gliders. For information on gliding in Mackay you can e-mail Tom Dixon, Governor of Soaring Society of America of Idaho at: tfdixon@msn.com , or Brian Case bfcase@netzero.com.
Biking* – Mountain biking, four-wheeling and motorcycling** are all enjoyed by both visitors and residents alike. Check with the local ranger station for maps of trails available throughout the Challis and Salmon National Forest. For more information, call (208) 588-2224.
Friday Night Bingo – A popular activity held at the American Legion Hall, Main Street, at 7:00pm.
Movies and Video Rentals – Movies are shown at Mackay Main Theater, with shows Fridays and Saturdays (Main Street, Mackay). Mackay Video is located at the corner of Custer and Main.
Swimming – Enjoy Mackay Reservoir or the Big Lost River* (accessible through the various sportsman’s accesses). Swimming is also available at the White Knob Motel pool. There is a small charge for the White Knob pool, and there are no life guards on duty.

* Access from privately owned property by permission only.
** Check with the local USFS Ranger Station, (208) 588-2224, to determine which trails are accessible with motorized vehicles. Please always obey trailhead designations.
Lost River Ranger District – The Lost River Ranger District covers 800,000 acres of National Forest System lands in the Big and Little Lost River Valleys. The district hosts the 19 tallest peaks in Idaho, including all nine of the peaks over 12,000 feet. Mt. Borah, Idaho's tallest peak at 12,662 feet is located in the district. There are over 40 high mountain lakes in the district; most are located in the Pioneer Mountains.
The district has six developed family campgrounds, and a larger “group size” campground, which is available by reservation only.

Backcountry camping is popular, especially around the high mountain lakes. If you choose to camp in these areas, please remember they are fragile areas. Practicing "leave no trace” camping will help preserve the beauty of these special areas. If you are traveling with pack or saddle stock, make sure to tether your animals away from the lake shore.

The Forest Service is charged by Congress to manage National Forests for a variety of public benefits (also known as “multiple use” management. During your visit to the Lost River Ranger District, you may encounter evidence of many management activities such as livestock grazing, trail construction, and wildlife habitat improvement projects. Personal use fuel wood and Christmas tree gathering are also popular activities. Permits are required for both activities and may be obtained at the district office. If you are planning a trip to the district and want to know what activities are occurring in the area, please contact:

Lost River Ranger District
P.O. Box 507
Mackay, ID 83251
208-588-2224

Please Travel Forest Roads with Caution!
A majority of the forest's roads are narrow, winding, and rutted. Be careful when approaching a curve or another vehicle. When using parking facilities, please do not park your vehicle where it could block the road or be dangerous to other vehicles.

About Road Closures…
You may find some forest service roads closed to vehicles. Roads are closed for a variety of reasons, two of which are road protection (to reduce rutting) and wildlife protection (to enhance security and/or reduce vulnerability). Check with the Forest Service to learn more about road closures.