When it comes to McCall’s mountain biking scene, Tamarack is the go-to spot for downhill junkies who live for adrenaline. Its gnarly terrain is no joke—so much so that it’s a regular stop on the NW Cup and even part of top-tier race series like the Big Mountain Enduro. But don’t worry—Tamarack isn’t just for the pros. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, there’s a trail here with your name on it. Here’s the lowdown on Tamarack’s mountain biking vibe and what you can expect when you hit the dirt.
Tamarack has Grown into its Body
Talk about a transformation. The last time we rolled through here in winter 2019, the main village looked like a ghost town in progress. Tyvek flapping in the breeze, half-finished buildings, and serious Bodie, CA vibes.
Fast forward to now, and it’s a whole different story. With new management and a boost in funding thanks to real estate investments, the village has come to life. Restaurants are open, people are out and about, and it’s buzzing with activities—including some legit mountain biking.
Why I Love Mountain Biking at Tamarack
Tamarack Resort may have grown up since our last visit, but it still delivers that quiet, soul-soothing mountain escape I’m always chasing—no matter the season.
Forget the Times Square chaos or the loud “On your left Bro!” vibes you get at some of the more hyped mountain bike spots. On weekdays (race days aside), it feels like you’ve got the place practically to yourself. Even on weekends—again, not on race days—Tamarack feels refreshingly uncrowded. When we rolled in on a Friday, it was like having the whole mountain to ourselves. No pressure, no park bros breathing down your neck—just you and your crew, free to focus on progression and good times.
Tacky Goodness in Mid-Summer
Thanks to its northeast-facing slopes and shaded terrain, the trails hold up surprisingly well—even late into summer. And while Tamarack leans toward more advanced riding, they get it. They’ve made it easy to explore by offering trail suggestions based on skill level, so everyone can get a piece of the action.
What to Expect
The little town of Donnelly might be the closest hub to Tamarack, and while it’s “swelled” a bit over the years, it’s still home to fewer than 300 folks. Just 30 minutes down the road, you’ve got the summertime buzz of Payette Lake and the mountain-town charm of McCall. But out here? It feels more like a chill, high-country hideaway—think country club vibes minus the crowds, with all the trail access you could ask for.
When it comes to the dirt, Tamarack’s trails are a whole different flavor from nearby Brundage. Where Brundage leans into granite-based singletrack, Tamarack serves up a blend of clay, dirt, and rock. Honestly, it reminded us of Moose Tracks ice cream or a blonde brownie packed with chocolate chips—tacky in all the right places, especially in the shade, and an absolute blast to shred.
Let Their Bikes Take the Beating
Our go-to move? We always bring our own bikes, but when there’s a lift involved, we usually rent. Keeps our personal rigs fresh and lets us try out something a bit more downhill-ready. Tamarack’s rental fleet? Legit. They’ve got a solid lineup from Vancouver-based Knolly, including both Enduro and Downhill models, so you can really let it rip.
MTB Trails
When it comes to bike parks, total trail mileage can be a bit deceiving. Tamarack boasts 41+ miles of dedicated mountain bike trails, but the real question is—how much of that is lift-accessed? The answer: 21 miles of gravity-fed goodness that encompasses 7 beginner, 5 intermediate, 6 advanced and 4 expert trails.
Even on the ride up the chairlift, you could tell big changes have been made. The trail network? Straight-up dialed. What Tamarack may lack in sheer quantity, they more than make up for in quality. Perfectly sculpted berms, well-thought-out lines… everything feels intentional.
We didn’t get to hit some of the top-tier runs (a previous minor injury slowed us down), but the ones we did ride were a blast. You can tell there’s serious passion behind the build—there was even a dedicated trail crew out there working while we were on the mountain. It’s clear they’re investing in the experience, and it shows in every turn and feature.
Tamarack Express: Main Line
Tamarack’s Downhill Bike Park is accessed via the Tamarack Express lift which whisks you up to the mid-station which is 1,700 vertical feet above the base. From here you have three general choices which splinter to the rest of the trail network. Descender’s left of the chair generally veers towards easier terrain and ratchets up as you go more right. Under the lift is primarily intermediate with Rock Star being an exception.
Pura Vida
The ideal trail for the hard-charging parent/kiddo combo. Young rippers can cruise the smooth, rolling terrain with confidence, while Mom or Dad can stay entertained by hitting all the side features along the way. Thanks to its shady location, the trail also holds moisture longer than most—keeping it loamy, tacky, and super fun to ride.
Super G
Although it’s rated as an intermediate, Super G could easily be considered a challenging green. The trail features small tabletops, tighter singletrack, and steeper, swoopy turns that, when ridden right, let you fly down at Mach 10—hence the name “Super G.”
Smokejumper & other Expert Trails
As we mentioned, an injury kept us off these trails—but our friends who did couldn’t stop raving about them. Of the three bike parks we visited in the McCall area, they said this one was hands-down the most challenging. While it may not have the flow trails or big jump lines some parks are known for, it more than makes up for it with raw, natural terrain—think rocky sections, technical features, and steep chutes. They had such a blast, they were lapping it nonstop until the lifts shut down.
XC Trails Guide
Separated from the downhill zone, Tamarack’s 20+ miles of cross-country singletrack feel like riding through a jungle—huckleberries and wild raspberries lining the trail everywhere you look. The highest of the bunch, Gemini, is more of a grind than a joyride. It’s a solid workout with only a few brief glimpses of Cascade Lake peeking through the trees—and it ultimately dead-ends at a massive fallen log, with no real payoff or views.
How to Ride It
If you’re planning to explore the XC network, we recommend sticking to the lower section. It’s easily lappable, mellow, and perfect for a casual pedal. The whole area rolls and flows smoothly between trails, offering two tiers of difficulty. Firebird is the only trail marked as a black diamond, but honestly, it feels more like a strong intermediate—especially by bike park standards.
We nicknamed it the “Dirty Bird” because it’s a short, twisty, flowy run with booters so well sculpted they had grass on top—like a 5 o’clock shadow on a trail feature. Fast, fun, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Weekend Getaway or Weeklong McCall MTB Tour
Tamarack’s mountain biking park alone is a solid reason to plan a weekend escape to the mountains—especially when paired with a round of golf on their course or an easy day out on Cascade Lake. But if you’re a hardcore rider, the real magic happens when you combine it with McCall’s full mountain biking scene. That’s when it transforms from a weekend trip into a week-long adventure.
Kick things off with a day of laps at Jug Mountain Ranch, complete with their one-of-a-kind Army truck shuttles. Then hit Brundage Mountain, and if you’re up for it, tack on a shuttle lap from Brundage to Bear Basin—a 12-mile stretch of singletrack that’s now considered one of the best in Southwest Idaho.
And that’s just scratching the surface. Throughout your trip, you’ve got hundreds of miles of singletrack to explore, making this corner of Idaho a true mountain biker’s playground.
Where to Eat
Tamarack Resort has come a long way since our first visit, and the food options have improved significantly. That said, we still recommend making the short drive to Donnelly for a morning and trying the baked oatmeal at Flight of Fancy Bakery—it’s a local favorite for good reason. Back at the resort, Triple “B” Diner offers solid breakfast and lunch options that feel fair for resort pricing.
For dinner, The Reserve aims for a high-end experience. While the meal was decent, it didn’t quite wow us considering the price. But the real standout was dessert—a creative twist on the churro paired with huckleberry ice cream, served to look like a cozy log fire. If you’re craving a truly luxurious dinner, driving into McCall to dine at Shore Lodge or Rupert’s is your best bet.
Among all the new spots, the highlight for us was definitely Sugarloaf Creamery. With huge scoops and creative flavors, it was our go-to treat in the afternoon after biking—a sweet way to cap off the day… literally.
Where to Stay
Where you choose to stay really depends on the kind of vacation you want. If you’re after a lively scene with plenty of dining options and nightlife, McCall is the place to be. But if you’re looking for a peaceful mountain escape where you can cook some of your own meals and not have to drive anywhere once you arrive, the Osprey Lodge at Tamarack Resort is an excellent choice.
Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, this beautiful modern mountain lodge offers stunning views of shimmering aspens and the mountain right outside your window. Each room features a kitchenette with a stove, sink, and a cozy dining area—perfect for preparing meals at your own pace. The spacious rooms make it easy to settle in comfortably for a week or more.
Wide hallways add to the welcoming atmosphere, and underground parking is a huge bonus, making your stay hassle-free from the moment you arrive.
