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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 (access from
privately owned property by permission only). Top of
Idaho rents jet skis - call 208-390-2600.
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 a 9 hole golf course and
driving range. River Park Golf course is located 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 12,562 feet. Campsites are located at
the base of the mountain.
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. Access from
privately owned property by permission only.
Hunting - Area hunters scout for deer, elk, bear,
antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain lion and fowl with camera
or gun in the areas 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. Access
from privately owned property by permission only.
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”. Great entertainment for all ages!
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, and to
determine which trails are accessible with motorized
vehicles. For more information, call (205) 588-2224.
Please always obey trailhead designations. |
Camping - Mackay has several local campgrounds, some
within walking distance of downtown Mackay. Mackay
Reservoir, 5 miles north of Mackay has a campground, dump
station, running water and outhouses. The Tourist Park,
managed by the City of Mackay, also offers overnight
camping. For information contact City Hall at (208)
588-2274.
The
Lost River Ranger District has seven “fee” campgrounds. The
District campgrounds all have restrooms and water. If you
prefer undeveloped campgrounds, there are countless places
along the areas trails, rivers and streams. However there
are generally no facilities at these sites.
Hang
Gliding, Paragliding and Gliding - The area surrounding
Mackay is popular as a hang gliding, paragliding and gliding
destination. King Mountain, south of Mackay, is frequently
chosen for champion gliding competitions. The launch site
for hang gliding and paragliding is located in nearby Moore,
Idaho. The Mackay Airport is an excellent place to take off
for gliders.
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.
For ATV rentals and tours call Top of Idaho (208) 390-2600.
Friday Night Bingo - A popular activity held at the
American Legion Hall Main Street, at 7:00pm.
Movies
- Movies are shown at Mackay Main Theater, Main
Street, Mackay. The theater is currently closed.
Swimming - Enjoy Mackay Reservoir or the Big Lost River
(accessible through the various sportsman’s accesses; access
from privately owned property by permission only.).
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.
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 12,652 feet is
located in the district. There are over 40 high-mountain
lakes; 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 forests 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. |
