Tamarack Resort Idaho is one of our favorite getaways when we’re looking for a quick trip out of town. Located just 90 miles north of Boise, it’s an easy outing with big rewards. Set amidst a rugged mountain landscape, the resort feels like a well-kept secret. It’s not only beautiful but has plenty of amenities. While winter is the most popular time of year, summer has plenty to offer, too!
For us, a typical summer visit consists of hiking, walking around the resort, having cocktails on the patio, swimming in the pool, and then having some dinner on our personal patio, often followed by games and a movie. We go through a lot of board games, snacks, wine, and doggie poop bags on these trips. We love being able to unwind and just spend quality time together.
Lodging at Tamarack
We visit Tamarack several times each summer. It’s hard to resist, as it’s such a great place for kids and dogs. Outside of the condos, many of the lodging options are dog friendly. So, when booking, make sure you filter for dog-friendly options. You can book directly through Tamarack or vacation rental sites such as VRBO and Vacasa. I often find that the vacation rental sites offer the most amenities and well-appointed homes but reserving directly through the resort means you’ll have help close by for anything you need regarding your rental.
What makes Tamarack so unique is that there isn’t a hotel onsite. Besides a couple of hotel-style rooms, almost all the lodging consists of condos, townhomes, cottages, and large estates. This means that you have plenty of space for a family to spread out, as there are separate bedrooms and a full kitchen in most of the lodging. We love having coffee in the morning on our patio viewing the surrounding forest and enjoying the cool mountain air. Something about waking up to the fresh air and smell of pine trees is so rejuvenating, and a fabulous way to start the day. A bonus for those traveling with dogs – you don’t have to worry about finding open space to go to the bathroom. Instead, you can simply take them outside the front door. It’s super convenient.
The resort is fairly spread out and offers a good balance of having some room to breathe while not feeling totally isolated. We have always felt we had room to breathe. Our favorite lodging options are the cottages and chalets. Cottages are great for a small family because they have two rooms and a small porch. Chalets are larger with more indoor space, at least 3 bedrooms, and larger decks. This is a great option for multiple families or one with several kids.
Tamarack Resort Dining
There are plenty of dining options within the resort property. So, don’t worry, you won’t have to cook all your meals. There are several restaurants onsite during the summer, as well as a small market that stocks necessities like sunscreen, batteries, and ketchup, along with deli salads, sandwiches, and snacks. Our favorite restaurant is The Reserve, which is a casual sit-down spot with a great selection of food and drinks. They serve traditional pub fare with some lighter options such as soups, salads, and hummus (my favorite). They surprisingly have several great vegan options, which are unexpected in an Idaho mountain resort, but so appreciated. Plus, there’s a Clearwater Coffee which is perfect for a morning latte and breakfast sandwich. Carter is obsessed with chocolate croissants.
McCall is only about 20 minutes away and has many dining options. So, if you’re looking for something to do in the afternoon, it’s a great option for shopping, dining, and exploring. The city has a great view of Lake Payette. And be sure to visit Ice Cream Alley for the largest ice cream cones!
Summer Activities
There is so much to do here. But here is just a teaser of all the fun you can have enjoying the Idaho Mountains and Tamarack Resort.
- Scenic Chairlift Ride. This is a great experience for anyone. You get such a great view of the landscape and cascade lake. Sit back and relax!
- Zip Lining. This isn’t for young kids. But if you have older kids, you should consider this half-day adventure! It’s a thrilling activity and something you can’t do in many places.
- Watersports. Cascade Lake is minutes away from the resort. You can rent boats, paddleboards, and other water/beach toys. We usually rent a boat in the summer. One year we rented a pontoon boat which was great for fishing. Then the next year we rented a surf boat, so we could all try our skills. This was more entertaining than anything else. But it’s always so fun to get out on the water for a couple of hours!
- Hiking. There are many trails here for all abilities and skill levels. We love to just get outside and connect with nature. Plus, it’s a great way to burn some energy for the puppy and kid.
- Mountain Biking. This was what my husband LOVES to do here in the summer. Ride the lift to the top of the mountain and have a thrilling ride to the bottom. If you don’t have a bike or don’t want to travel with it, they have a great rental shop on site with tons of gear and bikes for rent. There are also more mellow trails for beginners and kids that you don’t need to access from the lift.
- Swimming. Guests can use the pool at the Osprey Lodge. There’s the main pool and a kid’s pool to the side. It’s a great place to grab a drink and relax while cooling off.
- Fishing. There is plenty of fishing nearby, and the resort can help to get you set up. Whether you want to go alone, or on a tour – you have so many options.
- Pickleball. This game is becoming popular, and the resort has a court and supplies that are free to rent. So, grab your family and give it a try!
- Whitewater Rafting. When in Idaho you might want to try some of our incredible whitewater. There are rafting companies close by to Tamarack that can guarantee a thrilling day with unmatched views.
You won’t regret visiting here. If you’re curious about Tamarack Resort during the winter, then read this post.
