WalkableDowntown Mackay
Local shops, cafes, and real small-town character, all walkable from the cabin. A genuine Idaho town, not a tourist stop.
Explore Mackay
Right in the heart of Mackay and beneath the Lost River Range, you are minutes from the water, the trails, and some of the darkest night skies in the country. Here is what is close by.
Adventure Map
How Close Is Everything?
Right in the heart of Mackay and minutes from the water, the trails, and the mountains. Tap a pin to see how close it all is.
Close-in view of Mackay
28 places, sorted by drive time
Borah Bunkhouse
Right Out the Door
Worth the Drive
Food in Mackay
Right Out the DoorWorth the DriveFood in MackayDirections open in Google Maps
Ready to explore? Book your stay.
Pick your dates and we will get you set up in the heart of Mackay.
Check AvailabilityRight Out the Door
The things that are in town or a short drive from the cabin. Walk to coffee in the morning and be on a trail or at the water before lunch.
Walkable
2.3 mi, 3 minLost Rivers Museum
Local mining and ranching history of the Lost River Valley. A quiet stop that tells the story of the people who built this country.
3.6 mi, 5 minMackay Reservoir and Fishing
Fishing, boating, and camping with big mountain views. The water turns gold at sunset and the peaks reflect right off the surface.
4.6 mi, 7 minWhite Knob Mining Tours
A scenic drive or hike through the historic mining area in the hills above Mackay. Old structures, tailings, and sweeping valley views.
6.9 mi, 20 minMackay Mine Hill Tour
An off-road and side-by-side loop through historic mine sites. One of the best ways to see the backcountry right above town.
On the propertyCentral Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
One of the darkest skies in the country and a designated International Dark Sky Reserve. Perfect for stargazing right from the property.
From townSide by Side and ATV Trails
Miles of off-road riding straight into the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Load up the toys, ride from town, and be back for dinner.
In Unit 50Hunting Unit 50
The cabin sits in the heart of Unit 50, right where the hunting begins. Head out early and come home to a warm meal and the hot tub.
Worth the Drive
Day trips and bigger adventures within easy reach. Pack a lunch, fill the tank, and go see the rest of central Idaho.
27.2 mi, 28 minCopper Basin
A high alpine basin with fishing, camping, and scenery. The kind of wide-open country you come to Idaho to find.
23.8 mi, 32 minBear Creek Lake
A scenic mountain lake hike in the Pioneers. Still water, granite peaks, and wildflowers along the trail.
26.4 mi, 44 minKing Mountain Hang Glider Launch
A world-renowned hang gliding and paragliding spot. Even if you never leave the ground, the launch views are unforgettable.
44.2 mi, 1 hr 47 minMount Borah
At 12,662 feet, the tallest peak in Idaho. A challenging and rewarding climb with panoramic views across the range.
47.6 mi, 50 minCraters of the Moon National Monument
A surreal volcanic landscape of lava flows and cinder cones. Like stepping onto another planet, an hour down the highway.
49.3 mi, 49 minLand of Yankee Fork State Park
Idaho mining history, ghost towns like Custer, and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge. A full day of Western heritage.
45.4 mi, 1 hr 42 minIron Bog Lake
A quiet backcountry lake deep in the forest. Worth the drive for the solitude and the still, dark water.
87 mi, 1 hr 31 minGold Bug Hot Springs
A rewarding hike to natural hot springs cascading down the hillside. Soak in the pools and watch the canyon light up.
From MackayPeaks to Craters Scenic Byway
A dramatic drive connecting Mackay to Craters of the Moon. Peaks, lava fields, and open valley in one stretch of road.
Best Hikes Nearby
Set in the Pioneer Mountains and the Salmon-Challis National Forest, these are the trails we send friends to first.
Mount Borah
The tallest peak in Idaho, a challenging summit climb.
Bear Creek Lake
A scenic alpine lake hike.
Goat, Betty, and Baptie Lakes via Broad Canyon
A remote high-country trek.
Mackay Mine Hill Loop
Historic and scenic.
Pioneer Cabin Trail
A classic Pioneer Mountains route.
Lower Cedar Creek Falls
A short, rewarding waterfall hike.
Merriam Lake
A quiet alpine lake deep in the forest.
Where to Eat in Mackay
A clean, friendly directory of the local spots. Small-town menus, big portions, and genuine Idaho hospitality.
Bear Bottom Inn
412 Spruce St, Mackay, ID 83251
Dana's Place (coffee shop)
610 Custer St, Mackay, ID 83251
Field Day
211 Main St, Mackay, ID 83251
Hangar 54 Pizza
318 Custer St, Mackay, ID 83251
Ivie's Grocery
301 Main St, Mackay, ID 83251
L7 Grill and Taphouse
402 West, Mackay, ID 83251
Perk's Bar
210 Main St, Mackay, ID 83251
Sammy's Mini Mart
318 Custer St, Mackay, ID 83251
9 Peaks Restaurant and Lounge
503 Custer St, Mackay, ID 83251
Scoops Corner Cafe
221 Main St, Mackay, ID 83251
Sports Stop Bar
402 Custer St, Mackay, ID 83251
In Town and Close to Everything
The Best of Both Worlds
Borah Bunkhouse sits right in the heart of Mackay, so you can walk to the local shops and cafes and still be on a trail or at the water in minutes. No long drives down remote roads, no feeling isolated. Just a real Idaho town with the mountains in your backyard.
Easy access to the outdoors, easy access to town, and a warm place to come home to at the end of the day.
Free Download
The Borah Bunkhouse Guide to Mackay
Our favorite hikes, fishing spots, off-road trails, stargazing, and local eats, all mapped out by the people who live here. Get it free and start planning your trip.
- The best hikes and lakes by skill level
- Where to fish, ride, and see the stars
- Local food and coffee we actually recommend
- Drive times to every major spot from the cabin
Your Adventure Starts Here
Stay in the heart of Mackay and step straight into the Idaho outdoors. Pick your dates and we will get you set up.