Kerr Creek Road to Lick Creek Summit — Payette National Forest High Divide Traverse
Payette's quiet ridge above McCall.
Lick Creek Road — officially Forest Road 579 out of McCall, Idaho — is one of those routes that earns its keep the hard way. You leave the blacktop at the edge of town heading east toward Brundage Mountain, then climb hard through lodgepole and whitebark pine into Payette National Forest backcountry where the ridgeline opens up and the Salmon River Mountains unfold in every direction. The road tops out near Lick Creek Summit at around 7,600 feet, with spur tracks pushing toward Warren Wagon Road and the ghost town plateau country beyond. Rocky shelves, off-camber switchbacks, and seasonal blowdowns keep you honest throughout.
High clearance 4WD is the honest minimum here — a stock Tacoma or 4Runner with all-terrain tires handles it in dry conditions, but wet summer afternoons or early season snow change the math fast. The route is typically open July through September before fall hunting traffic chews up the softer sections. No permit required. Fuel up in McCall — there’s nothing beyond the trailhead. Dispersed camping is plentiful along the ridge. Cell service drops to zero the moment you leave McCall’s edge. The payoff is genuine Idaho backcountry solitude with big sky views that don’t require a technical resume to reach.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7600 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | McCall, Idaho |
| Land manager | Payette National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this without a lift?
Yes — stock high-clearance 4WD is the stated minimum and is sufficient for most of the route. The rocky sections near the summit are manageable without a lift, but low-range and decent all-terrain tires are not optional.
When does Kerr Creek Road actually open after winter?
Snowpack at 7,600 ft holds late into the year — July is the realistic open window, and even then early July can have snow on the upper ridge. September is the cutoff before early-season snow returns. Check road conditions with the McCall Ranger District before you leave town.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to run this route?
No permit required and no day-use fee for this Payette National Forest route. Dispersed camping is free under standard National Forest rules — 14-day stay limit, 200 feet from water sources and roads.
What's the hardest section and what makes it sketchy?
The approach to Lick Creek Summit is the crux — loose rock, narrow shelf road, and no guardrails with significant exposure. It's not technical rock-crawling, but a moment of inattention or a soft shoulder can ruin your day fast. Slow down and pick your line.
Is there any water along the route, or do I need to carry everything from McCall?
There are seasonal streams in the lower timbered sections, but water sources thin out significantly on the upper ridgeline. Carry at least 5–7 gallons per vehicle, treat anything you pull from the trail, and top off in McCall before you head out — there are no services once you're on the route.
Trail track
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