About
Since McCall is on Payette Lake, planning a day on the water or exploring its shoreline is a no-brainer. No matter what time of year you visit, this glistening wonder has something for you to check out!
Glaciers carved the lake, making it a one-of-a-kind attraction. Here, you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, and fish.
If you enjoy camping, consider Ponderosa State Park, which features Payette Lake. Cabins are also available, but they fill fast, so if you want one, reserve well before you arrive in McCall.
If you’re an angler, you’ll find Payette Lake fishing among the best in the region. The lake's abundant fish population and mesmerizing natural beauty make it a fishing paradise.
Before you drop a line, make sure you have a valid Idaho fishing license. To order yours, simply follow the directions on the Go Fish Idaho website.
Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them entertained. From kayaking to jet skiing, rental locations nearby provide all the equipment you need for an adrenaline-filled day on the water.
Payette Lake is an ideal spot for paddleboarding, especially if you're new to the sport. The water is generally placid with many shallow areas around the shoreline.
From fishing and camping to a wide range of water sports, Payette Lake has something for everyone.
Payette Lake: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The Payette Lake area offers numerous hiking trails suitable for all levels of experience.
An easy 4-mile out-and-back trek is the Peninsula Trail, which follows the shoreline and has very little elevation change.
Seasoned hikers looking for a challenge will want to try the Payette Lake Rim Loop. Ranked “hard” by AllTrails, the 11.6-mile trek will have you climbing 1,332 feet of elevation. While it is indeed challenging, the views are well worth the effort!
But you don’t have to hit the trails to enjoy the beauty this water offers. You can witness awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets, adding allure and wonder to your McCall vacation.
As we alluded to earlier, there are plenty of rental companies to accommodate anything you can dream of doing on the water or in the snow. Here are a few to check out:
So whether you're into hiking, swimming, boating, or fishing, Payette Lake has everything you need for an incredible nature experience!
Local Tips
- The mountain backdrop is fantastic for selfies first thing in the morning as the sun rises.
- Check out Ponderosa State Park, which extends about 1,000 acres on a peninsula that juts out into the lake.
- Fishing is allowed from the shoreline.
- The glacier that carved out this lake was over 1,000 feet high.
