Idaho's Beautiful Resort Town Offers Scenic Outdoor Recreation For A Fun Getaway

When it comes to pure outdoor magic, Idaho is a hard place to beat. From a one-of-a-kind destination for hikers and climbers to this breathtaking cascade known as the "Niagara of the West," the Gem State is positively bursting with natural attractions, as well as cool little settlements that act as perfect launchpads for exploration. One such spot is McCall. Nestled on the southern shores of Payette Lake and surrounded by rugged ridges, this is one of Idaho's most picture-perfect mountain towns, and believe us when we say that the competition is fierce. McCall isn't just surrounded by some of the Pacific Northwest's most pristine scenery, it also boasts down-home vibes, cool cafes, good restaurants, rustic lodges, and some of the country's best opportunities for winter sports. 

All of this makes McCall the perfect H.Q. for diving into the outdoor treasures that this part of Idaho offers in spades. Whether it's hiking, fishing, kayaking, or rolling along local trails on two wheels, this idyllic little town will provide you everything you need to take a big bite out of the unspoiled nature that surrounds it. However, the town is a little harder to reach for out-of-staters and will likely require renting a car as it sits about 100 miles north of Idaho's capital Boise, making it a two hour and 20 minute drive from the airport.

Originally a logging outpost, modern-day McCall is home to just over 3,000 residents and has blossomed into one of the region's premier destinations for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. Much of this is centered around Payette Lake, the 5,000-acre freshwater body that the town is located right beside. In the summer months, the lake is a refreshing place to take a swim, with good access at Rotary Park, Davis Beach, and North Beach.

Payette Lake is also popular for canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, as well as motorized activities such as boating, waterskiing, and jet skiing. In addition, anglers flock to this lake in hopes of hooking into trophy-sized fish including kokanee (landlocked salmon), tiger muskie, lake trout, and even the occasional sturgeon. You can fish from the bank, though to get to the monsters down deep you need to get out on the water, as the lake can reach depths of up to 400 feet. You can also experience the lake via a cruise — there are several to choose from — both public and private. Just keep your eyes open for "Sharlie," the legendary sea serpent that is said to lurk in Payette's depths.

McCall sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet and is surrounded by the 8,000 to 9,000 foot high peaks of the Salmon River Mountains. The area offers excellent opportunities for hiking, with paths such as the Lily Marsh, Huckleberry Bay, and Peninsula Trail taking hikers through stands of pine forest and lakeshore in Ponderosa State Park — which sits right outside town. There are also more difficult routes in the surrounding Payette National Forest, including the Josephine Lakes, Deep Lakes, Box Lake, and Granite Mountain Lookout trails.

While McCall is a terrific destination in all seasons, the region turns into an icy wonderland come winter. It's famed for its snowmobiling, cross-country, and alpine skiing — as well as snowboarding — and boasts three separate ski areas with over 2,600 acres of skiable terrain: Brundage Mountain Resort, Little Ski Hill, and Tamarack Resort. The town also hosts a popular 10-day Winter Carnival at the end of January each year featuring snow sculptures, music, parades, snow bike races, dog pulls, and more.

The town's rugged and remote location also means that it's a great place for spotting wildlife. This is especially true along the Payette River (which flows out of the lake) where — if you're lucky — you may spy deer, foxes, eagles, and even a moose or two. Also, after a day of hiking, biking, or skiing you may need a good soak. The good news is that there are some natural hot springs within driving range of town, including Zim's, Trail Creek, Mundo, and Gold Fork, where you can immerse your sore bones in soothing, restorative waters pumped straight from deep in the earth.

When it comes time to eat, there are plenty of good restaurants to choose from in McCall. The Den on Payette is a waterfront establishment serving up home-cooked meals; Frenchie's on Third specializes in Southern-style fare; and My Father's Place is an old-school hamburger joint with patio seating. McCall Brewing Company is the go-to spot for craft beer and pub grub. For more of Idaho's small town wonder, check out this secret wine lover's paradise hiding in an outdoor oasis.