McCall
McCall is a charming mountain town in Idaho that is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, sightseeing, festivals, and more. Located in the heart of the Payette National Forest, McCall is surrounded by lush nature, including two lakes, Payette Lake and Lake Cascade. The town is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains and it is the perfect place for a relaxing getaway.
McCall is a great place to visit during any season. There are a variety of outdoor activities to choose from and the scenery is always beautiful. There is mountain biking, hiking, fishing, boating, hot springs, and swimming. During the winter months, the area is a well-known destination for downhill skiing and snowboarding, as well as cross-country skiing, offering a variety of slopes for all levels.
McCall in the Summer
McCall is very popular in the summer months due to its location right on Payette Lake and its vicinity to Lake Cascade. Visitors can rent boats of all sizes or jet skis on either of these lakes and spend the day exploring the islands on the beautiful blue water. There are also quite a few public beaches for swimming and paddle boarding. Legacy Park is the most popular spot since it is right downtown, next to the marina, and has life guards, volleyball, bathrooms, and other amenities. If you want something more secluded and closer to nature, you can drive or boat up the very northern point of the lake and enjoy the more secluded North Beach. There are kayaks to rent here, and some casual hiking along the forested trails.
After a day of swimming, you can hit up some of the breweries downtown and try some of the local fish or sample a flight of Idaho beer. There is Broken Horn Brewery, Salmon River Brewery, and McCall Brewing Company, to name a few. Another option is to grab an ice cream cone at Ice Cream Alley, a popular spot where you can get local flavors like huckleberry in a giant cone.
McCall in the Winter
There are a lot of fun things to do in McCall during the snowy months. You could spend several days downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, or nordic skiing at nearby Brundage Mountain Resort or Tamarak Mountain Resort. There are also a lot of great snowshoe trails in the area like in Ponderosa State Park, right off the eastern shore of Payette Lake. You can go cross-country skiing here as well!
After a day of winter activities, one of the best things to do is relax in a hot spring. One the nicest and prettiest hot springs in Idaho, Gold Fork, is about 15 minutes away. It is easy to get to and it is usually not very busy in the winter. You can soak in the natural mineral water here and take in the pine forest surrounding you. This is also a great and little-known spot for snowshoeing, as you can explore the service trails near the hot springs and take a dip right after.
McCall Year-Round
If you’re looking for something to do indoors, McCall has plenty of shopping and dining options. Main Street is lined with boutique stores and restaurants, while the town’s historic downtown is full of antique shops and galleries. You can also explore the local art scene at the McCall Art & Culture Center.
No matter what time of year you visit, you’ll find plenty of things to do in McCall. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors or explore the town’s unique culture, you’ll find something to keep you entertained. Make sure to check out some of the local businesses for a truly unique experience and keep an eye on the events calendar for festivals and other fun things the city hosts throughout the year.