Surrounded by crystalline lakes, towering ponderosa pine trees, and the Cuddy and Salmon River Mountains, the town of McCall, Idaho, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Payette National Forest just outside of town offers hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding; the forest encompasses 400 lakes and reservoirs where you can fish, kayak, swim, or take a boat onto the water. Adventure seekers of all levels can try their hand at whitewater rafting on the Payette River, and the region is home to several hot springs both in town and in the national park. The town itself is small, with most shops and eateries concentrated along two main streets. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for enjoying local fare or beer at the town’s restaurants or breweries, as well as boutiques, shops, and bakeries along the main strip.

Boise Airport (BOI) is the largest nearby travel hub. If flying into BOI, you’ll need to rent a car outside the terminal to make the 2.5-hour drive to McCall. Once you get to town, you will be able to book local taxis and utilize ride-hailing services, though don’t count on many drivers being available late at night. The downtown area around the lakeshore is pedestrian-friendly, but you’ll need a car to reach the North Beach and Salmon River. Boats are a great way to get around different parts of the lake, and rentals are available all around the town.

Layers are key in McCall as the weather can change drastically from day to night. Dry summers bring hot, sunny days and chilly nights ideal for spending huddled around a bonfire. Fall is the perfect time to hike the 500 miles of public trails around the town, the crisp mountain air invigorating as you explore these paths surrounded by the colorful foliage. Winters are quite cold and snowy thanks to the town’s elevation, so be sure to bring plenty of thick, warm layers along with boots that can withstand several feet of snow. Winter is a magical time to book vacation rentals in McCall, Idaho, thanks to the annual Winter Carnival in January, which hosts events like snow sculpting competitions, snow bike races, and ice skating. Spring is quite chilly until the snow melts around late April and brings the alpine meadows to life.

Payette Lake

It’s easy to see why Payette Lake is popular with photographers — in the early morning when the lake is still, you can see the surrounding mountains and the clouds reflected on the water. Soft taupe beaches are buzzing with swimmers in the summer, with the central South Beach being the most popular and the quieter North Shore offering a more remote feel and access to surrounding trails. Canoes, kayaks, jet skis, and paddleboards are available to rent during the warmer months, and winter visitors can try their hands at ice fishing.

Hot springs

Natural hot springs dot the mountainous landscape around McCall, and although they’re most popular during the colder months, they’re a great way to soothe tired muscles after a day of horseback riding, hiking, or yoga throughout the year. You can choose between more spa-like springs with changing rooms and facilities or two natural scenic springs that require you to hike in.

Ponderosa State Park

Covering 1,000 acres of dense and pristine pine forest, Ponderosa State Park is home to some of the area’s best scenic viewpoints, namely the Narrows Overlook at the peak of the peninsula. This ADA-accessible park has wide trails for hiking and biking — some paved, some dirt — kayak rentals, boat docks, a beach for summer swimmers, a Nordic track for winter skiing, picnic areas, and even two spots with WiFi access.