Location: McCall
Top Things to do in McCall
What to do and see in McCall, Idaho (ID): The Best Nature & Parks
McCall is a resort town on the western edge of Valley County, Idaho, United States. Named after its founder, Tom McCall, it is situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake, near the center of the Payette National Forest. The population was 2,991 as of the 2010 census, up from 2,084 in 2000.
Restaurants in McCall
1. Payette Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 296 reviews
A 5,330-acre lake near the resort town of McCall.
Reviewed By idealjourney - Winter Garden, United States
I got a chance to visit Lake Cascade and Redfish Lake and you might be able to snag a better photo app at Redfish or even Cascade but overall Payette took the price for us. The most stuff to do in a medium sized lake. We visited both the State Park and also went paddle boarding on the lake. Paddle boarding and kayaking are the best on the Northeast end of the lake where you can rent from Backwoods adventures and take a journey up the Payette River. The current is almost non-existent so the up river paddling is easy. Ponderosa State Park is so unique in that it takes up almost the entire middle peninsula of the lake. It is worth $ 5 admission just to drive around and make sure you go to the end of the loop drive in the park because you will be rewarded with a higher up panoramic view of the lake.
2. Bear Basin Nordic Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Bear Basin Nordic Center Is a non-profit nordic ski area located just west of McCall. We have roughly 30 kilometers of groomed skate and classic trails, along with snow shoe trails. We offer both private and group lessons. All ages welcome!
Reviewed By michelletI4426HO - Boise, United States
A couple of friends and I stumbled upon Bear Basin while in McCall. It was our first day cross country skiing for the season and we were all very rusty. Our instructor, Ian, was an incredible teacher; engaging, helpful and talented...some say his skiing brings tears to their eyes. We were all different skill sets (complete beginner, intermediate, and advanced skier who had done a long distance races before). Ian made sure that all of us left a better skier! Nobody felt bored, left behind, or discouraged. I highly recommend Ian as an instructor and Bear Basin for cross country skiing! We can’t wait to be back again! Tell Ed we sent ya!
3. Brundage Mountain Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Located high in the mountains of Central Idaho, Brundage Mountain is best known for its powder-packed glades and luxuriously wide groomed runs. Blessed with over 320 inches of snowfall annually, Brundage has an undisputed reputation for the Best Snow in Idaho™. 1,920 acres of terrain and 1,921 feet of vertical make Brundage Mountain an independently-owned ski resort worth the trip!
Reviewed By 463kelliea - The Woodlands, United States
This was my first time to visit and it was amazing. It helped that there was epic snow but still there were runs for the entire family. My daughter and her friends went to the ski school and there skills improved each day. Everyone was very friendly. The restaurant and bar was great. Even though they needed extra staff to handle the crowds, the service was great.
4. Rotary Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By trefngrs - McCall, United States
I have taken my great grand daughter here several times. Nice place to picnic or just swim in the lake. Nice beach.
5. Ponderosa State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 280 reviews
Located just 1.5 miles from downtown McCall, Ponderosa State Park is a year round destination park. Covering a thousand-acre peninsula that juts into Payette Lake, this picturesque state park offers guided walks with naturalists, campfire programs and camping facilities. During winter months the park has groomed Nordic Ski trails and snowshoe trals.
Reviewed By 517darcyn - Eagle, United States
We snow ❄️ shoe here in the winter, there are trails just for people with dogs ????! So great The summer and fall we bike here, lots of trails and views of the lake.
6. McCall's Activity Barn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By amattingly2020 - Emmett, United States
Kinda on the spendy side but worth seeing the smiles and laughs out of the teenagers. Enjoyed the full 2 hour time slot. Liked that they limit how many people can buy tickets. Keeps the line shorter.
7. Jug Mountain Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By MegMZ - Chicago, United States
If you’re looking to get out in nature while in Idaho, you’ll definitely want to come to Jug Mountain Ranch. They offer a ton of different activities – during this particular trip we decided to try our hand at fat tire snow biking. It is a WORKOUT! Dustin and Andy got us set up (you can bring your own helmet or use one of theirs) and explained the trails. They also talked us through the difference between regular biking and snow biking (there’s a lot less traction so you’ll be doing more work than you would be with regular biking.). The trail system was great – everything is well groomed and easy to navigate. There are a lot of trees and if it’s sunny it can get pretty warm in the sun (and cold in the shade) so I suggest wearing layers and bringing a backpack. Overall, it was a ton of fun. I want to come back for mountain biking!
8. Charlie's Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By TheThreshold
Very hard to find, but worth it. E passed it and had to double back, even with hps on. Beautiful variety of flowers and plants, accented with granite. Still plenty of color in early September. I recommend a visit if in the McCall area.
9. Legacy Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Glorialaviajera
Located on the shores of Payette Lake, Legacy Park Public Beach is a very nice area to spend time having fun with family and friends. It provides a front view of the crystal-clear water lake, spacious and well designed, you can contemplate the sail and motor boats in the lake. Pet friendly and easy to walk around it. There are restaurants within walking distance, a local farmer's market nearby on certain days, and restroom facilities availability. The water might be a bit cold even during late summer months. No provisions for shade so be sure to bring umbrella or a tent to protect from the direct sun rays.
