Lakes & Rivers in McCall, ID

At the very heart of McCall, ID lies Payette Lake, a glacially carved alpine lake that serves as the town’s crown jewel. Stretching over 5,000 acres and framed by forested mountains, the lake is just steps from downtown — making it the centerpiece of both daily life and recreation in McCall.

In summer, its clear, cold waters invite boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and swimming at spots like Legacy Park and Rotary Park, while anglers cast for trophy-sized rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, and smallmouth bass. Scenic cruises depart from the marina, offering a more relaxed way to take in the rugged shoreline. In winter, Payette Lake transforms into a frozen playground, with ice fishing, snowshoeing, and the town’s famous Winter Carnival sculptures lining its banks.

Just 30 miles south of McCall, Lake Cascade is one of Idaho’s largest reservoirs and a year-round playground for outdoor recreation. With more than 47 miles of shoreline, the lake offers abundant space for boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing during the summer months. Anglers flock here for its excellent fishing—especially for perch, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass.

Several state park units ring the shoreline, providing campgrounds, sandy swimming beaches, and boat launches, making it an easy destination for families or weekend getaways. Its proximity—just a short drive from McCall—combined with its wide range of activities, makes Lake Cascade one of the region’s most versatile and adventure-filled bodies of water.

Tucked about 16 miles north of McCall along Warren Wagon Road, Upper Payette Lake is a quieter, more secluded alternative to its larger neighbor in town. Surrounded by thick pine and fir forests, the lake offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking a slower pace. Recreation opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing for trout in its calm waters, while the surrounding trails invite short hikes, wildlife viewing, and photography.

A small campground with boat access makes it easy for overnight stays, and its high-country setting provides cooler temperatures during the summer months. Less crowded and more intimate than Payette Lake, Upper Payette Lake is ideal for those looking to enjoy McCall’s alpine beauty in a more tranquil, tucked-away environment.

Located just a few minutes east of McCall, Little Payette Lake offers a more rugged, untamed feel compared to the town’s centerpiece, Payette Lake. This smaller body of water is surrounded by dense forest and granite outcroppings, creating a secluded setting that feels far removed from town despite its close proximity. Known primarily for fishing, the lake is stocked with trout and attracts anglers looking for a quieter spot away from busier waters.

With no developed beaches or marinas, recreation here leans toward the adventurous side—perfect for kayakers, canoeists, and wildlife watchers seeking a serene paddle or a chance to spot deer, elk, or even the occasional moose along the shoreline.

About 30 miles west of McCall near New Meadows, Lost Valley Reservoir is a hidden gem for those who enjoy quieter, less-crowded waters. Surrounded by rolling forested hills and open meadows, the reservoir is a popular spot for fishing, particularly for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon. With boat ramps and shoreline access, it’s well-suited for both anglers and paddlers looking to explore its calm surface by kayak or canoe.

Roughly 26 miles east of Cascade and about an hour’s drive from McCall, Warm Lake lives up to its name as the largest natural lake in the Boise National Forest and one of the few alpine lakes in Idaho where swimming is genuinely comfortable. Its warmer waters make it especially popular in the summer—from boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding to swimming straight off the sandy shoreline.

The lake is also renowned for its fishing, with healthy populations of kokanee salmon, bull trout, rainbow trout, and mountain whitefish. Surrounding campgrounds, picnic areas, and lodges create easy access for overnight stays, while the forested trails nearby invite hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of bald eagles and moose.

Located about 10 miles west of New Meadows and roughly 25 miles from McCall, Ben Ross Reservoir is a small but productive body of water popular with local anglers. The reservoir is best known for its excellent warmwater fishing, with healthy populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, perch, and crappie, along with stocked rainbow trout. With its calm waters and modest size, it’s a great spot for canoeing, kayaking, or small-boat outings, and the surrounding open hills and meadows provide a peaceful, uncrowded setting. Shoreline access is plentiful, and the reservoir’s boat ramp makes it easy to spend a full day on the water.

Situated about 15 miles north of McCall near Brundage Mountain Resort, Brundage Reservoir is a peaceful high-country lake surrounded by thick pine forests and rugged ridgelines. Smaller and less trafficked than Payette or Cascade lakes, it’s especially popular with anglers seeking rainbow and cutthroat trout, which thrive in its cool waters. Accessible by gravel road during the summer, the reservoir also offers primitive camping nearby for those wanting to stay overnight in a quieter alpine setting.

Tucked in the mountains just 12 miles southeast of McCall, near Jughandle Mountain, Louie Lake is a pristine alpine destination reached by a moderate 2-mile hike from the trailhead. Surrounded by granite peaks and subalpine forest, the lake offers a breathtaking backdrop for hiking, picnicking, fishing, and photography.

Its clear, cold waters make it less of a swimming spot and more of a place to quietly enjoy the high-country scenery, though adventurous paddlers sometimes pack in inflatable kayaks or paddleboards. Anglers can cast for trout along the rocky shoreline, while hikers often extend their journey into a loop that includes Jughandle Mountain and Boulder Lake for a more challenging alpine trek. Accessible only by trail, Louie Lake has a secluded, wild charm that rewards effort with sweeping views and solitude.

Located about 20 miles northwest of McCall along Warren Wagon Road, Hazard Lake is a striking alpine destination set at over 7,000 feet in the Payette National Forest. Easily accessible by car in the summer, the lake is surrounded by rugged ridgelines, wildflower meadows, and thick stands of pine and fir. Its cool, clear waters are well-stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout, making it a favorite spot for anglers. Small boats, kayaks, and paddleboards are welcome, with calm conditions perfect for a quiet paddle.

For those looking to explore on foot, the nearby Hazard Creek Trail and surrounding routes open up opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography with chances to spot eagles, osprey, or even moose in the area. A developed campground right at the shoreline makes it easy to extend your stay, offering both tent and trailer sites.

About 8 miles east of Cascade and just under an hour south of McCall, Horsethief Reservoir is a family-friendly destination known for its easy access, peaceful setting, and reliable fishing. Managed in partnership with Idaho Fish & Game, the reservoir is regularly stocked with rainbow trout, making it a favorite for both novice and seasoned anglers.

Its calm waters are also great for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding, while the shoreline invites camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching. The Horsethief Reservoir Campground wraps around much of the lake, providing numerous sites for both tents and RVs with direct water access. Horsethief is beloved for its low-key, family-oriented vibe, making it an ideal weekend getaway within close reach of McCall.

Just 12 miles southeast of McCall, Snowslide Lake is a classic alpine hike-in destination that rewards effort with dramatic mountain scenery. Reached by a steep 2-mile trail climbing more than 1,000 feet, the lake sits in a cirque beneath Snowslide Peak, framed by rugged cliffs and subalpine forest. The terrain along the hike is rocky and root-strewn, but wildflowers in summer and sweeping views back toward McCall make the climb worthwhile.

At the lake itself, visitors can enjoy fishing for trout, picnicking on the rocky shoreline, or continuing on to Snowslide Peak for even bigger vistas. Because of its elevation, the lake typically remains snow-covered well into late spring, and the trail is best accessed from mid-summer through early fall.