Payette Lake — Attraction in McCall

This lake is a beautiful gem in Valley County Idaho. The lake is over 390 ft deep and is shaped like a stretched out horseshoe. The peninsula that juts out into the lake is the Ponderosa State Park. The lake was formed thousands of years ago by a Glacier and sits over the top of what used to be a volcano, which helps to lend to the depths of this majestic and magical beauty. The north end of the lake is the deepest and the narrows, a large deposit of boulders, separated the north end of the lake from the southern end and is quite shallow until you get past Duck Bay. Navigation at night isn't recommended unless you know this area well as it has sank boats in the past as some of the gigantic rocks sit just below the surface. Payette Lake has numerous islands for no bigger than it is. Just past the Narrows to the North is the first, Cougar Island, and is inhabited and totally off the grid. They had to barge the materials out in order to get the project finished. There's a few more islands to the North and east of this attraction. Some are private, so please be mindful when exploring them. There is a legend of a Loch Ness type monster named Sharlie that lives in the lake and hides in the volcanic tubes that help feed this alpine lake. This was a sacred place for the Nez Perce that walked these grounds hundreds of years ago, and it's plain to see why. As always, leave it better than you found it. It took millions of years to make...

My favorite lake to visit. The views are breathing no matter where you are and the beaches have soft sand which makes for hours of entertainment for the kids to play. The town of McCall is filled with yummy eateries, unique shops and other random fun things to do! I suggest not missing the collosial scoops in ice cream ally and treating yourself to a spa day at the...

Beautiful place in every season. In the Summer you can go swimming, boating, and even tour the lake with a pedal party boat. I went to Payette Lake just yesterday during the McCall Winter Carnival. Right now, the lake is completely frozen over and hundreds of people are taking walks on it, ice skating on it, and sledding on it. Payette Lake is wonderful in...