Ninety minutes north of Boise is
a serene land of forests and lakes which offers white
water, mountain adventure and some of the best fishing in
Idaho. The Payette River flows through southwestern
Idaho, creating three lakes (one is the Cascade
Reservoir) in a sterling vacation region.
Cascade Lake is at the center of an
outdoor recreation area which includes secluded Warm Lake
-- 25 miles east of Cascade off Highway 55 which has
several resorts with rustic cabins, lodges, and
campgrounds.
The town of Cascade, on Highway 55,
is a fishing center with boat and shore fishing for
rainbow, cutthroat, brown, coho and perch. During the
winter, the Cascade area has over 600 miles of snowmobile
trails and many additional miles of cross-country trails
in the Boise National Forest. During summer months, the
trails are open to hikers. Cascade features
golfing-by-the-lake and private RV parks, as well as
forest campgrounds. North of Cascade are Payette Lake and
Little Payette Lake.
The town of McCall is situated on
the southern shore of Payette Lake. This is also a rustic
resort town with lakeside parks and beaches, sailing on
the lake, more golfing, and yet more fishing. A fine
18-hole golf course is located in New Meadows, a
small town just beyond McCall.
What to See & Do
While Cascade's major annual event is
Thunder Mountain Days, a summer rodeo and
celebration, McCall's is the Winter Carnival.
During the carnival held at the beginning of February,
the town is decked out with ice sculptures created by
local and imported artists and parades on the opening
Friday and Saturday nights. There are dances, pancake
breakfasts and a lot of celebrating.
Brundage Mountain is the local ski
hill, located seven miles north of McCall. Boise National
Forest provides recreation areas, forest campgrounds and
other outdoor attractions.
There are three hot springs in the region
which call for attention. The most scenic and more rustic
location is Burgdorf Hot Springs which can be
reached by taking the French Creek scenic drive via
Warren Wagon Road or by taking Davis Ave. at the
southeast end of McCall and then Lick Creek Road and East
Side Road. Zim's Hot Springs is located along
Highway 55, north of McCall, just beyond the
Kimberland Meadows Resort. This large resort
hotel, with 18-hole golf course, also has a hot pool. The
resort features town house-style accommodations.
There is a full service RV park in McCall,
in addition to numerous Payette National Forest
campgrounds. Ponderosa State Park occupies a
scenic site along the eastern shore of Payette Lake,
within a few minutes' drive of McCall. There is camping
here as well, along with several hiking trails, a boat
ramp and picnic areas. At the northern end of the park is
a large hill with fine overviews of the lake and the
mountains beyond.
Resorts, Hotels, Lodges
Warm Lake Lodge
(208) 632-3553
Located on Warm Lake east of Cascade in a recreation
area. Nearby are restaurants, stores and forest trails.
The lodge has cabins and also has campsites.
North Shore Lodge
(208) 632-2000
Also in the Warm Lake area in Boise National Forest with
rustic but comfortable accommodations.
Kimberland Meadows Resort
(208) 347-2162
Located north of McCall, this is the area's prime resort
operation with town house accommodations, a fine dining
room with lounge and 18-hole golf course, with hot spring
pools and downhill skiing nearby. Take Highway 95, 1.5
miles north of McCall.
Packer John Lodge
(208) 382-4406
Located at Smiths Ferry, on Hwy. 55 south of Cascade,
with restaurant.
Clear Creek Inn
(208) 382-4616
A standard motel in the town of Cascade, close to
shopping & cafes, golf course and Cascade Lake.
Hotel McCall
(208) 634-8105
This older hotel in downtown McCall has a warm
atmosphere, aided with complimentary tea & wine and
free breakfast for guests. All rooms have
Shore Lodge
(208) 634-2244 or 800-657-6464
This large lodge is on the shore of Payette Lake, just
west of downtown McCall. There are 120 rooms, heated
pools, a dock and dining room and informal cafe. To get
there, take Lake Steet west along the south shore of the
lake to the lodge. private bath.
Camping
Arrowhead RV Park
(208) 382-4534
On the river, one mile south of town on Hwy. 55, with
full hookups, dump station, store, propane, and boating.
McCall Campground
(208) 634-5165
Just south of town on Payette Lake. Campsites with good
views, Hookups, dump station, laundry, store.
Water's Edge RV Resort
800-574-2038 pr (208) 382-3120
Located on the Payette River, 25 miles south of McCall
(Highway 55), this RV park has large sites (with full
hookups including cable TV), a private beach on the
river, picnic pavilions, and kayaks and canoes to use.
Ashley and Katrin (the park hosts) bake hot fresh
cinnamon rolls on Saturday mornings.Othert amenities
include modern showers and restrooms. A Good Sam Park.
Open May - October
