Two hours north of Boise, Idaho, McCall is a historic logging town on the banks of the prismatic Payette Lake. The loggers may have left but the frontier vibes remain, while the town’s envious location is no longer a secret.
Featuring four seasons of outdoor fun, McCall lies on the front door of an epic wilderness where towering pines and wildlife mingle on the riverbanks. Come summer, the best way to explore this exquisite part of Idaho is by kayak!
McCall is a kayaking mecca. Here, you’ll find yourself moments from exploring the immense Payette River Basin that spans across 3,000 square miles. It includes the namesake river, multiple forks, tributaries, reservoirs, and expansive lakes.
When the sun is out, you’ll find kayakers, canoers, paddle boarders, and white-water enthusiasts making the most of the water on offer. However, it’s not just lazy creeks and rapid rivers. The scenery and crystal clear waters make McCall a haven for outdoor adventurers. Go on a self guided journey or book a tour – the choice is yours!
Photo Credit: Bryce Kanowsky
1. North Fork of the Payette River
Home to the Meanders, the North Fork of the Payette River is a spectacular location to kayak. The Meanders represent a slow-moving body of water that snakes south towards the lake. Perfect for a relaxing kayak or time on a stand-up paddle board, the river is flanked by stunning pines, gorgeous wetlands, and rocky bluffs.
The North Fork is a scenic show-stopper. The lazy current allows you to take in the beauty of the backcountry. Beyond the towering pines lay the possibility of spotting wildlife like moose, deer, and soaring osprey. In the crystalline waters beneath your toes, you can spot fish going about their merry way.
Despite the Meanders’ remote beauty, they’re surprisingly easy to access. We recommend that paddlers launch from the North Beach Boat Ramp.
If you continue to follow the Payette River you’ll eventually reach the north end of Payette Lake, home to Ponderosa State Park. Here lies another wonderful launch spot for kayaking in McCall.
Begin your paddle at Duck Bay where you’ll uncover a mix of natural beauty and burgeoning atmosphere in the summer months. Campsites mix in with the pines as families gather by the shore and boats and jet skis explore the lake.
Your journey towards downtown McCall mixes the best of nature, sightseeing, and the ability to take a break at Mile High Marina for a well-earned beverage.
Duck Bay to downtown McCall is a four-mile paddle. There are several launch points in between to create a shorter journey.
3. Lake Cascade
Are you seeking the most relaxed kayak experience possible? Well, you’re in luck. One of the most popular floats in McCall starts on the outer reaches of Lake Cascade, near Donnelly. Jump in right where Route 55 crosses the lake and marks the beginning of the Gold Fork River.
From there, all you have to do is kick back and watch the scenery go by as you saunter downstream. A paddle here and there to correct course is all that’s required, leaving all the time in the world to chat with your fellow paddlers.
The float is only 2.5 miles long with an easy to spot ‘take out’ point. There’s even a shuttle during summer to bring you back to the start. If you feel like more of an adventure, make a slight detour to Kelly’s Whitewater Park, where man-made rapids add a splash of thrill to proceedings.
Photo Credit: svetograph
The best time to kayak in McCall is in late summer. As the crowds dissipate, the temperatures remain at ideal levels.
If they didn’t know it already, visitors quickly uncover that the lakes and rivers are the centerpiece of any experience in McCall. The beautiful calm waters and nearby rapids will always be calling your name.
Brave souls may get out on the water as early as spring in McCall, however May is when the sun really starts to work its magic and present blissful paddle experiences. This coincides with a better chance to spot wildlife in the Meanders.
Peak kayak season runs from June to early September, with the school holidays bringing bigger crowds. This is a fun time to be in McCall, thanks to the fun vacation atmosphere. You will, however, wait longer at boat ramps. We always recommend heading further upstream to find your own piece of Payette River heaven.
Photo Credit: Arne Beruldsen
When kayaking the Meanders there’s no better place to get your rentals than with Backwoods Adventures. Located right on the North Beach Boat Ramp, you won’t have to worry about loading your car with gear and simply take right to the water.
Backwoods Adventures offers 2-hour, half-day, and full-day kayak rentals, single and tandem kayak. These come with life jackets. There are also kid kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
Its wonderful location is remote. So they recommend bringing cash for rentals. Reservations are not required.
In downtown, McCall Sports is easy to access, allowing you to quickly go to any of our favorite kayak spots. A true one-stop rental shop, you’ll have access to all the gear you need for a day on the water.
McCall Sports rents kayaks, canoes, sups, and even mountain bikes for half-day, full-day, 24-hour, and weekly. The latter is a great option for those staying in town for a while.
They don’t accept reservation, and all gear is on a first-come, first-served basis. All the reason for an early kayak on Cascade Lake!
Close to Tamarack Ski Resort, Gravity Sports pivots to mountain bikes and watercraft once the snow melts. Their location leaves just a quick hop to Cascade Lake to the south or Ponderosa State Park to the north.
They offer half-day, full-day, and 24-hour SUP, single and tandem kayak rental. They also have inflatable watercraft for easy transport.
Photo Credit: Virrage Images
One hour north of Mccall lies an epic adventure on the majestic Salmon River. Thrill seekers after something more than just a float can trade in The Meanders for wild rapids and a memorable experience led by expert guides.
Don’t worry they ease you into it. Your day starts off paddling your inflatable kayak above lucid pools and through moderate class II and III rapids. Your guides showcase the way to go, building up your skills along the way.
After some much-needed BBQ with river views, you’ll kick things up a notch with some larger Class III rapids, including the famous section called the Time Zone.
Well, there you have it folks, all you need to get out on the water and experience McCall at its finest. Transparent rivers, sprawling lakes, and mesmerizing backdrops await as you explore a natural paradise.
All that’s left for you is to find a base for your adventures. Our vacation rentals place you close to the action alongside the charming history of downtown McCall. With summer just a few months away, there’s never been a better time to plan your trip to Valley County!