10 Best Things to Do in McCall Idaho in Summer
Experience the Ultimate Summer Adventure in McCall
Just under eighty miles north of Boise, Cascade, Idaho, is a small town with big adventures. Surrounded by national forests and deep in the West Central Mountains, it’s impossible to have a dull day here.
Within minutes, you can soak in natural hot springs, race your ATVs into the hills, or relax on the lake’s edge. It’s a place that can get your heart racing as much as put it at ease, surrounded by such natural beauty. Here are our favorite things to do in Cascade, Idaho.
Photo Credit: Joshua Denniley
Kick off your Cascade vacation with a bang at Kelly’s Whitewater Park. On Lake Cascade, the park is a river playground where rafters can chase the stoke on class III and IV rapids.
Powered by the Payette River, your entire crew will feel the adrenalin rush of whitewater rafting. With their expert guides and varying terrain, it’s a place just as fun for beginners and old-timers. You can even trade out the raft for paddleboards, kayaks, and tubes.
The recreation center extends beyond the water, too. You can keep dry with a riverfront walk along The Strand, with picnic spots along the way. For some friendly competition, make your way to the volleyball court or the horseshoe pits.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Erickson via Flickr CC2.0
Cascade, Idaho, is an outdoor paradise. The small town has connections to epic adventures throughout Valley County. However, at some stage, you’ll need to take a breather. S,o prep for a revitalizing road trip.
The Cascade area is littered with beautiful and invigorating hot springs. You’ll discover a mix of natural and developed springs along the aptly named Warm Lake Highway. Some hot springs, like Rocky Canyon and Trail Creek, require some walking. But every step is rewarded with beautiful views of the Boise National Forest and energizing waters.
One of our favorite man-made hot springs lies nearby in Donnelly. Gold Fork Hot Springs is open year-round and boasts mineral-rich water across five pools.
The fourth largest lake in Idaho is enveloped in stunning protected lands. Spanning 500 acres, Lake Cascade State Park wears a lot of hats. It’s a boating playground, a hiker’s haven, a place to ride and laze in the sun.
In the warmer months, it’s amazing to arrive early and spot the morning mist rising off the lake bed. From there, you can wander along the Crown Point Trail, an easy, flat 6-mile journey with memorable viewpoints. As it’s out and bac, you can walk as much as you want before turning around.
To get out on the water, head to Tamarack Resort for kayaks, SUPs, and motorized rentals. Looking to catch some fish in Lake Cascade? Tackle Tom’s has all you need for a successful day on the lake.
Photo Credit: CSNafzger
Head out into the backcountry and uncover some of the region’s hidden gems on your mountain bike. Trails are abundant, both in the state park and national forest. They offer gorgeous scenery and come with a vast range of difficulties.
Idaho’s West Central Mountains boast some of the best dirt roads, single, and 2-track riding in the state. From Cascade, you can follow the Lick Creek trail all the way to Donnelly and McCall. Or you can stay close by and embark on short rides from the North Fork of the Payette River.
For adventurous riders, the 14-mile Eagle’s Nest Trail is an exciting single-track that takes you deep into the surrounding forests.
Photo Credit:Skip Moore
There’s always time for more outdoor activities, but Downtown Cascade is as quaint and charming as any. It may not take you long to explore the adoring streets, but you’ll quickly come to love the sights, such as the old-time Roxy Theater, which still shows the latest Hollywood flicks.
Continue to Watkins Pharmacy and Squirrel Outdoors in search of that perfect Cascade souvenir. Feeling hungry? Stop by Gramma’s Restaurant for mountain town hospitality and belly-bursting eats. Top it off by taking the little ones to the playgrounds at Armstrong Park or the nearby Cascade Aquatic Center.
Photo Credit: Alexander Lukatskiy
Anglers unite! Cascade has no shortage of fishing spots, regardless of season. The Salmon River is just out of town. As one of the last undammed mountain rivers in the country, break out the fly fishing gear for some of the best trout and salmon fishing in the US. This includes the spring steelhead migration from the Pacific.
Other popular fishing spots include the Payette River, Lake Cascade, and Warm Lake. In winter, the last two freeze over,, creating the perfect opportunity to experience ice fishing. Lake Cascade is especially renowned for its record-breaking yellow perch.
Ice fishing does require more gear (and hot chocolate) so let the expert guides at Ice Fish Idaho handle the logistics so you can focus on your next catch.
Photo Credit: Simol1407
Speaking of winter activities, Cascade is just as much of a destination once the snow starts to fall. The summer’s hiking trails become a snowshoeing and Nordic skiing playground.
The simple Crown Point Trail is a great place to begin, especially for those new to cross-country skiing. For more advanced treks, check out the Hasbrouck Ranch trails. There are several groomed and ungroomed loops of varying difficulty. For rentals, stop by Squirrel Outdoors. Prefer to let gravity do the work? Tamarack Resort features 50 downhill runs serviced by a trio of high-speed lifts.
To round out your winter adventure, it’s time for some snowmobiling with the help of Intermountain. With 300 miles of trails around the Cascade area that take you as far into the backcountry as you please.
Photo Credit: Far.F
Blue Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the Boise National Forest, with a stunning backdrop of Granite Peak and Snowbank Mountain. It feels a world away from Cascade, in part because it requires a short, slightly rocky hike.
The descent to the lake is enough to get you away from the crowds. Enormous pines and wildflowers envelop the trail before quickly departing as the shimmering lake comes into view.
On a lovely summer day, Blue Lake makes for a serene beach day. Pack your towels, inflatables, and picnic baskets to enjoy fresh water and mesmerizing views under the bright Idaho sun.
Photo Credit: K-FK
There are virtually endless options for exploring the lakes and wilderness around Cascade, Idaho. Intermountain Sports, provides access to ATVs and jet skis for a thrilling way to get about the land and lake.
Using the region’s extensive trail system, you can take your ATV, explore on your own, and even make your way to Blue Lake. The ramps at Cascade and Warm Lakes allow access for your jet ski – just be sure to abide by the no-wake zones.
Photo Credit: Mr.Somchai Sukkasem
There are several golf courses within a short drive from Cascade. These include Jug Mountain Ranch and Tamarack Resort’s Osprey Meadows. But what about a golf course so close to town you could walk there?
Cascade Golf Course straddles the banks of its namesake lake, offering scenery that looks just as good as a hole-in-one feels. It’s a challenging course with several blind tee shots and sloping greens. Regardless of how many balls you hit into the drink, such as the views, this golf course is always a good time.
Despite being in the mountains, the best of Cascade remains easily accessible. With the help of outfitters and a sense of adventure, there’s no limit to the amount of epic memories you can make here.
Our vacation rentals offer a key to this natural playground to experience what Cascade is all about.
