McCall’s majestic beauty beckons in the summer and there is plenty to do—from the Payette Cup Regatta in early June to fireworks over the lake on the 4^th of July, to the music festival in August.  Here are eight ideas to help entertain you and your family.

The Scenic Paddle
Meander the waterways of the scenic Payette River by canoe or kayak.   Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the white sand beaches.  The Upper North Fork is a designated “no wake zone” where slow-moving boaters can enjoy the wildlife and wilderness.  Besides canoe and kayak rentals, Backwoods Adventures offers guided tours with naturalists, kayak lessons, and a “learn to kayak” program for kids.   

Don’t miss the boat
Search for Sharlie, Payette Lake’s own “Loch Ness Monster,” who was first sighted in 1920.  Tour the lake with the help of Mile High Marina.  Rent a ski boat or jet ski and get your adrenalin rush, or take the whole gang on a trip aboard a pontoon boat and party around the lake.

The Sound of Music
Go to the hills and mountains for a summer concert surrounded by scenic beauty.  Banjo strumming and humming are yours to enjoy at the Roseberry Music Festival July 15–17.  On August 21, spread your blanket and enjoy the sounds and scenery in the grassy amphitheater at Brundage Mountain Resort.  The Idaho-Down is an annual reunion concert where several Idaho bands gather and play in a beautiful mountain venue throughout the day.  

Bike the Mountain
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing ride in a gorgeous setting or an exciting race at high altitude, you can find both when mountain biking on Brundage Mountain.  A high-speed chairlift whisks you to the 7,640-foot summit, and the rest is up to you.  Beginners can explore the scenic Elk Trail, which gently winds its way down through forests and meadows.  Extreme thrill-seekers test their mettle on Zorro, a technical route that takes full advantage of gravity’s pull. Bike rentals, including helmets, are available. If you prefer, you can have a lower altitude experience along the shore of Payette Lake. Rent your bicycle of choice at Home Town Sports or Gravity Sports.

Chill Out
With its large indoor ice-skating rink and grandstand seating looking out towards beautiful Payette Lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, the Manchester Ice & Event Centre is a spectacular setting for ice skating.  After some spins and jumps on the ice, try Skater Things Cafe for espresso, pizza, or a birthday party.  Open year-round, but check the website for available skating times.

Celebrate Purple
Getting hungry?  Grizzly bears and humans both savor the huckleberry. Ask a local to point you in the right direction to find prime huckleberry-picking spots.  Huckleberry season usually runs from mid-July through August. The cool climate produces mountainsides dense with heavy bushes. Don’t miss the Huckleberry Festival on August 14 and 15 in Donnelly when everything turns purple and vendors tempt you with all kinds of homemade goodies.  The festival includes a pancake breakfast, parade, car show and live music.

Lunch at the Lodge
The legacy of Shore Lodge has been restored for future generations and it is now open again for families to enjoy superb meals.  The Lake Grill features outdoor seating on a tiered patio with lush landscaping and gorgeous views of Payette Lake. It’s open for breakfast and lunch.  Or indulge in an old-time Shore Lodge tradition, the Sunday Breakfast Buffet. It includes fresh fruit, baked goods, and selections from the chef that include baked chilaquiles with red chile sauce and Mexican cheeses, and vanilla fig French toast with maple syrup.

The Wild Life
Picnic at the park and take in the spectacular view of the lake from Osprey Point.  Listen for the call of the osprey or bald eagle while swimming at Ponderosa State Park.  Watch for deer, moose, beaver, muskrat, and even bear on your hike.  The park also offers biking trails, guided walks with park naturalists, and evening campfire programs. Rent a cabin or a yurt and spend the night. Remember to bring the lawn chairs! 

With all of these options (and you’re sure to find more while there!), you’ll keep your family entertained all day and night in McCall.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a career coach, speaker, recruiter, and freelance writer, based in Meridian, Idaho, and enjoys spending time in the mountains with her family.  You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

8 McCall Resources

1. Backwoods Adventures: www.backwoodsadventuresmccall.com, (208) 469-9067.

2. Mile High Marina: www.milehighmarina.com, (208) 634-8605.

3. Roseberry Music Festival: www.thesummermusicfestival.com.  Idaho-Down: www.idaho-me.com or  www.brundage.com,  (208) 634-4151

4. Brundage Mountain: http://www.brundage.com/summer activities/mountain-biking.aspx, (208) 634-4151.

   Hometown Sports: www.home-town-sports.com, (208) 634-2302. Gravity Sports: www.gravitysportsidaho.com, (208) 634-8530. 

   And www.mccallchamber.org or www.discovermccall.com.

5. Manchester Ice & Event Centre: www.manchester-icecentre.com, (208) 634-3570.

6. Huckleberry Festival: Cheryl Teed, Pres. Donnelly Chamber of Commerce. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

7. Shore Lodge: www.shorelodgemccall.com, (800) 657-6464.

8.  Ponderosa State Park: www.stateparks.com/ponderosa.html or www.parksandrecreation.idaho.gov, (208) 634-2164.