Ponderosa State Park

2 miles northeast of the center of McCall, the southern section of Ponderosa State Park covers most of a 1,000-acre peninsula jutting into Payette Lake. This is a beautiful area in the mountains on a gorgeous lake offering hiking, biking, sightseeing, wildlife and bird watching, and some excellent snowshoeing and Nordic skiing in season. The topography (and vegetation) vary from densely forested hillsides against the lake to arid sagebrush flats. There are also some steep cliffs, some spongy marshlands and an excellent seasonal wildflower show.

At the north end of Payette Lake is the North Beach Unit (essentially a wildlife sanctuary) of Ponderosa State Park. There's a large sandy beach, canoe rentals and primitive camping available. You won't want to miss canoeing along the Payette River as it meanders through this forested valley.