- Ponderosa State Park is just minutes from McCall on a peninsula in Payette Lake.
- A network of trails winds through the park, perfect for mountain biking, hiking, and Nordic skiing.
- Camping is a popular activity at the park.
- A wide array of splendid wildlife and beautiful birds inhabit the park.
Overview
Ponderosa State Park Idaho is located just outside of McCall on a 1,000 acre peninsula of sparkling Payette Lake. With a range of terrain including flats dotted with sagebrush, grassy marshes, steep rocky cliffs, and thickly forested areas, this scenic park showcases the beauty of west central Idaho. Locals and visitors alike can enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, wildlife viewing, camping, skiing, and snowshoeing at Ponderosa State park. It’s no wonder this is a haven for nature lovers.
Location & Information
A popular attraction for visitors to McCall, Idaho, Ponderosa State Park is located just 2 miles northeast of town.
Contact information: Phone - 208-634-2164. Visit the website here: Ponderosa State Park ID.
Activities
- Wildlife viewing – An array of beautiful creatures call this area home, including beaver, deer, moose, red fox, and bear. Birdwatchers may spot osprey, Canadian geese, a variety of songbirds, mallards, red-tailed hawks, hummingbirds, and majestic bald eagles. The surrounding flora is spectacular, including a variety of conifers and beautiful wildflowers.
- Trails – There are several parks that wind their way through the park, boasting spectacular views along the way. During the warmer months hikers and bikers can explore the trails, while Nordic skiers can enjoy them in the winter.
- Camping – There are several places to camp including developed campsites as well as more primitive camping along the sandy beach at the north end of the lake.
Fun Facts
- For an incredible view of Payette Lake, head up to the Osprey Point overlook.
- The park is named after the towering Ponderosa pine, which reaches heights of 150 feet.
- Other trees indigenous to the park are lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, grand fir, and western larch.
- The pristine waters of Payette Lake cover 5,300 acres.
