The best places to hike in McCall, Idaho

Nothing quite beats exploring the great outdoors in and around McCall. No matter the season, there’s always an opportunity to check out the greenery, open meadows, rugged mountains and canyons along the impressive network of nearby trails.

As you plan out your next hiking adventure, check out these trails of various difficulty that showcase nature’s best views. You and your company will not regret a single step.

Boulder Lake Hike

Just outside Lake Fork, this hike is moderately ambitious at nearly 7 miles. But the scenic loop around the lake is spectacular, attracting a mixture of outdoor enthusiasts who come for the hikes and fishing.

Hikers should prep for a little elevation at Boulder Lake. At nearly 1,700 feet, it’s the perfect trail for a range of levels – and will push even the seasoned hiker. Visitors are encouraged to park at Louie Lake Trailhead and then head toward the levee, where the north side of the entrance will be found.

Twin Lakes

For a more leisurely paced outing, don’t miss Twin Lakes trail, a 2.1-mile out-and-back adventure near Pollock. Hikers particularly enjoy this hike for all the jaw-dropping views and bird-watching opportunities.

Experienced hikers return to this great trail, even though it’s designated as an easier route. Between the months of May and October, this trail is the busiest and most scenic.

Another advantage to Twin Lakes is the break off trail, which lets hikers choose their own way. Some like to explore and climb Granite Mountain Outlook and take in all the inspiring sights. Upon arrival, you will be reaching for your phone for a picture-perfect day photo or selfie.

Box Lake

Save this hike after you’ve gotten a little practice in. At more than 7 miles, some hikers can spend five hours to complete this one, which is suitable for backpacking and camping. Many hikers also enjoy the sheer serenity of Box Lake, where large crowds aren’t the norm. If you do spot some folks, you’ll see hikers, horse riders, bikers and other recreational visitors.

If you tackle this monster of a hike, you’ll have more than a fair share of opportunities to stop and take in the fresh air and sights. The shaded rest stops are also ideal to take in the views of the beachy lake and majestic mountain tops.

Blue Lake

Awe-inspiring and perhaps one of the best guarded secrets, Blue Lake is a popular destination for those in the know. The 1.6-mile out-and-back trail is near Cascade and can be completed in about an hour. Dogs are welcome on this trek, but they’ll have to be on a leash.

As a moderate-level trail, Blue Lake is easy to get to and will enchant all comers with its natural beauty and fragrance of pine all around. If you time your hike just right, you will also witness explosions of color in the carpets of wildflowers.

Deep Lake Trail

Take the short drive from McCall to Deep Lake Trail – you will not regret it. When you hike this trail, you will be treated with vistas, canyon ridges, summer wildflowers and of course, the deep blue hues of Deep Lake.

The lake sits between two massive peaks and is ornamented with granite boulders along the perimeter. An amazing feature is the topography, which is relatively flat and invites extra exploration of the surrounding land near the lake.

This trail docks in at under two miles with a modest, 550-foot elevation gain. Depending on the time of day, it’s also very calm and serene, perfect for those days when you just want to escape and be one with nature without interruption.

Payette Lake Peninsula Trail

Depending on the time of year, this trail beckons all outdoor enthusiasts from every walk of life. From bikers, hikers and snow shoers, this is quite the popular spot to absorb all of the natural beauty Idaho is known for.

At about 4 miles, out and back, the trail is on the easier side, but that will depend on your pace and time of year. The elevation is well under 300 feet. So, if you take your time and stop to smell the flowers, this hike will feel like a breeze.

Loon Lake

This loop is long. It’s nearly 12 miles. But it’s well worth it. Bring a backpack or your camping gear, and get ready to embark on an extraordinary outdoor adventure near Warren.

Elevation reaches nearly 1,300 feet and if you’re determined, this trail will take you and your crew about five hours to complete.

McCall is full of scenic adventure opportunities, which is why so many love to live here. If you are interested in McCall real estate, contact us today!