Ponderosa State Park covers most of a 1,000-acre peninsula that juts into beautiful Payette Lake near McCall. The scenic overlook at Osprey Point offers a spectacular view of the lake. The park offers hiking and biking trails, guided walks with park naturalists and evening campfire programs. The North Beach Unit has a beach and picnic area. The topography ranges from arid sagebrush flats to dense forests. Wildlife that can be viewed at the park include Canada geese, osprey, bald eagles, wood ducks, mallards, songbirds, deer, moose, beaver, muskrats and even bear. Winter activities include Nordic skiing on one of two USSA-certified cross-country courses.
The Park Today
All campgrounds are open for the season. Enjoy the various wildflowers that are in bloom throughout the park; please leave the flowers for others to enjoy. Bears are present in the park and the deer are having their fawns. Pets are permitted in the park and must be kept on a leash. Annual Parks Passes are available for purchase at the Visitors Center. Come out and enjoy the Evening Programs at the park and don’t forget Jr. Rangers on Saturday mornings for the kids.
In the Summer Months...
Tour the park by bike, or on foot! Hike or bike trails that adorn the peninsula, through native wildflowers, near wetlands and beneath the Ponderosa Pine trees.
Summer Trail Map
Habitat
The park’s namesake, the 150-foot-tall ponderosa pine, is the most noticeable species of tree. Douglas fir, grand fir, lodgepole pine and western larch also grow in the park. The character of the park is molded by its diverse topography. It ranges from arid sagebrush flats to forested lakeside trails; from even ground to steep cliffs; and from dense forest to spongy marsh. The park is rich in wildflowers, especially along the interpretive trail that winds around the Meadow Marsh. Nature trails and gravel roads have been developed so visitors can enjoy opportunities to view wildlife in these areas.
North Beach Unit
Located at the north end of Payette Lake lies the largest public sandy beach within the 500-acre North Beach Unit. Primitive camping is available at the Northwest Passage Campground. The Payette River meanders through a forested valley and provides excellent canoeing. The area is also a sanctuary for wildlife including deer, ducks, fish and numerous small fur-bearing animals. Canoe rental is available at the west side day use area.
In the Winter Months...
Home to one of Idaho's Premium Nordic Ski Grooming opportunities, Ponderosa State Park boasts 14.3 miles of groomed trails - 23 kilometers. Nordic trails range from recreational to competition to accommodate all abilities.
The park also has 3.4 miles of designated snowshoe trails through the forest that offer viewpoints of the lake. Hike, bike, kayak or conoe. There are several ways to have a great time at Ponderosa. Check out some of the opportunities for outdoor adventure under "Spend the Day".
Trail Map
Trail Descriptions