At Shore Lodge, your days can be filled with lakeside adventures, afternoons by the pool, treatments at The Cove, and evenings spent dining along the shores of Payette Lake. Yet part of what makes a stay here so memorable is everything waiting just beyond the resort.

Some days are for adrenaline-pumping adventure, while others are meant for leisure and lollygagging. For days meant to take things slower, scenic trails, natural hot springs, and spending time in downtown McCall are the way to go. McCall offers countless ways to slow down and experience the character of this mountain lake town. Whether you’re visiting for a mini getaway or an extended summer vacation, these leisure activities offer the perfect complement to your time at Shore Lodge.

When you’re ready to venture out, our complimentary shuttle service can bring you downtown McCall, where many of these local favorites are just steps away. And for destinations a little further, we promise the scenic drive will be worth it!

Explore ten ways to experience the quieter side of summer in McCall.

(downtown McCall)
Located in downtown McCall, Stacey Cakes has earned a loyal following for its handcrafted pastries, cookies, and desserts made from scratch. Favorites include the bakery’s famous ginger snaps, salted caramel cheesecake, seasonal fruit tarts, and freshly baked scones, along with a rotating selection of sweet and savory treats.

It is the perfect stop while exploring McCall’s shops, parks, and waterfront. Pick up pastry and coffee for a leisurely morning or treat yourself to dessert while discovering the charm of downtown McCall.

(downtown McCall)
Tucked into the center of it all, The Bar Owl Books & Gifts is the kind of independent bookstore that invites visitors to slow down and browse.

Inside, you’ll find books for every age, unique gifts, puzzles, and locally inspired merchandise. It’s an ideal stop for a quiet afternoon or to find the perfect vacation read.

Bring your new book back to Shore Lodge and settle into an Adirondack chair overlooking Payette Lake.

(downtown McCall)
No summer getaway is complete without ice cream.

Down a quaint alley off E Lake Street in McCall, you’ll find Ice Cream Alley – serving mountain-size scoops for visitors and locals alike since 1981. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, the beloved ice cream shop serves dozens of flavors, from timeless favorites to seasonal selections like Huckleberry Cheesecake, that change throughout the summer.

So, grab a cone and stroll downtown while enjoying one of the town’s sweetest traditions. It’s the perfect ending to a summer afternoon before returning to Shore Lodge for dinner, drinks, and another memorable evening in McCall.

(downtown McCall)
From mid-June through early October, the McCall Farmers Market brings the community together every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.

Located at the intersection of 2nd St and Lenora St in downtown McCall, the market showcases fresh produce, local honey, artisan foods, flowers, and products from regional growers and makers. It’s a great opportunity to meet local vendors and experience the community that makes McCall so special.

Many guests enjoy pairing a morning market visit with brunch before heading back to Shore Lodge for late-afternoon cocktails at The Bar.

(downtown McCall)
Just steps from Payette Lake on E Lake St. downtown McCall, the Manchester Ice & Events Centre offers year-round fun for visitors of all ages. From public skating sessions and ice bumper cars to hockey games and special events, the rink provides a fun way to stay cool in the summer and experience another side of McCall during your stay.

Located in the heart of downtown, it’s easy to pair a visit to the rink with shopping or other local attractions before making your way back to Shore Lodge.

(approx. 1.5 miles from downtown McCall)
Just a few minutes’ car ride from Shore Lodge, Ponderosa State Park is one of McCall’s most beloved outdoor destinations.

The park features miles of walking paths, lakeside viewpoints, wildlife-viewing areas, and shared forests, perfect for a leisurely morning stroll. Visitors often spot deer, osprey, and bald eagles while exploring the peninsula that extends into Payette Lake.

Pack a picnic, enjoy a scenic walk, or simply take in the lake views before returning to Shore Lodge for an afternoon by the pool.

(approx. 2 miles from downtown McCall)
Only a short drive from Shore Lodge, the Lily Marsh Trail offers a peaceful nature experience that’s accessible for nearly all ages and activity levels.

The boardwalk-style trail winds through wetlands filled with native plants, birds, and seasonal wildflowers. Interpretive signs along the route provide insight into the area’s ecology, making it both relaxing and educational.

It’s an easy way to spend an hour immersed in nature before returning to the comforts of the resort.

(downtown McCall waterfront)
Experience McCall from the water with a scenic cruise around Payette Lake.

McCall Lake Cruises offers a relaxing way to learn about the area’s history while taking in panoramic views of the mountains and shoreline. Guests of Shore Lodge can arrange departure directly from the Shore Lodge marina through Guest Services, making it easy to step aboard. For those spending time downtown, cruises are also available from the downtown waterfront.

It’s one of the most peaceful ways to experience the beauty of the lake.

After your 90-minute cruise, continue enjoying the waterfront or return to Shore Lodge to experience Payette Lake from your own lakeside basecamp.

(approx. 25 miles south)
The Gem State is widely known as home to more soakable, natural hot springs than any other state in the U.S., boasting over 300 hydrothermal pools, according to Visit Idaho.

Head approximately 25 miles south of McCall to Gold Fork Hot Springs.

Surrounded by forested hillsides, a series of cascading pools offers varying temperatures, allowing visitors to find their perfect spot to relax. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal destination for couples, families, or anyone looking to experience this natural beauty and disconnect.

Spend the morning soaking, then return to Shore Lodge for lunch and an afternoon at the marina.

(approx. 30 miles north)
In the opposite direction, located approximately 30 miles north of Shore Lodge, Burgdorf Hot Springs offers one of Idaho’s most unique outdoor experiences. Nestled deep within the Payette National Forest, these historic hot springs have welcomed visitors since the late 1800s.

Spend the day soaking in naturally heated mineral pools surrounded by towering pines and mountain scenery. The drive itself is part of the adventure, winding through some of the region’s most scenic landscapes.

After a day exploring the backcountry, return to Shore Lodge for a lakeside dinner and sunset views.

Whether you’re exploring local trails, discovering favorite downtown shops, soaking in nearby hot springs, or simply enjoying the lake and town’s history, Shore Lodge provides the perfect basecamp for every summer’s memory.

Ready to plan your next getaway? Book your stay at Shore Lodge online or call 800.65764.64.

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