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Recreation
Deep Canyons, Deep Snow, Deep Wilderness
Come visit the Payette National Forest spring, summer, fall, or winter for a wide range of recreational activities during any of the four seasons: hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, skiing, and snowmobiling. You can find a spot on the Forest to indulge your recreational interest. Explore the Payette National Forest's special places.
Take a look at some Frequently Asked Questions for recreation on the Payette National Forest.
Winter Recreation
The Payette National Forest offers a variety of winter recreation activities. High elevation terrain throughout the Forest receives an abundance of annual snowfall that allows for snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing among numerous additional activities.
The McCall area boasts 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails and 19,000 acres of backcountry skiing and snowboarding terrain. Snowmobiling continues to increase in popularity and the Payette National Forest has identified 245 miles of snowmobile trails available for grooming. The Payette National Forest hosts two ski resorts providing some of Idaho’s best inbounds skiing and snowboarding. The Forest also maintains 25 km of groomed Nordic routes that range in skill level from beginner to expert.
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Payette Winter Travel Map identifies designated routes and “open play areas” for over-the-snow vehicle. Available for free! Download on Avenza Map or pick up a hardcopy at a District Office.
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Snow in the mountains implies that avalanches are an ever-present threat. Don’t get taken for a Ride! Payette Avalanche Center for current avalanche conditions near McCall.
For more information, see Winter Sports on the Payette National Forest.