Payette Lake
Payette Lake, ID
★★★★★
4.9(5 reviews)Amenities Overview
🏊Swimming
🎣Fishing
🚤Boating
About Payette Lake
Escape to Payette Lake, Idaho – a breathtaking glacial lake nestled amidst the wild beauty of the Payette National Forest and majestic mountains. Located in Payette, Idaho 83638, this stunning gem consistently earns a 4.9-star rating, and it's easy to see why.
Imagine yourself relaxing on the sandy beaches, the cool mountain air on your skin. The lake offers a fantastic range of activities. You can easily spend a day swimming in the clean water – there are shallow areas perfect for families, and deeper sections for more confident swimmers. A lovely beach makes it all the more appealing. Kayak rentals are available if you want to explore the lake from a different perspective, paddling amongst the serene surroundings. Fishing is often a rewarding experience here, though specific details about allowed species and licensing requirements are best checked locally.
Recent visitors rave about the pristine beauty of the lake and the peaceful atmosphere. One five-star review highlighted the incredible clarity of the water and the stunning mountain views, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway. Another praised the family-friendly atmosphere and the ease of accessing the water for swimming and playing.
Whether you're looking for an adventurous kayaking trip, a relaxing swim, or just a tranquil spot to enjoy the stunning scenery, Payette Lake delivers. Come experience the magic for yourself!
Detailed Information
Fishing
- Fishing is available
Swimming
- Water Conditions: clean
- Water Conditions: shallow
- Water Conditions: deep
- Facilities: beach
Boating
- Boat Types: kayak
- Facilities: rental
Reviews
- ★★★★★about 1 year agoClean, clear pathways. Beautiful lake.
- ★★★★★over 2 years agoThis lake is a beautiful gem in Valley County Idaho. The lake is over 390 ft deep and is shaped like a stretched out horseshoe. The peninsula that juts out into the lake is the Ponderosa State Park. The lake was formed thousands of years ago by a Glacier and sits over the top of what used to be a volcano, which helps to lend to the depths of this majestic and magical beauty. The north end of the lake is the deepest and the narrows, a large deposit of boulders, separated the north end of the lake from the southern end and is quite shallow until you get past Duck Bay. Navigation at night isn't recommended unless you know this area well as it has sank boats in the past as some of the gigantic rocks sit just below the surface. Payette Lake has numerous islands for no bigger than it is. Just past the Narrows to the North is the first, Cougar Island, and is inhabited and totally off the grid. They had to barge the materials out in order to get the project finished. There's a few more islands to the North and east of this attraction. Some are private, so please be mindful when exploring them. There is a legend of a Loch Ness type monster named Sharlie that lives in the lake and hides in the volcanic tubes that help feed this alpine lake. This was a sacred place for the Nez Perce that walked these grounds hundreds of years ago, and it's plain to see why. As always, leave it better than you found it. It took millions of years to make and enjoy 😉.
- ★★★★★almost 4 years agoAbsolutely breathtaking and surreal. This lane is located in McCall, Idaho. It has an Ozark vibe with the peaceful lane and beautiful natural environment. Natural hot springs on the side of the mountains. Kayaking was a dream!
- ★★★★★over 1 year agoAbsolutely amazing great place to visit looking forward to coming back
- ★★★★★over 4 years agoBeautiful lake, wonderful hiking, friendly people. Very relaxing.