No matter how far or where you travel, a new exploration awaits. For me, it was a little less than two hours away in a place called McCall, Idaho. When COVID hit and was spreading fast, my family and I questioned if we were able to still take our yearly summer trip up to McCall. We decided to still go and mindfully keep our distance from crowds of people and hot spots in town. McCall offers so many things from boating, hiking, skiing, and so many other outdoors activities. My family and I stayed the week in our time-share cabin. It was our last trip together before me and my brother had to head back to school. We brought my dog Max along as he loves hiking and finding hidden lakes to jump in the water. A trip to McCall allows us to spend time together as a family and enjoy living in such a beautiful state.
The town itself is mainly centered around Payette Lake as cabins line every shore as well as hotels. Docks are stretched into the water filled with boats and jet skis. Restaurants and stores are in walking distance from the shores and the beauty of the town is indescribable. When taking the boat out for my family, our dog usually doesn’t come along so its just the four of us. Usually when we decide on taking the boat out, it becomes our entire day. Wakeboarding, kneeboarding, and swimming are just some of the activities me and my brother do. My parents relax and around halfway through the day we shore the boat on the north end of the lake, right on the beach. My mom sets up a make-your-own sandwich station and we enjoy our lunch together on the beach in the warm sun. Later in the afternoon, as our skin is feeling the bright sun’s effects, we decide it’s time to pack up and head back to the cabin. Days on the water with my family are my favorite as I get to relax in the sun and take in the lake’s beauty.
My parents have owned a ski boat since I was born and to this day every summer we take it out on the lake. But when we head to McCall, it’s the one time a year we are presented with the opportunity to rent jet skis. Jet skiing is a different kind of high especially when your full throttling towards the wake of another boat trying to catch some air. My and my brother are always excited when coming to McCall because we are able to rent the jet skis.We spent all day, and I mean all day, out on the lake until my jet ski was almost out of gas. Driving around on the lake, you feel so careless and free with the wind blowing past your face. It’s truly exhilarating.
Hiking through the mountains of McCall, Idaho is one of the greatest ways to capture its full effect with the beauty of the nature that surrounds it. There are so many trails just surrounding the town and even more in the mountains with trails of all levels. I recommend grabbing a local trail map and researching which are right and your desired skill level. For a more of a beginner and family oriented hike, the trails around Payette Lake are the best option while still containing stunning views. This was one of the many trails my family and I embarked on and we decided to bring my dog Max along too. I’ve personally hiked this trail the most and it will never get old.
Towards the end of our trip, my mom had to drive back home a couple days early for work and took our dog, but my dad, brother, and I stayed an extra day. We decided to explore one last trailhead before the reality of going back to school and dealing with a global pandemic set in. It was one last exciting adventure to share for the summer. We researched a more difficult hike than the previous but also wanted one with a view. Leaving at 8 a.m. and driving around 30 minutes straight towards the mountain led us to Lake Louie and its trailhead. In order to actually make it to the lake and see the water, we were in for a treat. By “treat” I mean a solid uphill climb, with boulders sticking out and not another human in sight. We had to stop many times before we reached the lake as we were all drenched in sweat and chugging water. I didn’t think the climb was ever going to end, until around an hour later, we finally made it. It was so worth it as the lake was so clear and clean. A few fly fisherman lined the lake, but if you stood and stopped to take a breath, it was silent. You could hear just pure nature and your heavy breathing. We continued to hike around the lake until we reached a rock that stuck out across the water. We decided to eat our lunch in peace and took in the beauty that surrounded us.
This last summer adventure before the virus picked up was nothing short of perfect. It was the best way to end the season and in the company of my family and dog made it so much better. It was also the last adventure that I was able to experience with my dog Max as he would pass away a month later. It was end for many things like having to be sequestered in my house for months, but it also brought new beginnings. Heading back to school and entering another year of life. Every summer, my family ends with our trip to McCall and it brings me peace in doing so. Traveling with people you love while exploring and experiencing new places and things is something truly special.
