These are just a few of the great hiking trails in and around McCall. For further details on these and other hikes, plus the latest trail conditions, maps and fire conditions, please contact the U.S. Forest Service by telephone at: 1-208-634-0400.

Big Hazard Lake

Hiking Around McCall

Drive approximately 27 miles up the Goose Lake/ Hazard Lake Road to the Big Hazard Lake trailhead. This level and delightfully easy hike to the largest of the three Hazard Lakes meanders for about half a mile through forest and downed timber before reaching the lake. Big Hazard Lake comes right up to the edge of the forest, so there is very little beach area, but it is ideal for floating inner tubes, canoes or inflatable rafts.

Scribner Lake

Hiking Around McCall

Follow the Hazard Lake Road until it becomes Forest Service Road #308, and reaches a grand view that overlooks Big Hazard Lake and the mountains to the west. It may seem like a long drive for the short, 1/2-mile, hike into Scribner Lake, but the great fishing makes the trip worthwhile. The hike itself climbs through boulders and timber for about half of a mile.

Boulder Lake

Hiking Around McCall

Park just below Boulder Meadows Reservoir. The trail follows the north side of the reservoir and is two miles long with an elevation gain of about 700 feet. It climbs slowly to a few steep switchbacks that wander amongst the rocks just before the lake. Boulder Lake (elevation 6,973 ft.) is a popular with fishermen. It also offers access to other excellent hikes, including those to Anderson, Maloney, Summit, Rapid, Fogg, and Kennally Lakes.

Duck Lake

Hiking Around McCall

This hike is an easy two-mile loop with little elevation gain, making it ideal for those who seek a quick but genuine outdoors experience. To reach the trailhead, take Lick Creek Road for 16 miles from the corner of East Lake Street, drive past Slick Rock, and head up to the summit. Approximately one and a half miles beyond the summit is the trailhead and a small parking area. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. It has two small streams to cross, either by hopping from log to rock or by wading. Duck Lake sits at 6,840 feet in a wooded area with a meadow at the upper end and several campsites at the lower end. Other longer trails branch off from here. Trail 085 goes north from the lake and meets up with the Twenty-Mile Trail, which then leads back to Warren Wagon Road. This trail is also popular with mountain bikers. The trail starts at an elevation of 6,400 feet, climbs to 7,000 feet, and ends at about 6,000 feet.


East Fork Lake Fork Creek

Take Lick Creek Road and drive 4.5 miles past Little Payette Lake to the Lake Fork Campground. Continue for another mile and park at the large camping area on the north side of the bridge. Here you will find the trailhead for this pleasant two-mile round trip hike that parallels Lake Fork Creek. It is a rolling stretch of trail with little elevation gain - a good place to introduce your kids to hiking. There are huckleberries to pick, rocks to climb on, and a few hidden fishing spots, too. The trail is also excellent for mountain bikes and horses. Wranglers may use the unloading ramp and hitching rails at the Lake Fork Guard Station (please be aware that parking is very limited). From here a short ride and a stream crossing will take you straight to the trailhead.

Louie Lake & Jughandle Mountain

Hiking Around McCall

Turn east off Highway 55 at Elo/Farm-to-Market Road and continue to the sign for Boulder Lake. Turn east and drive about four miles to the Louie Lake trailhead. Hike through the trees before crossing Boulder Creek on a log bridge. The trail then climbs 300 feet through huckleberry bushes before intersecting the Louie Lake jeep trail at .5 miles. Louie Lake is one mile beyond. Although the trail climbs steadily, it is easy to follow and affords good views of Long Valley far below. Total elevation gain is 735 feet. Louie Lake is a pristine, deep-blue lake that sits at 7,004 feet beneath Jughandle Mountain. There is a slippery log to cross that is not adviseable for young children and senior citizens. Skilled trekkers can climb 8,310-foot Jughandle Mountain beginning from a trail at the southeast corner of the Lake.

Hum Lake

Hiking Around McCall

The 1.5-mile Hum Lake trail starts at Duck Lake at an elevation of 6,840 feet. The trail requires a climb to almost 7,800 feet before it crosses a saddle and then drops back down to 6,800 feet or so. This gain and loss of over 1,000 feet in elevation over a short trail makes for a steep hike, but the reward is great panoramic views of both of the lakes.

Goose Creek Falls

Hiking Around McCall

Travel west on Highway 55 to the Brundage Mountain turnoff. Take this road three miles to the ample parking area at the Goose Creek Falls trailhead. Follow the trail for about 100 yards before crossing an open area that has been logged. Continue west over a ridge and down Goose Creek Canyon until you reach Goose Creek. Take the bridge across Goose Creek, turn left, and follow the creek for about 300 yards. No trail leads to the falls, so you will have to follow the sound of falling water to find it. The hike to the falls loses 700 feet in elevation.

Box Lake (Black Lee Trail)

Hiking Around McCall

From McCall, drive eleven miles up Lick Creek Road to reach the trailhead for this hike that ascends Black Lee Creek. Because of steep terrain and loose rocks, this is not recommended for young children. It starts at an elevation of 5,680 feet and gains 1,863 feet over the course of 3.5 miles. A series of switchbacks assist a climb of 800 feet in the first mile, and the hike continues to be steep for another mile or so after that. After passing through several streams and a meadow, the trail climbs again before arriving at a ridge 343 feet above Box Lake. The lake is one of the largest in the area, and was the backdrop for a Chuck Yeager TV commercial. Folks who wish to swim or fish here may find it best to camp overnight and return the following day.