Nearest Town: McCall
Site Size: 1600 acres
Directions: Signs to the park are posted at every major intersection in McCall. From ID 55 in McCall (3rd St), turn E onto Railroad Ave; rd will curve R and change name to Wooley Ave.; at second 4-way STOP turn L onto Davis St and continue straight to park entrance in another 1.3 mi.
Description: This state park, named for its old ponderosa pines, sits on a 2.5 mile-long forested peninsula that almost bisects Payette Lake. The park has varied topography and habitats, with arid sagebrush flats, steep basaltic cliffs, dense conifer groves, meadows, and marshes. The park offers nature trails, guided walks with park naturalists, and evening campfire programs. Wildlife diversity is high, though many species can only be seen at dawn or dusk. Likely species to be seen are Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Osprey, Great Blue Heron,Swainson’s Thrush, Townsend’s Warbler, Western Tanager, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Vaux’s Swift, Olive-sided Flycatcher, and Willow Flycatcher. In winter, look for Great Gray Owl, Pine Siskin, woodpeckers, and chickadees, and nuthatches.
More Information:
IDFG (208) 634-2164
McCall (208) 634-7631
www.idahoparks.org/parks/ponderosa.aspx