While this year’s bitter, snowy winter has created its share of challenges across Idaho, Mother Nature often provides beautiful opportunities and sights to make up for the season’s chill. While frozen waterfalls are one of our favorite sights, the frozen expanse of Payette Lake in McCall creates quite the winter spectacle.

The charming mountain town of McCall forms a breathtaking scene against its backdrop of snow-covered rolling hills and photo-worthy mountains--but with the eight-mile crystal clear waters of Payette Lake, it's easy to see why this town was once called Lake City.
McCall Chamber/Facebook
Partially under the protection of Ponderosa State Park, 1000 acres of natural wilderness, recreation sites, and unspoiled beauty ensure that this glacial lake remains a pristine and treasured part of the landscape.
The gentle Cuddy Mountains of the Payette National Forest and the Salmon River Mountains are often bathed in a stunning alpenglow that highlights the beauty of this local lake.
McCall Chamber/Facebook
As one of the snowiest spots in Idaho, winters in around the lake are magnificent, but cold, to say the least. This allows the water to freeze deeper and more solid than other lakes.
Nicholas D./Flickr
Solid enough to walk, skate, sled, and even drive on.
Ahems/TripAdvisor

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While the snow forms a white blanket over the water that allows visitors to walk on the water often without even realizing it...
Ahems/TripAdvisor
The lake plunges to a depth of nearly 400 feet in some places.
At other times, the ice is visible and it's a positively a mind-trip to realize only six or so inches of ice separate you from the frigid waters.
Ahems/TripAdvisor
Of course, be sure to double-check ice conditions before attempting to walk on the lake and follow all posted signs! Conditions vary by year.
If your nerves kick in, feel free to just kick back and enjoy the view from the city or state park.
charmer/Flickr
Although, just about any ol' spot is perfect for enjoying the beauty.
And don't forget to catch a sunset!
Robyn Crasmaer/Idaho Only/Facebook

Have you ever walked on a frozen lake before, whether the Payette at McCall’s annual Winter Carnival, or elsewhere?

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