Geese are straight up bullies. If you have ever had the unfortunate luck of having a goose block the path you’re walking down then you know what I am talking about. So a lake named after this jerk-of-an-animal can’t be all that great right? Wrong, Goose Lake up in McCall is the exact opposite of its namesake. A quiet, serene lake tucked away past Brundage Ski Resort in the Payette National Forest, Goose Lake has a laid-back atmosphere that won’t try bite you when you get close.
Situated right next to Goose Lake is an equally friendly Grouse Campground. Easy-to-find yet not overcrowded, Grouse is the best-maintained campground in this area.
The Road (That Should Be) Less Traveled
Brundage Mountain Resort has begun a major restoration of Goose Lake Road which leads off the main road, up past the ski resort and to Goose Lake. Construction started in 2016 and is still far from being complete. You can still access the lake via this road but be prepared for a slow and frustrating journey, especially if you are pulling a trailer to Grouse Campground.
Once the road is complete this drive will be a breeze but due to poor conditions that will seriously test your campers suspension, you might want to rough this one by simply car camping.
If you don’t mind having your patience tested, make sure you at least stop in McCall to fill up your gas tank and your stomach. You will not want to tackle this steep drive hangry.
Grouse Campground
Setting up camp at Grouse is a quick and easy. The spots are nice and wide and you have some privacy from your neighbors. Very few campsites have views of the lake, but site #9 has the best. The amenities here are pretty standard. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. The only thing missing is a tent pad. If you’re tent camping, bring a small shovel in case you need to remove a few rocks from where you want to set up the tent.
There is an important thing you need to know ahead of time before camping at Grouse. If you see a big black hide rustling in the bushes that looks a lot like a bear, watch it for a little bit before running off screaming. One unique feature about Grouse Campground is it’s proximity to open range cattle. It is not uncommon to have a cow or two mozy past your tent. They certainly aren’t dangerous but mistaking a cow for a bear can really get that adrenaline pumping.
The campground has vault toilets which are well-maintained thanks to the excellent camp hosts. There are also few hand pump water spigots around the area but I wouldn’t count on them as your source of water. They are unreliable and still requires you to filter the water. You’re better off bringing your own H2O. Speaking of water, the campground is less than a 5-minute walk to the lake.
Nearby Trails
Grouse Campground makes a good base camp for hiking in the Payette Forest. Close by is the trailhead for Twin Lakes and Granite Mountain. Both trails start at the same spot and branch off about a mile in. If you are in really good shape you can do both trails in a single day.
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is an easy 1.5-mile hike leading to an alpine lake. There are a few stream crossings and some cattle you’ll have to scoot out of the way but it’s a great hike if you’re just looking for a quick trip.
Granite Mountain Fire Lookout
If you’re looking for a challenge Granite Mountain has one for you and at the top of Granite Mountain is a fire lookout. At 12 miles out-and-back and over 1700 ft of elevation gain, this is a hike only for the dedicated. The view at the top allows you to see for miles in all directions.
Goose Lake
Goose Lake is calm and glassy much like you’d expect from an alpine lake, yet getting here doesn’t require nearly as much sweat. There are a few trails that connect some un-managed campgrounds but to see the whole lake you will need some kind of watercraft, like a canoe. You’ll want a small boat for fishing as well. The shore is muddy and shallow so you won’t have much luck catching rainbow or brook trout without being on the water.
If you hike around the edges of Goose Lake you’ll notice distinct tracks preserved in the mud from all different types of critters. Get up early to spot deer and elk roaming the shore.
While exploring the lake watch where you step. There are frogs, snakes and oh yeah, religious cults. Alright, you may not have to worry too much about that last one. But you will find some very creepy religious carvings hidden among the trees. There isn’t any information on the carvings but if you were looking to create a ghost story for the campfire later this should certainly get your imagination going.
A Winning Combination
Goose Lake and Grouse Campground make for a fun weekend of camping. Enjoy hiking during the day or take the canoe out on the water to do a little fishing. Explore the surrounding areas complete with cows that can be mistaken for bears and the potential opportunity to join a mysterious cult. The options are endless!
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
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