Overview

Set along the shores of Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho, Whitetail Club and Shore Lodge offer a refined mountain-lake escape that feels quietly exclusive and deeply romantic. Late summer is the sweet spot — warm sunshine during the day, crisp air at night, and a relaxed rhythm that invites both adventure and connection.

The setting is natural and uncrowded, ideal for couples who want high-quality golf, a true spa experience, and the feeling of being far removed from everyday noise. Long golden days stretch into cool alpine evenings, creating the perfect balance for golf mornings and lakeside relaxation.

  • Best time to visit: Late summer (August through early September) for warm days, cool nights, and perfect lake conditions.
  • What to pack: Layers for variable mountain weather, golf attire, swimwear for lake activities, casual evening wear, and water shoes for paddleboarding.

Where to Stay

Shore Lodge delivers classic mountain elegance: timber beams, stone fireplaces, lake-view balconies, and interiors that feel warm and timeless. Many rooms overlook the water or surrounding forest, making mornings slow and peaceful.

For added privacy, Whitetail Club residences and cottages provide secluded luxury — perfect for couples who want space to unwind, sip wine on the deck, and let the days unfold naturally with unobstructed lake and mountain views.

Golf

The Whitetail Club Golf Course is one of Idaho's premier mountain layouts. Designed to feel playable yet scenic, the course winds through pine forest and open meadows with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Late summer golf here is exceptional — cool morning tee times, firm fairways, and air that feels light and energizing. It's a course that rewards thoughtful play and invites lingering over post-round drinks with lake views.

Whether one partner golfs while the other relaxes or you both enjoy a shared round, the experience feels relaxed, scenic, and unhurried. The private nature of the club ensures peaceful rounds where the only soundtrack is birdsong and the whisper of wind through pines.

Day Spa

The Cove at Shore Lodge is a lakeside spa sanctuary designed for restoration. Treatment rooms overlook the water, and therapies focus on deep relaxation, muscle recovery, and full-body balance.

  • Couples' massage suites with lake views
  • Warm stone and deep-tissue treatments ideal after outdoor activity
  • Indoor pool, steam room, and relaxation lounges
  • Quiet spaces that encourage lingering and disconnecting

It's the perfect complement to a golf morning — restorative, calm, and quietly indulgent. The spa embraces the natural healing qualities of mountain air and alpine water, creating treatments that feel grounding and deeply rejuvenating.

Dining

Dining at Shore Lodge highlights Pacific Northwest flavors and seasonal ingredients — fresh trout, grilled meats, garden vegetables, and thoughtfully crafted cocktails.

Late summer evenings are ideal for lakeside dinners, shared plates, and slow conversations as the sun sets behind the hills. The atmosphere is romantic without being formal, inviting couples to relax into the moment and savor both the food and the setting.

Nearby Attractions & Activities

Beyond the resort's golf and spa, late summer at Payette Lake offers activities that showcase Idaho's mountain beauty:

  • Payette Lake: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunset cruises on calm alpine waters
  • Hiking & biking trails: Explore alpine meadows and forest routes with summer wildflowers
  • Boat rentals: Explore the lake at your own pace with pontoon or speedboat options
  • McCall town: Charming shops, cafés, and casual lakeside nightlife
  • Wildlife viewing: Deer, birds, and quiet forest moments along hiking trails

Why It Works for Couples

  • Late-summer weather: Warm by day and cool by night — perfect balance
  • Championship golf paired with lakeside spa: Ideal combination of activity and restoration
  • Uncrowded, intimate mountain-lake atmosphere: Peaceful without feeling isolated
  • Easy balance of active and relaxed: Golf mornings, spa afternoons, lake activities
  • Romantic evenings with water views: Sunsets, firelight, and long conversations
  • Perfect for quiet luxury and natural beauty: Refined without pretense