I paddled Payette Lake near McCall last week and it was pretty quiet.

Let's just say that several other paddlers and I has the place to ourselves. There were no powerboats or Jet Skis or crowds.

Fall is an ideal time of the year to paddle a canoe or touring kayak on places like Payette Lake, the upper reaches of Lake Cascade, around the coves on Lucky Peak Reservoir, Anderson Ranch Reservoir or even some of the upper reaches of Arrowrock Reservoir.

Sure, you might get into some rain or snow, but hey, that's part of high-country paddling.

Because there is less powerboat traffic, there's a good chance to see wildlife. I saw a bald eagle at North Beach on Payette Lake. It was perched in a large snag and didn't seem to mind paddlers going by.

Warm Lake might be another ideal spot, before the snows set in.

One thing about this time of the year. Watch the wind and get off big water before the waves kick up.

I usually stick pretty close to shore and avoid open water crossings.

Have fun and good paddling.