BEAUTIFUL BASS LAKE CALIFORNIA– Your Gateway to Adventure and Relaxation
Bass Lake is a located one hour northwest of Fresno and 17 miles from the southern gate to Yosemite National Park near the exact center of California. Bass Lake’s emerald green water and sandy shores are nestled among tall Pines at an elevation of 3,415 feet.
This year-round vacation destination was named one of the “West’s Best Lakes” by Sunset Magazine, and has been a popular tourist destination since the 1930s. The lake is renowned for excellent water activities, mountain bike trails, hiking, fishing, shopping, and lakeside dining. Lodging includes lakeside resorts, friends and family cabins rentals, and campgrounds.
If you wish to play on the lake, Bass Lake is the perfect place for you! With summer water temps reaching 80 degrees and three marinas to choose from, you can find everything you need to satisfy your water activity needs. Plus, there are two public boat launches, so if you have your own water toys… bring them along, too.
BASS LAKE FISHING DERBY
A timeless tradition in the foothills near Yosemite, the Bass Lake Fishing Derby offers anglers an annual chance — over two days — to win a portion of a purse worth over $50,000 in prize money.
The Derby takes place the first weekend in May, just after some 1,000 tagged rainbow trout are released into the clear waters of beautiful Bass Lake. Two grand prize fish are worth $10,000 each and one more is worth $5,000, and the rest are tagged $100 and $20 each.
Rain or shine, the lake is busy, yet unusually quiet on derby weekend: a voluntary 5 mph speed limit is requested of all boaters during the popular event, so you won’t hear the sounds of fast engines. Adults need a California Fishing License to participate, while children under the age of 16 don’t need a license. Fishing can be done from the shoreline or by boat.
Derby weekend is the perfect chance to connect with friends, family, fishing — and fun. And maybe a little cash!
Hiking at Bass Lake California
How would you like your Bass Lake hike, challenging or easy?
If you’re looking to get some exercise with significant elevation gain, try the Spring Cove trail from the campground up to Goat Mountain, west of the lake. The hike up is just over five miles on a sometimes-steep dirt road. History awaits at the top, in the form of an old fire lookout tower.
The Willow Creek trail follows along the creek that feeds Bass Lake, above Falls Beach. You’ll see cascades on this three-mile hike, depending on the season. Beware: the granite rock is polished and slippery, the water is icy — use caution when hiking this area.
Want to keep it easy? Just park in one of the free spots along the lake, get out, and walk along the shore. Bass Lake is beautiful in any season, clear and glassy in the morning, colored by sunset in the evening. It’s perfect for walking with children, who may keep count of animal tracks along the way. How many can you find?
Easy | Way of the Mono – 1 mile loop.
Note: Great for children. Self-interpretive trail showing uses of plants among the Mono Indians. (Some signs missing/defaced).
Easy to Moderate | Goat Mountain from Teaford Saddle – 3 miles.
Note: Walk up Forest Service road to fire lookout.
Moderate | Goat Mountain from Spring Cove campground – 4 miles.
Note: Watch for poison oak!
Moderate | Willow Creek-Angel Falls-Devils Slide – 2 miles.
Note: The rocks along the creek are slippery and the swirling pools can be dangerous – use caution.
ONLY park on dirt on downhill side of entrance, otherwise you WILL BE TOWED. Sierra National Forest Link.
Trail conditions in the Sierra National Forest: 1-559-877-2218 (or ask a ranger-on-duty).
Enjoy the Fantastic View at Falls Beach and Angels Falls
On the north shore of Bass Lake, Falls Beach is an ideal spot to spend the day and watch the sunset. To get there, park off Road 274 where Willow Creek meets Bass Lake. There’s a fee for parking — and the location is worth it.
The day-use area at Falls Beach has a barbecue, picnic tables, potable water, and plenty of places to play and swim. You’ve got a terrific view of the lake, room to stretch out, shops and restaurants nearby, and all the time in the world. Bring your chairs, some shade, and set up for the long haul.
Above Falls Beach (over a mile) is Angel Falls. Gorgeous, yes — but the granite rocks are slick, the cold water is swift, and rescues there are frequent. Cascading along Willow Creek, the largest waterfall is about 20 feet. A common destination for hikers, it’s also a popular spot for teens. You can make your way to some great swimming holes if you’re careful.
Discover the Way of the Mono Trail
Way of the Mono trail is a self-guided mile-long loop that starts with a fairly steep incline and quickly resolves into an easy walk of switchbacks up the mountain. At the top is Mono Rock, a spectacular vista point from which hikers can see the lake below
Hiking Way of the Mono Trail at Bass Lake, it’s easy to picture what life may have been like for the area’s first people. Educational interpretive signs tell the story of teenage Eku Mina as she goes about gathering bounty from the forest daily.
Way of the Mono is located across from the Little Denver Church day-use area off Road 222. There’s some free parking near the trailhead, and along the road, provided vehicles are safely tucked away from passing traffic.
Despite its proximity to the lake, closed-toe shoes with good tread are recommended for this hike. Dogs must stay on leash. You can’t beat the beautiful view.
BASS LAKE MOUNTAIN BIKING
Exciting trails for riders of all abilities, complete with beautiful Sierra views, make for outstanding mountain biking in and around Bass Lake. Here are some top local rides:
Goat Mountain | Forks Trail is an intermediate single track, 8 miles round-trip. Starting off Road 223, just west of Bass Lake, forest road 7S23 forks left to the single track or right to the fire lookout tower. It’s the same distance from Spring Cove to the lookout tower.
The 007 Trail ranges from 3 – 20 miles and, with three sections, is considered advanced. Start at Road 274 and Central Camp Road. Jumps in the lower section require experienced riders only.
Climbing from Chepo Saddle off Road 222, forest road 6S88 connects with the Bass Lake Vista overlook, Slick Rock, the Mary Jane trail and other back country tracks.
Willow Creek Trail is a double black diamond downhill following Willow Creek from the high country above the lake, and is for advanced riders only. On all trails watch for motorcycles, hikers, horses, and poison oak.
BASS LAKE PADDLEBOARDING & KAYAKING
There’s something masterful about skimming across the lake on a stand-up paddle board — even when you’re not standing up. The same can be said for kayaking, low to the water, with an intimate view your surroundings. What’s more — paddle boarding and kayaking are both easy and affordable.
When you’re out there on the same level as the local waterfowl, you’ll find relaxing is simple, the pace is perfect, and you’re getting great exercise. Whether you bring your own or rent your floating vessel from one of the places at the lake, you can be on the water fast without fuss.
With no motor grinding in your ear, these low-key explorer activities leave plenty of room for socializing, and you’ll look good while you get a good look at your surroundings. It’s hard to find a better way to float around, listen to music from nearby docks, catch a sunrise or sunset.
BASS LAKE WATERSPORT FUN ON BASS LAKE
Want to tear up some water behind a fast-moving vessel? It’s time for water skiing, wake surfing, jet skiing, and more on Bass Lake — and that means making memories that will last far beyond the vacation. At just over four-miles long and half-a-mile wide, Bass Lake is big enough for water skiing and personal watercraft and small enough to feel like home.
If you bring your own boat to the lake, it’s important to make sure that it’s registered — costs vary depending on the size. You can register locally through the Madera County Sheriff. Leaving your boat on the lake overnight? You’ll need to rent a mooring from one of the marinas, unless you have a dock at your vacation rental. Launching your boat? There are two public access launches on the lake: Wishon Boat Launch on the south shore past Miller’s Landing Resort and The Pines Marina at Bass Lake Boat Rentals.
If you’re planning to rent a boat at Bass Lake, we’ve got you covered. There are three full-service marinas on the lake to take care of all your boating needs.
Boats move counter-clockwise around the lake, and large orange buoys situated near the edges signal the no wake zone — so please keep your speed under 5 miles per hour in those areas. Otherwise, let it rip and follow all safety rules.
THE FORKS RESORT BOAT RENTALS & RESTAURANT
With comfy, red booths, swivel stools along an expansive pine bar, and a newly-constructed outdoor deck, The Forks Restaurant is a happening place on most nights of the season. Inside, the general store is well-stocked with familiar brands of groceries, as well as drugstore sundries, souvenirs, sporting goods, fishing tackle and fishing license, propane, gas and ice.
For more than 80 years, The Forks Resort has built a reputation as a traditional family vacation spot, family owned and operated for three generations, The resort’s long-time owners personally choose every item on every shelf, and that love is evident in each high-quality, great-looking item they carry.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner feature homemade soups, chili and dressings, served in the original 50s diner setting. When the restaurant reopens every spring, hungry loyalists flock to The Forks like it’s a national holiday. They’re getting their Forks Burger-fix: fresh beef patty on sourdough bread, smothered in cheese and onions. It’s a real mountain tradition. Not your thing? Try any selection, you can’t go wrong.
BASS LAKE BOAT RENTALS AND MARINA GRILL
Offering nearly unlimited opportunity for recreation, and a killer menu to go with it, Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Marina Grill are at the heart of the lake in The Pines Marina.
Choose your speed from rental options including patio boats, ski and wakeboard boats, jet skis and waverunners, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards and paddle boats, fishing boats and even ebikes. You can also pick up snacks, water, gear and souvenirs inside the shop.
Right next to the boat rentals, the Marina Grill is cookin’ up fresh, delicious burgers and homemade food including hot dogs, chicken tenders, chowder and sandwiches. The ambiance is classic lakeside, with tables and thatched umbrellas alongside the famous Bass Lake sign—perfect for a souvenir selfie.
It’s not uncommon for a DJ to rock the dock, and there’s a newly-installed dance floor. Summer weekends, the patio is ablaze with fire dancers who can be seen dockside or from a boat on the lake. The show is fantastic, and it’s free.
HIKING AROUND BASS LAKE – Explore the Willow Creek Trailhead
How would you like your Bass Lake hike, challenging or easy?
If you’re looking to get some exercise with significant elevation gain, try the Spring Cove trail from the campground up to Goat Mountain, west of the lake. The hike up is just over five miles on a sometimes-steep dirt road. History awaits at the top, in the form of an old fire lookout tower.
The Willow Creek trail follows along the creek that feeds Bass Lake, above Falls Beach. You’ll see cascades on this three-mile hike, depending on the season. Beware: the granite rock is polished and slippery, the water is icy — use caution when hiking this area.
Want to keep it easy? Just park in one of the free spots along the lake, get out, and walk along the shore. Bass Lake is beautiful in any season, clear and glassy in the morning, colored by sunset in the evening. It’s perfect for walking with children, who may keep count of animal tracks along the way. How many can you find?
Go Camping at Bass Lake
There are several camping options near Bass Lake in California. The closest option is the Bass Lake Campground which is located on the shore of the lake and offers both tent and RV sites. Additionally, there are several other campgrounds located in the nearby Sierra National Forest, such as the Forks Campground and the Will-O-The-Wisp Campground which offer both tent and RV sites, as well as group campsites. For those looking for a more remote camping experience, there are also several backcountry campsites that can be accessed via hiking trails in the area.
Visit Yosemite National Park
Driving from Bass Lake to Yosemite National Park is a beautiful journey that takes you through the Sierra National Forest. The drive takes about an hour and a half and takes you along the scenic winding roads that offer great views of the mountains and forests.
If you’re planning a day trip to Yosemite National Park, there are many things to see and do. Some popular options include:
- Visiting the famous Yosemite Valley, where you can see famous landmarks like El Capitan and Half Dome.
- Hiking in the park, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous, such as the Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls, or the relatively flat and easy trail to Lower Yosemite Falls.
- Enjoying the natural beauty of the park by taking a scenic drive on the Tioga Road, which takes you through the high country of the park and offers great views of the mountains and meadows.
- Visiting the Mariposa Grove, home to some of the largest sequoias in the park.
- If you are interested in photography, sunset or sunrise at Tunnel View, Glacier Point or Olmsted Point are great spots for photo opportunities.
Keep in mind that the park gets very crowded during the summer months, so it’s best to plan your trip in advance and make sure to get an early start to avoid the crowds. Also, be prepared with water, snacks and sun protection, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Experience A Steam Train Ride
Taking a steam train ride while visiting Bass Lake can be a fun and unique way to experience the area. The closest steam train experience is the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, located about 45 minutes from Bass Lake in Fish Camp, CA. This historic railroad offers a variety of train rides that take you through the Sierra National Forest, with beautiful views of the mountains, forests, and the Madera Creek. They also have a museum, and a steam-powered sawmill demonstration.
Enjoy the true beauty nature at Recreation Point Group Campground
One of the things that make the Recreation Point Group Campground special is that it’s a group only site, meaning that it’s only available for groups of 8 or more people, This makes it a great option for families or groups of friends looking for a more private camping experience.
Another special feature of the campground is that it offers a variety of recreational activities nearby. The campground is adjacent to the Bass Lake Ranger Station, which offers a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, boating and fishing. Additionally, the campground is located near the Sierra National Forest and the Nelder Grove of Giant Sequoias, which offer great hiking and exploring opportunities.
Waterfront Accommodations in Bass Lake
The feature cabin and rental experience is run by Pines Resort at Bass Lake. Choose between 84 inviting mountain chalets, 20 deluxe lakefront suites or two private, fully-furnished houses, equipped with an array of thoughtful, modern amenities.
All resort accommodations reflect a contemporary mountain décor, inspired by the scenic, natural surroundings. They also feature stunning forest or lakefront views and are within easy walking distance of the lake, the resort’s restaurants, recreational activities and retail shops.
Our cozy, two-story mountain duplex cabins are nestled on the hillside, surrounded by the ponderosa pines and are perfect for couples and families. Our lake-viewing suites are close by the famous Ducey’s on the Lake onsite dining venue, and the spacious rental cabins are an all-time mountain-lovers’ retreat. Enjoy your vast Californian mountain retreat while you are here at The Pines Resort.
Go Barbecuing on a Patio Boat with Bass Lake Boat Rentals
Renting an outdoor yacht with a grill is an awesome option to visit Bass Lake with your family. The Bass lake Boat Rental Company also provides boat rentals in inland waters. On this all-day sailing boat you can sit back and make burgers to toast your talents. The boats have canopies, propane grills with propane and lifejackets as standard equipment. How can I get my kids excited? It is possible to hire an “Inner Tube” to haul the boat on its patio.
Additional Bass Lake options to consider
- Enjoy the hike at Willow Creek Trailhead
- Enjoy a family camping experience at Little Denver Church Picnic Site
- Dinner at the Pines Village Bakery and Pizzeria
- Explore the Pines Market and Deli and Bass Lake Farmer’s Market
- Watch the Bald Eagles at the Pines Resort
