Bass Lake, California Travel Guide

Bass Lake is a village and body of water known for outdoor recreation and traditional lake life. Bass Lake is situated south of Yosemite National Park, arguably the most beautiful place in the world, on the edge of the Sierra National Forest.

Things to Do in Bass Lake, California

Entertainment in Bass Lake begins and ends at the lake. The narrow and lengthy waters provide an excellent playground for fishermen, boaters, water-skiers, and wake boarders. There is also some quality hiking from the shores of the lake leading into the surrounding forest; a particular favorite to look into is the Willow Creek Trailhead.

Best Time to Visit Bass Lake, California

While much of the appeal in the Sierra National Forest is year-round because of the possibility of skiing and snow hikes, Bass Lake is best visited in the summer for lake activities.

A Local's Guide to Bass Lake

The stunning town and lake of Bass Lake sits at a lofty elevation of 3,400 feet. The town is a paradise for explorers, as it is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. Just 100 years ago, the lake looked completely different to how it does today. It was once a picturesque meadow surrounded by pine forest and mountains. Back in 1895, a plan was put in place to use the water from Willow Creek to generate hydroelectric power for residents of the nearby valley. A dam was built, and Bass Lake was truly born -- now very accessible with Bass Lake vacation rentals and other lodgings.

In the summer months, the lake is warm and appealing. One part of the lake shore is full of vacation homes, and much of the lake is surrounded by the Sierra National Forest. In winter, the area offers the possibility of skiing and snow hikes in the mountains, and after a long day you can head back to your vacation home and warm up by a cozy fire.

Fishermen come from all over the world to try their hand at fishing on the lake. The body of water holds a surprising variety of fish species, from Bass to Rainbow Trout, Kokanee Salmon, Carp, Catfish, and many others. However, fishing is not the only recreational activity that the town and lake has to offer. There are numerous trails around the shoreline, many of which wind up into the forest for hiking and camping adventures. You can get a workout and attempt the five-mile hike to Goat Mountain Fire Lookout and back. Although the trek may be tiring, the fantastic views and sights along the way will make the trip well worth it.

The waters of the lake become blissfully warm in the summer, making it a mecca for swimming and a range of water sports. The lake is nearly five miles in length, so it is a perfect spot for water-skiing, wakeboarding, and wave running. If you want an activity that is a little more relaxing, it also has sheltered coves for swimming, and boat rentals for a peaceful day out on the water.

In the center of the Bass Lake community is the Pines Resort. This resort has a range of amenities for guests, and is the location of many vacation rentals, markets, shops and restaurants. The resort has lakefront rooms and cozy chalet, great for a relaxing break at any time of year. Two other great resorts are the Forks and Miller Landing Resort, both have an almost summer camp feel and can be fun for both adults and children alike.

For the ultimate holiday, Bass Lake and Yosemite come hand-in-hand. The town is just a half an hour’s drive from the world-famous Yosemite National Park. The park is a World Heritage Site that has truly breathtaking scenery, world-class hiking trails and majestic waterfalls. The whole area encompasses of 1,200 square miles, in which you can find valleys, meadows, ancient towering sequoias and much more.

Cabins in Bass Lake

Just a half an hour drive from the world famous Yosemite National Park, a Bass Lake Cabin rental makes for the best place to stay to see the natural wonders the park contains. The lake may be smaller than some of its neighbors, but the the area has a delightful alpine feel to it, plus its waters are lovely and warm in the summer months, making it perfect for swimming.

The lake itself is a popular destination for a range of water sports including water skiing, wave running and wakeboarding, and all through the year the lake is full of kayakers and sail boats. There are many vacation rentals on the lakefront, as there is no better view to greet you in the morning than the sparkling waters and surrounding hills.

Bass Lake and Yosemite go hand-in-hand, and getting a vacation home in town places the park right on your doorstep. Filled with fantastic waterfalls and rock formations, plus plenty of recreational activities, Yosemite is a truly must-see destination in California.