A waterfall in the middle of a forest.

Yosemite National Park &
Bass Lake Adventure Awaits!

Experience the enchantment of Yosemite National Park year-round! Witness the park burst into life as Spring blankets it in a tapestry of blooming wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. Scale the heights of Glacier Point for breathtaking panoramic vistas in the Summer. Fall reveals a symphony of crimson and amber foliage while offering thrills on the slopes of Badger Pass or serene ice skating in Curry Village beneath the majestic Half Dome.

Bask in the glory of Bass Lake, crowned one of "The West's Best Lakes" by Sunset Magazine. Known for its exceptional fishing, scenic hiking trails, and inviting warm waters, Bass Lake beckons adventurers of all ages. Stay at the full-service Pines Resort, where wakeboarding and watersports await, ensuring endless outdoor excitement for the entire family.

BASS LAKE AREA

A view of a lake with many boats in it.

The Best Activities In Yosemite And Bass Lake

The Sierra National Forest is known as the “land of many uses” and likewise, it is a “land of many activities.” We believe in nature’s awesome ability to rejuvenate, invigorate and connect. That’s why we have compiled a list of some of our favorite activities around beautiful Bass Lake, Yosemite, and the surrounding area.

Visit Yosemite | Madera County visitors bureau.

Visit Yosemite | Madera County (559) 683-4636 https://www.yosemitethisyear.com/
Come and experience why Sunset Magazine named Bass Lake as one of the “West’s Best Lakes!”
Cheers to the great outdoors!

Watersports

On-site at The Pines, as well as on the south side of the Lake
There are three boat rentals at Bass Lake. Bass Lake Watersports is located next to Ducey’s Restaurant, It is open year-round and has just about every type of boat and watersport equipment that you can think of. There are also two, seasonal ones on the south side of the Lake – Miller’s Landing and Forks Resort. Each offer a variety of rentals:

  • Kayak
  • Canoe
  • Jet Ski
  • Pontoon and BBQ
  • Wakeboard
  • Water Ski
  • Tubing
  • On-site of The Pines Resort or around the lake
A person in a kayak on the water.
A stream running through the middle of a forest.

Fishing

Bass Lake is home to the annual Bass Lake Fishing Derby. Here you can catch Trout, Bass, Kokanee Salmon, Catfish, Crappie, Carp and Bluegill in Bass Lake. Read more…

Hiking Bass Lake

There are many trails surrounding Bass Lake. The three most popular trails are listed below.

  • Willow Creek and Angel Falls HIKE 7 miles from The Pines Resort Willow Creek Trail has a safer trail high above the creek, as well as the more dangerous option of climbing the rocks that line the creek. It is a very beautiful trail with lots of unique things to see, including plenty of waterfalls. Those wanting to relax can spend time playing in the creek. Although, some of the rocks are very slick and caution is advised. More…
  • Way of the Mono
    HIKE 2 miles from The Pines Resort
    The Way of the Mono trail is a very short 1 + mile loop with a scenic vista called Mono Rock, which overlooks Bass Lake. This is a great photo spot, and the very easy trail is perfect for hikers of all ages and experience levels.
  • Goat Mountain HIKE 3 miles from The Pines Resort Goat Mountain is the mountain that is located directly across the lake from The Pines Resort. It has 2 starting points, including one at Forks Campground and one at Spring Cove Campground. The trail is 4+ miles round-trip with a gain of 1,700+ ft.
  • Brown’s Ditch and Flume Hike
    HIKE 5 miles by the Central Camp Road
    The relative ease of the hike and striking views of the mountains make it a popular destination but it is not without its risks. If you don’t like heights or walking on a narrow metal grid on top of a flume as it crosses over several deep ravines, sit this hike out. Read more…

Bass Lake Scenic Drive

Distance: Around Bass Lake | 26 miles of shoreline
The drive around Bass Lake offers many places to see the lake from different perspectives. On the north side, there are many million-dollar homes and several waterfalls. On the south side, there is a beautiful lakeside drive through the Sierra National Forest with day-use beaches and more. The drive around Bass Lake is about 10 miles, but unfortunately, you cannot drive over the dam on the east end.

Biking

Bass Lake is home to some of California’s best mountain biking trails

  • Around Bass Lake Paved Road – Many people bike around Bass Lake with road bikes on local roads. People who want a challenging bike ride up Beasore Road, which is a very steep road that climbs up to 7,500 ft and is located directly north of The Pines Resort. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnrA5eynreU/?tagged=basslake
  • 007 Off-road – 007 is a famous downhill mountain bike trail known around California for its flowing path and scenic mountain views. This is an advanced trail and typically would require a higher-end mountain bike with front and rear shocks.
  • Willow Creek Off-road – This is a very technical trail in a beautiful setting. You will see Angels Falls, Devil’s Slide, and many more waterfalls and quiet areas. All the different rock formations, trees, and moss make this trail unique.
  • Goat Mountain Off-road – As explained on the previous page, this trail is about 4+ miles round-trip and leads to a lookout tower with spectacular views of Yosemite.
  • Beasore Road Paved road with many off-road turn-off trails along the way – The paved Beasore Road is a 12.46 mile bike ride in Bass Lake with a total ascent of 3685.62 ft and a maximum elevation of 6,997.77 ft. Due to the elevation, the road may not be suitable for driving or biking until May or June once the snow has melted.

There are also many off-road trails that you will pass along the way.

Beasore Road Activities

Distance: Begins across the street from The Pines
Besides bike riding, Beasore Road is also a very popular spot for all sorts of other off-road activities, including ATV, dirt bikes, snowmobiling, truck excursions, hiking and more.

Beasore Road is part of the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. There are many great lookouts overlooking Bass Lake and the Sierra. One of the most popular sites is Globe Rock.

  • Jones Store – This historic store is set within a beautiful meadow pasture where cowboys used to bring their cattle for greener pastures during the dry summers. The store has no electricity and is closed during the winter season. They are known for their famous homemade pies.