Bass Lake, California
Location: 14 miles (22 km) from Yosemite entrance; 44 miles (70 km) from Yosemite Valley
Route: via Highway 41 and Bass Lake Road; see map
Population 600; elevation 3,400 feet (1,030 meters)
Bass Lake is a 3.5-mile-long (6-km) lake surrounded by pine forests. The lake is manmade, created in the first decade of the 1900's. Though the surrounding mountains are largely national forest, much of the eastern shore is privately developed, and lakefront property here commands prices similar to oceanfront land elsewhere in California.
The primary lodging option at Bass Lake is the Pines Resort, which offers lakefront suites in the main lodge and dozens of two-story cabins scattered among the ponderosas and cedars elsewhere on the property. Many of the houses on the lake are available for short-term rentals, as well.
Dining: Ducey's on the Lake offers your basic sandwiches and burgers, but eating them on the upstairs lakefront deck on a sunny day is one of those idyllic, life-is-good experiences.
Pro: The lake and surroundings are beautiful; you may be tempted to rent a boat and spend a day on the lake instead of exploring Yosemite.
Con: Bass Lake is populated primarily by motorized boats and jet skis. Don't expect the peace and stillness you'll find at Yosemite's lakes.
Things to do in Bass Lake
Boating: If you forgot to bring your own 30-footer, you can rent a variety of boats at Bass Lake, including canoes, kayaks, jet skis, and power boats, plus patio boats equipped with gas barbecues. Look for the boat rental shop by the dock next to the Pines Resort.
Running and Bicycling: The roads that skirt the shores of Bass Lake make a view-laden workout track. A round-trip horseshoe from Pines Village on the eastern shore to the dam on the western shore and back again is just under 16 miles (25 km), a respectable outing on a bike and an impressive one for a runner. The shoulders of the road are narrow, so you need to watch for traffic, but most of it's going slow. If you're a runner and you're visiting in the fall, check out the Smokey Bear Run/Walk, a 10k (with a few accompanying shorter races for kids) that takes place along the lake's scenic western shore every September. It's a low-key affair, but draws good runners - the 2007 winner ran a 32:21. The next running will be September 27, 2008.
Mountain Biking: 007, the area's best-known singletrack, departs from near Bass Lake's southeast corner. Find the Central Camp Road and ride up it until you spot the singletrack, which crosses the road in two places (actually three, but the third one is difficult to find). It's all downhill with a variety of terrain. It's common to find advanced riders descending 007 in a hurry, so we recommend against climbing it - take the fire road (Central Camp Road) up instead. And beware the manzanita trees that line the track - brushing against them is like snuggling with a wall of sandpaper.
Fishing: Hey, where do you think the tuna in the tuna melts at Ducey's comes from? Probably from the ocean. Still, as might be inferred from a place with a name like "Bass Lake", there is fishing to be had here. Bass Lake is home to several species, including rainbow trout, kokanee salmon, bluegill, catfish, and, yes, bass. Unlike Yosemite, it's not strictly catch-and-release here. A California fishing license is required.
Fireworks: The area's largest fireworks display takes place here every July 4th. You'll find a veritable logjam of boats out on the lake jostling for position.